The paternal bond is typically the relationship between a father and his child. In the U.S., legal paternity is presumed for the husband of the mother unless a separate action is taken; an unmarried man may establish paternity by signing a voluntary recognition of paternity or by taking court action. Paternity may also be established between a man and a younger person, commonly in adoption, without the two being related to each other.
Fatherhood
The father of a child can develop the bond during the
pregnancy of his
partner, feeling
attachment to the developing child. Research indicates that this may have some biological basis. Statistics show that fathers' levels of
testosterone tend to decline several months before the birth of the child (due, perhaps, to an inverse
pheromonal chemical produced by the mother during pregnancy). Since high testosterone levels seem to encourage more aggressive behaviour, low levels may enhance the ability to develop a new relationship bond (for example, with the child).
Fathers find many ways to bond with their children, such as soothing, consoling, feeding (expressed breast milk, infant formula, or baby food), changing diapers, bathing, dressing, playing, and cuddling. Carrying the infant in a sling or backpack or pushing him or her in a baby transport can build the bond, as can participating in the baby's bedtime routine.
See also
References
