Paternity leave strengthens the emotional bond between the father and the baby.

As we have reported, already 81 employers have granted paid paternity leave of 14 calendar days to nearly 100 employees due to the birth of their child. Medianews.az has researched the psychological benefits of paternity leave. According to specialists, paternity leave facilitates a faster and healthier emotional bond between the father and the baby. The active involvement of the father in the baby’s life during the first days positively affects the child’s future psychological development and helps in the formation of self-confidence and a sense of security. Psychologists state that fathers who participate in the care process of the newborn adopt the responsibility and parenting role more quickly. This reduces the father's level of stress and anxiety and increases mutual understanding within the family. Paternity leave also positively affects the mother's psychological state. The father's support during the sensitive postpartum period reduces emotional tension in the mother and can minimize the risk of postnatal depression. The formation of division of labor within the family enables relationships to be built on a healthier foundation. Research shows that men who use paternity leave remain more actively involved in child-rearing in later periods as well. This, in the long term, contributes to strengthening family bonds and the development of the child's social skills. It should be noted that in many developed countries, paternity leave is considered an important social mechanism for strengthening the family institution.