What about the men? Perinatal experiences of men of color whose partners were at risk for preterm birth, a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth in the United States is associated with maternal clinical factors such as diabetes, hypertension and social factors including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In California, 8.7% of all live births are preterm, with African American and Black families experiencing the greatest burden. The impact of paternal factors on birth outcomes has been studied, but little is known about the experience of men of color (MOC). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of MOC who are partners to women at medical and social risk for preterm birth. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design and focus group methods. The research was embedded within an existing study exploring experiences of women of color at risk for preterm birth conducted by the California Preterm Birth Initiative. Results: Twelve MOC participated in the study and among them had 9 preterm children. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of men's experiences: (1) "Being the Rock": Providing comfort and security; (2) "It's a blessing all the way around": Keeping faith during uncertainty; (3) "Tell me EVERYTHING": Unmet needs during pregnancy and delivery; (4) "Like a guinea pig": Frustration with the healthcare system. Participants identified many barriers to having a healthy pregnancy and birth including inadequate support for decision making, differential treatment, and discrimination. Conclusions: This study shows novel and shared narratives regarding MOC experiences during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. Healthcare providers have an essential role to acknowledge MOC, their experience of discrimination and mistrust, and to assess needs for support that can improve birth outcomes. As MOC and their families are at especially high social and medical risk for preterm birth, their voice and experience should be central in all future research on this topic.

Former NICU Families Describe Gaps in Family-Centered Care

“…Families who are poor and/or of color with barriers to presence in the NICU may be particularly vulnerable to staff insensitivity, even though they are likely the ones who need the most support. This article adds to the body of literature documenting how families of color experience discrimination, racism, and disrespect in health care encounters (Altman et al, 2019; Edwards et al, 2020; McLemore et al, 2018). It adds to our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin racial/ethnic disparities in the receipt of family-centered care and in family satisfaction of neonatal nursing care (Martin et al, 2016; Sigurdson et al, 2018).…”

The Impact of Fatherhood on Men’s Health and Development

“…From a parallel perspective, Roubinov et al (2016) describe "familism" in Latino (specifically, Mexican-origin) communities as a father's deep ethical and cultural commitment to nurturing his children and family, even if also deeply imbued with a "machismo" social-roles perspective. Additionally, the Black women's reproductive justice movement is now also beginning to recognize the importance of reproductive and economic justice for their impoverished Black male partners as well (e.g., Edwards et al 2020).…”

Neighborhoods, Racism, Stress, and Preterm Birth Among African American Women: A Review

“…Support from a woman’s partner, family, and friends has been related to lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms among pregnant African American women (Caldwell et al, 2018; Eboh et al, 2018; Giurgescu et al, 2018; Giurgescu & Templin, 2015). Male partners of African American women can act as support systems and advocates during labor and postpartum experiences (Edwards et al, 2020). Nurses should include the woman’s support system during prenatal care.…”