Fathers’ experiences during the first postnatal week at home after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit: A meta-synthesis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe fathers’ experiences during the first postnatal week after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit. Methods: A meta-synthesis. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed qualitative single studies of fathers’ experiences during the first week after early discharge (defined as less than 72 hours postpartum) from hospital after the birth of a healthy singleton baby born between weeks 37 and 40. Databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Maternity and Infant Care, Joanna Briggs, SweMed+ and PsycInfo were searched in May 2015 and May 2018. Of the 940 titles scanned for eligibility, three articles met the inclusion criteria. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used. Findings: All included studies were conducted in Sweden during the period 2002–2012. The total sample of participants in the meta-synthesis comprised 35 fathers. Analysis of the included studies generated two themes: building confidence and coping with responsibility. Conclusions: The fathers’ experiences were affected by the emotional support of midwives, which boosted their confidence. This seems to be a premise for taking and coping with responsibility during the first days at home. Good cooperation between hospitals and municipalities is vital, and midwives must be available and present in order to ensure continuity in maternity care.

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Interprofessional Teamwork to Promote Health: First-Time Parents' Experiences of a Combined Home Visit by Midwife and Child Health Care Nurse

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Challenges and Feasibility of Co-Design Methods for Improving Parent Information in Maternity Care

“…For many parents, taking their baby home is a time of trepidation and excitement and having staff validate these feelings is important to leaving the hospital feeling empowered and capable. A meta-synthesis by Brunstad et al [ 21 ] reported that, for fathers, the influence of midwife interaction and communication was crucial to building confidence prior to being discharged from hospital. For mothers, the midwives’ ability to empower women is also critical as it influences the mother’s general wellbeing and comfort, particularly during the first weeks following birth.…”