The partner’s experiences of childbirth in countries with a highly developed clinical setting: a scoping review

Abstract

Background In Western countries, it is common practice for a woman to be supported by a trusted person during childbirth, usually the other parent. Numerous studies have shown that this has a positive effect both on the woman’s satisfaction with the birth process and on physical outcomes. However, there is little research on the birth experience of partners and their wellbeing. The aim of this review is to summarise the existing literature on partner experience, consider its quality and identify the underlying themes. Methods Both a systematic literature search in three databases and a manual search were conducted, for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies from Western countries examining the experiences of partners present at a birth. Results A total of 35 studies were included. Only one study included same-sex partners (the other studies addressed fathers’ experiences only) and only one validated questionnaire examining partners’ birth experiences was identified. Four major themes were found to influence partners’ birth experiences: (1) intense feelings, (2) role of support, (3) staff support, and (4) becoming a father. Conclusions Partners may feel very vulnerable and stressed in this unfamiliar situation. They need emotional and informal support from staff, want to be actively involved, and play an important role for the birthing woman. To promote good attachment for parents, systematic exploration of the needs of partners is essential for a positive birth experience. Because of the diversity of family constellations, all partners should be included in further studies, especially same-sex partners.

Factors intervening in the childbirth experience: a mixed-methods study

“…Throughout the parturition process, women attribute great value to the following: their ability to give birth physiologically, to be informed [ 1 ], to have a companion with them [ 2 ], to feel in control of the process and to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and the newborn [ 1 ]. Childbirth experiences assessed as positive reveal respectful health care access based on scientific evidence and the provision of emotional support [ 3 – 7 ].…”

Erfahrungen von Vätern zu Schwangerschaft, Geburt und Wochenbett während der Covid-19 Pandemie

“…Schmitt et al kommen in ihrer Untersuchung zu dem Schluss, dass die Begleitpersonen in ihrer aktiven Rolle gefördert und emotional unterstützt werden sollen. Partner*innen benötigen Informationen, um Ängste und Befürchtungen abzubauen und konkrete Tipps, wie sie die werdenden Mütter im Geburtsprozess aktiv unterstützen können [5].…”

Providing clinicians with ‘how to’ knowledge for technology‐based innovation: Introducing the SMS4dads texts

“…As cultural norms regarding paternal behaviour have shifted, many fathers seek to be involved in birth preparation and postnatally 3,4 . However, in high‐resource countries, where birthing care is hospital‐based, clinical staff and hospital procedures largely determine fathers' ability to be involved 5,6 . Studies across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have documented fathers' dissatisfaction with the level of recognition, information and support that they receive from clinicians.…”

“…3,4 However, in high-resource countries, where birthing care is hospital-based, clinical staff and hospital procedures largely determine fathers' ability to be involved. 5,6 Studies across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have documented fathers' dissatisfaction with the level of recognition, information and support that they receive from clinicians. Fathers have felt excluded or ignored and felt they were required to produce the correct question to be provided with clinical information about their baby and partner.…”