What Brings On Fatherhood?

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Monday, August 16, 2010, 12:45

It is surprising to see how new fathers leave behind their macho self on the sight of the new born baby. Researchers say that this is not only a reaction but has a chemical history behind it.

A study has proved that on being a new father, men show increase in the levels of oxytocin, the ''cuddle chemical''. It is released into the blood during labour into the mother and also rises in new fathers.

Not just that, men bodies see a sudden surge in prolactin, a hormone more commonly linked to milk production in new mothers.

“This seems to be evolution's way of helping men turn into good parents as soon as they have a baby. These hormones seem to have a powerful role in helping men bond with their newly-born children," said Dr. Ruth Feldman as saying.

Feldman, studied levels of the two hormones in new fathers in the six months after the arrival of their first.

It was noticed that in the months after becoming a father, the hormones rewire men's brains, making them more empathic, playful and cuddly. In short induces fatherhood.

The study also reveals a possibility that father's daily encounters with his infant increase the prolactin and oxytocin systems, thus creating new connections.

Taking a different view, Dr Michael Craig said, “Oxytocin is also known to rise in response to elevated levels of stress, so this could also be part of the explanation."