Men’s attitudes to reproductive decision making and their psychosocial and relational adjustment during the transition to parenthood have received limited theoretical and research attention. This chapter explores the transition to parenthood from the perspective of fathers and evaluates the extent to which psychological theories that were developed in the context of traditional views of women and femininity apply. The chapter reviews research on how fathers come to terms with the reality of pregnancy, develop a relationship with the unborn baby, and restructure their work and social networks in anticipation of becoming a parent. Challenging contexts for fatherhood, changing gender role expectations and tendencies of services to marginalise or ignore father needs are discussed.

This chapter examines the first three months after birth, integrating the experiences of mothers and fathers. There is emphasis on understanding the newborn infant, a detailed review of evidence on sleeping and settling, and an examination of the impact of becoming a parent on identity and the couple relationship. Different cultural practices during the ‘first 100 days’ are discussed. The chapter concludes with an overview of research on psychological wellbeing, including perinatal mood disorders.