But are these pre-baby changes only "sympathetic" in fathers? A 2006 study by the University of Wisconsin�"Madison suggests that there is more to it. In the first nonhuman primate study into this phenomenon, researchers concluded: "It is clear that expectant fathers of these species are physiologically responsive to their mate’s pregnancy and the impending birth. Males need to be prepared to engage in infant care immediately after birth and this requires carrying multiple infants weighing up to 20 percent of their adult body weight. Both the hormonal and the physical weight change suggest that marmoset and tamarin males prepare for the demands of infant care."

If, as scientists speculate, these changes come about through the exchange of pheromones between pregnant mothers and fathers, it may be one more benefit to be gained from ensuring close family ties.

Ellison’s thoughtful collection of research dispatches the sometimes popular notion that raising a child is "less worthy" work for thinking people. In fact, it’s beginning to look like one of the best avenues for increasing human potential.

Perhaps motherhood, after all, is its own reward.

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