A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Expectant fathers' experiences of family-centred births in Estonia: a qualitative study
Authors: Vahtel Kätlin, Eilmann Karin, Pühvel Janne, Kangasniemi Mari
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Midwifery
Journal name in source: MIDWIFERY
Journal acronym: MIDWIFERY
Article number: ARTN 102948
Volume: 96
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 0266-6138
eISSN: 1532-3099
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2021.102948
Web address : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613821000279?via=ihub
Abstract
ObjectiveOne of the aims of family-centred care is to provide expectant fathers with positive experiences during childbirth, so they can support their partners and bond with their new baby. However, research in this area has been limited. This study described men´s experiences with family-centred births in Estonia, Northern Europe.
DesignQualitative study with open-ended interviews that were audio taped and analysed by inductive content analysis by Elo and Kyngäs (2008).
SettingBirth units at one central and one regional hospital in Estonia.
ParticipantsTwelve Estonian fathers aged 22-44, interviewed 4-12 weeks after their baby's birth.
Key conclusionsFathers’ experiences of family-centred care during their baby's birth focused on their transition to fatherhood, their experiences of birth as a multifactorial life event and the experiences they shared with other fathers. They discussed supporting their partners during the birth, their involvement in decision making, the attitudes of healthcare professionals and how their role in the family changed. The fathers said that the birth was a private and public event, where their own role, and the roles of healthcare professionals, were confusing. This made family-centred care difficult during the birth. Sharing experiences with other fathers decreased their fears and increased their understanding of becoming fathers. Some fathers were not ready for fatherhood and midwives needed to assess how involved fathers wanted to get during the birth.
Implications for practiceFamily-centred care is important during birth, but more research is needed into how fathers see their role. The roles played by medical staff also need to be clearer. Better knowledge about what fathers expect and need, can help midwives to involve and support them at a level they feel comfortable with. Peer support can play a vital role in preparing fathers for birth and fatherhood.
ObjectiveOne of the aims of family-centred care is to provide expectant fathers with positive experiences during childbirth, so they can support their partners and bond with their new baby. However, research in this area has been limited. This study described men´s experiences with family-centred births in Estonia, Northern Europe.
DesignQualitative study with open-ended interviews that were audio taped and analysed by inductive content analysis by Elo and Kyngäs (2008).
SettingBirth units at one central and one regional hospital in Estonia.
ParticipantsTwelve Estonian fathers aged 22-44, interviewed 4-12 weeks after their baby's birth.
Key conclusionsFathers’ experiences of family-centred care during their baby's birth focused on their transition to fatherhood, their experiences of birth as a multifactorial life event and the experiences they shared with other fathers. They discussed supporting their partners during the birth, their involvement in decision making, the attitudes of healthcare professionals and how their role in the family changed. The fathers said that the birth was a private and public event, where their own role, and the roles of healthcare professionals, were confusing. This made family-centred care difficult during the birth. Sharing experiences with other fathers decreased their fears and increased their understanding of becoming fathers. Some fathers were not ready for fatherhood and midwives needed to assess how involved fathers wanted to get during the birth.
Implications for practiceFamily-centred care is important during birth, but more research is needed into how fathers see their role. The roles played by medical staff also need to be clearer. Better knowledge about what fathers expect and need, can help midwives to involve and support them at a level they feel comfortable with. Peer support can play a vital role in preparing fathers for birth and fatherhood.
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