New dads’ hormones change, too
If you’re a new father and find yourself feeling different after the birth of your child, it may be more than lack of sleep. One prominent study found that testosterone levels drop in new fathers by up to 34 percent, a shift that can begin even before their babies are born. Levels of estradiol—a form of estrogen—drop, too. These changes suggest that suggest new fathers’ bodies and brains are preparing them for fatherhood and help them bond with their newborn ❤️
What do these changes mean?
Hormone changes:
- In studies, new fathers who experienced these changes were more likely to produce the “feel-good” hormones oxytocin and dopamine when interacting with their newborns.
- The more oxytocin and dopamine present, the more fathers interacted playfully and lovingly with their babies.
Brain changes:
- Certain parts of the brain associated with empathy are activated in a new father shortly after the birth of their child. This parallels the changes experienced by their partner.
- Studies have shown increased gray matter in these areas of new fathers’ brains, meaning they have developed a higher capacity for nurturing and being responsive to their babies.
Learn more about the research
Gettler, L. T., McDade, T. W., Feranil, A. B., & Kuzawa, C. W. (2011). Longitudinal evidence that fatherhood decreases testosterone in human males. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(39), 16194-16199.
Posted in: 0 - 12 Weeks, Bonding, Parenthood, Parent & Family Life, Child Development
Keep reading
0 - 3 Months
0 - 12 Weeks
3 - 4 Months
How the Look at Me Ladybug supports your baby’s visual tracking and tummy time
The Look at Me Ladybug engages newborns with gentle sound and motion, supporting early visual and auditory tracking. Its high-contrast design captures developing eyesight, while repeated ramp play encourages head lifting during tummy time. As babies grow, it helps strengthen coordination, build neck muscles, and lay the foundation for future learning and movement skills.
12 - 48 Months
0 - 12 Weeks
3 - 4 Months
5 - 6 Months
7 - 8 Months
9 - 10 Months
11 - 12 Months
Investments that age up: These everyday essentials grow with your child
The Stokke Tripp Trapp® Chair and The Play Kits are investments that will offer years of playtime and mealtime fun.
12 - 48 Months
0 - 12 Weeks
3 - 4 Months
5 - 6 Months
7 - 8 Months
9 - 10 Months
11 - 12 Months
All the ways to get Lovevery books
Lovevery books are beloved by millions of families for good reason: They’re stage-based and written to be fascinating to your child right now, and stay interesting as your child grows.