Memorial Hospital assists Notre Dame researcher studying how new fathers respond to parenthood

University of Notre Dame anthropology professor Lee Gettler has spent years studying how men’s bodies adapt during major life transitions like becoming a father. His research has examined hormonal changes in new dads and how these biological shifts support their roles as caregivers and partners. Beacon Health System has played a key role in helping advance this research in the South Bend community.

To understand these changes in real time, Gettler needed access to fathers at a critical moment. Memorial Hospital opened its doors to the research team, allowing them to work with new fathers on the birthing unit. Researchers observed and measured hormonal responses as men interacted with their newborns for the first time, tracking how testosterone and oxytocin levels shifted during these pivotal early moments.

This work in our community complements Gettler’s studies of fathers around the world, from the Philippines to remote communities in the Republic of the Congo. The insights gained from this research have the potential to inform better support programs for new fathers, ultimately strengthening families and improving outcomes for children’s long-term development and health.

Read more about how Gettler has partnered with Memorial Hospital and Beacon Health System through the years in his research studies.