New fathers, especially first-timers, may not yet feel sure in the role of Dad – or even feel paternal. To help you adjust to your new job – one of the most important of your life – celebrate this Father's Day by taking a few extra moments to bond with the new life that you helped create.

According to Hogan Hilling, author of The Man Who Would Be Dad (Capital Books), it's important to understand the bonding process first. "It is not just something that happens," he says. "You are building a relationship, and bonding will take time. Remember that your wife had a nine-month head start and a physiological advantage – she carried the baby."

When Mom breastfeeds the new baby, many dads feel left out of the loop, as they don't feel they can share in that special experience. But according to Hilling, you can. "Although you can't breastfeed, there are other ways you can help in the process," he says. "First, let your wife know how you feel and that you would like to play a part in breastfeeding the baby. This way she will be more apt to relinquish the care of the baby to you. Oftentimes moms forget that dads would also like time to bond with the baby during the breastfeeding process."

Give your wife permission to wake you up in the middle of the night to help with the feeding of the baby, he says. "You can bring the baby to Mom ... rock the baby to sleep after the feeding. This is a great time to spend with the baby, because there are no distractions in the still of the night. It is just you and the baby."

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