What term describes a father's preoccupation with his infant after birth?

The term that describes a father's preoccupation with his infant after birth is "engrossment." This concept refers to the intense focus and emotional involvement that a father experiences as he becomes fully absorbed in his newborn's characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Engrossment encompasses feelings of admiration and joy, along with a strong desire to care for and interact with the infant. This process is vital for establishing a paternal role and can greatly influence the father’s connection to the baby, fostering a nurturing environment.

While attachment is a broader term that can apply to the relationships formed between parents and children, engrossment specifically captures the active engagement of fathers in the immediate postpartum period. Bonding typically refers to the emotional ties that develop over time between parents and their children, often in a more mutual capacity. "Identifying" relates to the process of a parent recognizing their infant as an individual, which is important but does not specifically address the father's emotional preoccupation right after birth. Hence, engrossment is the most fitting term for the described scenario.