Babies have two parents: Mom and Dad. Following labor and delivery, it is important that both parents take an active part in the first few weeks of their new baby's life. This is best accomplished when Mom and Dad work as partners.

After giving birth, however, Mom may not be physically, emotionally or mentally able to be the strong partner and may need Dad's help. There are many things Dad can do to not only help Mom and Baby, but also to help in family relationships.

While some mothers do not work outside the home, the United States Census Bureau reports that 62 percent do. Many women will only be able to take a short maternity leave due to their job requirements or financial obligations, but may not want to have to leave their new baby with a sitter or daycare. There is a solution to this dilemma: Daddy.

Many firms now allow fathers to take a leave of absence for the birth of a child. "It is called paternity leave when Dads do it," says Francine Deutsch, psychology professor and author of Halving It All: How Equally Shared Parenting Works.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.