Fathers attending the birth of their baby: Views, intentions and needs

Abstract

BackgroundThere is limited information about fathers' views, intentions and needs leading up to childbirth.AimsThis study explores the factors influencing fathers’ intention to attend the birth, and the needs and supports required leading up to childbirth.MethodsCross‐sectional survey of 203 prospective fathers attending antenatal appointments at an outer metropolitan public teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia.ResultsA total of 201/203 (99.0%) participants intended to attend the birth. The reported reasons included: responsibility (99.5%), protectiveness (99.0%), love for their partner (99.0%), the right thing to do (98.0%), desire to see the birth (98.0%), the perception that partners should attend (97.4%), duty (96.4%) and partner preference (91.4%). Some felt pressured by their partner (12.8%), society (10.8%), cultural expectations (9.6%) and family (9.1%), and 10.6% perceived adverse consequences for not attending. Most participants (94.6%) felt well supported, experienced good communication (72.4%), had the opportunity to ask questions (69.8%) and received an explanation of events (66.3%). They were less often supported by antenatal visits (46.7%) and by a plan for future visits (32.2%). Ten per cent of all fathers and 13.8% of experienced fathers requested better mental health support, and 9.0% prefer better clinician communication.ConclusionsMost fathers intend to attend childbirth for personal and moral reasons; however, a small proportion feel pressured. Most fathers feel well supported, although potential improvements include planning for future visits, provision of information, mental health support, clinician communication, increased involvement in their partner’s care, the opportunity to ask questions and more frequent clinic visits.

The forgotten fathers in obstetric care

“…20 Most fathers felt well supported, although potential improvements include planning for future visits, providing information about childbirth, mental health support, better clinician communication, increased involvement in their partner's care, the opportunity to ask questions about childbirth and more frequent clinic visits. 20 Fathers who participate in antenatal classes benefit from a positive and satisfying experience. 21 However, a mixed-methods Australian study highlighted that 83% of expectant fathers report a lack of engagement with antenatal care due to time pressures, lack of knowledge, anxiety and barriers to attendance.…”

“…32,33 Several studies have identified that fathers wish to be included in perinatal healthcare and be engaged by health professionals about their health and well-being. 20,27,34,35 Although there is ample literature on paternal interventions that positively impact maternal-child outcomes, the postpartum role of the father is often ignored as an essential contributory factor in maternal decision-making. 1 Routine paternal screening and interventions can encourage positive perinatal care choices, health-seeking behaviours, and supportive maternal health decisions (eg reduced smoking and improved breastfeeding).…”

“…Despite this, there is limited information about fathers' views, intentions and needs leading up to childbirth in the Australian psychosocial context. In a study conducted at an outer metropolitan hospital in Queensland, 99% of fathers indicated they intended to attend the birth 20 . Most fathers felt well supported, although potential improvements include planning for future visits, providing information about childbirth, mental health support, better clinician communication, increased involvement in their partner's care, the opportunity to ask questions about childbirth and more frequent clinic visits 20 …”

“…However, a mixed‐methods Australian study highlighted that 83% of expectant fathers report a lack of engagement with antenatal care due to time pressures, lack of knowledge, anxiety and barriers to attendance 22 . First‐time fathers are much more likely to feel actively involved and attend antenatal classes than experienced fathers 20 . Some perceived barriers to attendance include a lack of knowledge of the service, work or other commitments, time constraints with other children, language or cultural factors, gendered notions, lack of interest, embarrassment, feeling uninvited and ignored and perceiving the information as insufficient or unhelpful 21–23 .…”

Receiving the baton

“…The role of fathers in childbirth and infant care was explored by Kothari et al, who surveyed new fathers about their intentions, experiences, and needs around attending the birth of their children 11 . While most cultural norms now allow for and encourage active paternal engagement in birth, fathers identified several areas for potential improvement in health services to optimise their experience and contributions.…”