Bradley Cooper recently shared his experience of struggling to bond with his baby daughter initially, sparking a debate among fans. Cooper, who has a six-year-old daughter with his ex-partner, Irina Shayk, revealed on a podcast that he found it challenging to connect with his daughter in the first eight months of her life.
Cooper's candid comments led to mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing his choice of words and others praising his honesty. Some defended him, highlighting the importance of being open about parental struggles, especially regarding paternal postpartum depression.
Experts suggest that it is not uncommon for fathers to take longer to bond with their newborns compared to mothers. Research indicates that it can take up to six months or even longer for dads to feel a strong connection with their babies as they adjust to their new role as fathers.
Helen Allmark, a Postnatal Practitioner, emphasized that the bond between a father and child is crucial for the child's development and can be nurtured through communication, caregiving, and play. Skin-to-skin contact, baby massages, and engaging in playful activities are recommended to strengthen the bond between fathers and their newborns.
Additionally, fathers are encouraged to participate in caring for their babies, including feeding and holding them without hesitation. If a father continues to feel detached from their baby after a few months, it could be a sign of paternal postpartum depression, which affects up to 25% of new dads in their first year.
The National Childbirth Trust advises fathers to seek support and share their feelings if they experience symptoms of paternal postpartum depression. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, fathers can take steps to enhance their bond with their newborns and promote their overall well-being.
