Placing myself in a new normalized life: The process of becoming a first‐time father. A grounded theory study

Abstract

Becoming a first-time father is an important transition period in men's lives that is frequently accompanied by joy and happiness. Engaging fathers has a broader impact on family and community and on fathers' own well-being. This study explores the process of men becoming first-time fathers and the experiences and challenges involved. Seventeen interviews with men in different stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period were conducted. Through a grounded theory design, a novel four-stage theoretical model emerged that represents the journey to first-time fatherhood. These stages are beginning the journey, fatherhood in limbo, facing reality, and settling down. Participants suggested that achieving a new normality was the final stage where they finally felt located with a sense of mastery in their journey to fatherhood. The novel theoretical approach of addressing the process of men's transition allowed more complete access to their perspectives. Men's needs are different at every phase of the transition to fatherhood, and the use of these findings can help care providers in caring for every man according to the stage he is facing.

Family Nursing Care during the Transition to Parenthood: A Scoping Review

“…Furthermore, these findings have demonstrated a clear correlation with outcomes for both parents and children. One study in particular underscored the importance of recognizing men’s evolving needs during the transition to fatherhood, more than just focusing on women during this stage of life [ 29 ]. The study authors proposed a four-stage theoretical model, emphasizing the challenges and transformations fathers undergo: beginning the journey, fatherhood in limbo, facing reality, and finally settling down, where they achieve new normality and a sense of mastery.…”

“…Fathers’ active participation in this process plays a crucial role in family settings, demonstrating a positive influence on the well-being outcomes of both mothers and children [ 46 ]. Hence, there is a need to provide new fathers with comprehensive education and support, as it fosters a sense of partnership rather than just focusing on the mother–child bond [ 29 ].…”

“… Vidaurreta, M.; Lopez-Dicastillo, O.; Serrano-Monzó, I.; Belintxon, M.; Bermejo-Martins, E.; Mujika, A. (2021) [ 29 ] Spain Placing myself in a new normalized life: The process of becoming a first-time father. A grounded theory study.…”

Convertirse en padre: la experiencia de transición a la paternidad en el prenatal

“…En gran parte de la bibliografía, lo que sobresale son testimonios de hombres que describen el CPP de forma negativa, lo que también se refleja en el discurso de nuestros participantes. Los hombres identifican que la educación prenatal se enfoca en la preparación de la madre para el parto, descuidando sus necesidades en la transición a la paternidad (Baldwin et al, 2018;Lau & Hutchinson, 2020;Vidaurreta et al, 2021).…”

Journey Through The Postpartum Phase Experiences of First Time Fathers in Malaysia

“…Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the paternal experience, heightening stress related to gender roles while also encouraging more active participation in prenatal and postnatal care due to increased opportunities for remote work (Fonseca et al, 2023). The journey to fatherhood involves a series of stages, from the initial decision to father a child, through moments of uncertainty, to adapting to new responsibilities and eventually finding stability, as outlined in a recent grounded theory study (Vidaurreta et al, 2022). Understanding these varied experiences is crucial for developing health and social policies that better support men during this significant life transition.…”