It has long been reported that infants born via c-section do not experience the same bonding as those who were born vaginally. But now a new study has been published that says that daddies should be the primary care giver if the mother is not available.
The study followed several infant-father pairs. All of the infants were born via c-section. Some of the dads took off their shirts and the newborn was placed directly on dad’s chest for skin to skin contact. The other set of newborns were placed in cribs. Dad was allowed to sing, and touch the baby while he was lying in the crib. But they did not pick the infants up.
In the group that received skin to skin contact, the infants stopped crying earlier, and also developed ‘pre-feeding behavior’ whereas the other infants did not. Therefore, the researchers are suggesting that immediate skin to skin contact is essential and where it is lacking, the infant may have difficulty breastfeeding. Skin to skin contact seems to be crucial in helping newborns develop that sucking reflex. (Although how exactly, I’m not sure.)
So now we have a scientific study that says that dad can be as effective at soothing his newborn as mom. While my husband never took off his shirt to do it, he was always very instrumental in the first few days with holding our babies. I’ve only had one c-section, after the twins’ birth, and to be honest, my husband wouldn’t leave my side. One difference in this study though, is that all of these infants were born via planned c-section as opposed to an emergency (which mine was).
It is important for dads to know that their babies find them soothing. Many dads struggle with bonding with their newborns. We’ve had a lot of kids and by the time the third one came around, my husband was a pro. But for the first two, I know it was a little difficult for him to find his niche. Every time the baby would peep–he would bring her/him to me. I think this is pretty common for new fathers. However, skin to skin contact, taking over rituals and engaging in some play time every day will all help dad bond with baby right from the start.