Fathers in neonatal units: Improving infant health by supporting the baby-father bond and mother-father coparenting

International audience39 40 The Family Initiative's International Neonatal Fathers Working Group, whose members are 41 the authors of this paper, has reviewed the literature on engaging fathers in neonatal units, 42 with the aim of making recommendations for improved health outcomes in neonatal 43 practice. We find that supporting the father-baby bond and supporting coparenting 44 between the mother and the father benefits the health of the baby, for example, improved 45 weight gain and oxygen saturation and enhanced rates of breastfeeding. We find, however, 46 that despite much interest in engaging with parents as full partners in the care of their baby, 4