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Cette étude vise à mettre en lumière une des évolutions de la famille occidentale : l’homme y prend une place grandissante dans la relation à l’enfant. Depuis la conception, à laquelle il participe consciemment, jusqu’au parentage auquel il concourt plus que jadis, en passant par la coupure du cordon et le premier bain, le père s’investit intensivement dans la vie du nouveau-né, du bébé puis de l’enfant. Pourtant, à notre époque les séparations de couple se multiplient et les enfants sont confiés majoritairement aux mères. Les pères se battent donc plus que jamais pour obtenir plus que le traditionnel droit de visite. Aucune solution ne semble satisfaisante, ce qui met en cause la structure familiale même.

FATHER’S CLOSER TO THEIR CHILDREN RIGHT FROM CHILDBIRTH. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE COUPLE BREAKS DOWN ? This study aims to highlight one of the developments in the western family, where men are playing a stronger role in relationships with their children. Right through from conception, in which he is consciously involved, to parenting to which he makes a greater contribution than formerly, through cutting the umbilical cord and the first bath, the father is extensively involved in the life of the child from the stage of new-born infancy, through babyhood and childhood. However, present day society is seeing an ever greater number of couples breaking down and following separation the children are mainly entrusted to the mothers. Fathers are fighting back harder than ever to obtain more than the traditional right of access. No solution seems satisfactory and the very structure of the family is in a state of disarray. This work is based on 10 interviews with separated fathers having been present at the birth of their children who were contacted through an association focusing on homebirth.