Fathers in the birth room: What are they expecting and experiencing? A phenomenological study

Abstract

Objective

to explore the role, expectations and meanings that individual fathers ascribe to their presence at birth.
Design

a Heideggerian phenomenological approach utilising in-depth interviews at two different time points.
Setting

large tertiary maternity unit in the North West of England.
Participants

11 first-time fathers accessed through hospital-based parentcraft sessions.
Findings

four main themes were evident: fathers' disconnection with pregnancy and labour; fathers on the periphery of events during labour; control; and fatherhood beginning at birth and reconnection.
Key conclusions

birth is the moment that fathers ascribe as the beginning of fatherhood. However, through their lack of knowledge and perceived control, they struggle to find a role there.
Implications for practice

midwives are ideally placed to help fathers to find a role through parentcraft and encouraging participation at birth.