What is the term used to describe a father's interest and preoccupation with his newborn infant after childbirth?

The term that describes a father's interest and preoccupation with his newborn infant after childbirth is "engrossment." Engrossment refers specifically to the father's intense fascination and connection with the newborn, characterized by observing, handling, and responding to the baby's needs. This phenomenon typically occurs shortly after birth and plays a crucial role in the establishment of a paternal-infant relationship, contributing to the broader process of attachment.

Nesting refers to the preparatory behaviors that expectant parents, particularly mothers, may engage in leading up to childbirth, such as arranging the nursery and gathering necessary supplies for the baby. Attachment encompasses the emotional bond that develops over time between parents and their infant but is a more general term that includes the feelings and interactions of both mothers and fathers. Bonding, often discussed in the context of the mother-infant relationship, similarly describes the initial emotional connection that forms shortly after birth but does not specifically capture the father's unique experience as engrossment does. Thus, engrossment precisely describes the father's focused interest and involvement with the infant immediately after childbirth.