A method to help new fathers develop parenting skills

Interaction of parent and infant birth is important to the process of bonding and attachment. Much of this very early interaction is physical handling and care. New fathers may tend to feel uncomfortable and awkward with this handling due to lack of prior experience. A class was developed, in a private Midwestern hospital, to offer opportunities for fathers to gain knowledge, skill, and practice to make them feel more comfortable with this interaction and facilitate attachment. Response from participating fathers indicated that the classes were effective.