Even if paternity leave is available, supervisors may not support its being taken. New fathers also may start to feel the pressure of the 'provider role', and adopt it as a primary identity rather than balancing work and family. Changes in the marital system occur. Pre-birth communication and problem solving skills are strained in the day to day challenges of two people addressing the needs of three. There is little time for dating and intimacy, and the level of marital satisfaction declines.
Sexual changes can effect masculine identity.
For men who get their emotional needs met sexually, the reduced frequency of sex during pregnancy and after birth can lead to frustration and the feeling of being unloved. New mothers often have little energy for sex after meeting the relentless demands of the infant. Ongoing physical contact, especially with the breastfeeding infant, may create 'touch overload' for the new mother. The new father offering his wife a hug of genuine support may be rebuked, and leave him longing for physical intimacy. Physical fatigue and depression may complicate this picture.