Fathers’Birth Attendance,Early Extended Contact,and Father-Infant Interaction at Five Months Postpartum

ABSTRACT: Forty couples and their 5-month old infants were observed in their homes in a study of the relationships between fathers’birth attendance, early extended contact, and involvement with their babies at five months postpartum. Fathers who were excluded from the birth were more involved with their babies, in the presence of their wives, than were fathers who attended births. The three aspects of early extended contact that were found to be significantly associated with fathers’caregiving and social involvement at five months were time of first contact, length of first contact, and total hours fathers spent with children in the hospital. The implications for research and for policy concerning early father-infant contact are discussed.     

Becoming a father First-time fathers' experience of labor and delivery

In this study, ethnographic interviews were used to identify first-time fathers' experiences of the birth of their first child. Fourteen fathers were interviewed, and prenatal expectations of the experience are compared with the fathers' perceptions after the birth. Although the fathers expected to be treated as part of a laboring couple, they found that they were relegated to a supporting role. Initially the fathers were confident of their ability to support their wives, but they found that labor was more work than they had anticipated. They became fearful of the outcome, but hid these fears from their partners. Later, they found that their focus moved from their wives to their babies at the time of birth. The men all completed the experience with an enhanced respect for their wives. Fathers should be included in labor management plans and need support for their role as coach, particularly when their wives experience pain. They also need to be encouraged to eat and take a break from their wives' labor when appropriate.     

Becoming a Father: First-Time Fathers' Experience of Labor and Delivery

In this study, ethnographic interviews were used to identify first-time fathers' experiences of the birth of their first child. Fourteen fathers were interviewed, and prenatal expectations of the experience are compared with the fathers' perceptions after the birth. Although the fathers expected to be treated as part of a laboring couple, they found that they were relegated to a supporting role. Initially the fathers were confident of their ability to support their wives, but they found that labor was more work than they had anticipated. They became fearful of the outcome, but hid these fears from their partners. Later, they found that their focus moved from their wives to their babies at the time of birth. The men all completed the experience with an enhanced respect for their wives. Fathers should be included in labor management plans and need support for their role as coach, particularly when their wives experience pain. They also need to be encouraged to eat and take a break from their wives' labor when appropriate.     

A Birth Education Program for Expectant Fathers in Taiwan: Effects on Their Anxiety

Background: A father who does not know how to assist the mother in relieving labor pains may experience a sense of powerlessness and anxiety. The objective of this study was to evaluate how an education program for expectant fathers who attended their partners' labor and birth affected their anxiety. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 87 expectant fathers who attended their pregnant partners through labor and birth at a hospital in central Taiwan were allocated by block randomization to an experimental (n = 45) and a control (n = 42) group. The men completed their basic personal information, a childbirth expectations questionnaire, and a Trait Anxiety Inventory when they were recruited. Two hours after birth of their child, all the expectant fathers completed a State of Anxiety Inventory. Results: Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups of fathers in trait anxiety and their prenatal childbirth expectations. After analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to correct for education level, sources of childbirth information, attendance at Lamaze childbirth classes, and childbirth expectations at baseline, the effect of the childbirth program was significant for the postnatal level of anxiety (F = 3.38, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study findings justify the clinical implementation of a birth education program based on the self‐efficacy theory as an effective means of reducing anxiety among expectant fathers.     

FIRST-TIME FATHERS' CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCE

Twenty first-time fathers who had attended prenatal classes were interviewed before and after attending their wives' childbirth to determine the father's special needs at this time. The same fifty-item questionnaire was utilized in both the predelivery and the postdelivery interviews. Motivation for involvement in childbirth was explored in the predelivery interview. The most frequent motivations for involvement in childbirth were “to share the birth,” and “to enhance the couple relationship.” The responses differed little in the pre- and postdelivery interviews. In the postdelivery interview, more fathers wanted to know the baby's condition as soon as possible after birth and wanted to have the nurse at their wives' bedside as much as possible during labor. Most of the fathers had high needs for understanding, nurturance, and deference during labor. Most fathers wanted the nurses to take care of their emotional needs rather than their physical needs (hunger and rest). Assisting their wives in labor was considered to be a great achievement by the fathers. Few fathers felt overpowered or anxious about the environment of the labor suite or the birth itself. This study concluded that further research with fathers who do not attend prenatal classes was needed.     

Effects of the Father's Presence or Absence During a Cesarean Delivery

ABSTRACT: In a sample of 23 couples, those whose infants were delivered by cesarean section with the father present described more positive feelings, greater involvement in decisions related to labor and delivery, and less delay in handling their baby than did couples in which the father was not present during the surgery. Parent-infant behaviors observed in the home at 3 months postpartum were not significantly differentiated by father's presence or absence at birth, except for more intense positive affect toward the infant by fathers who were not present at the cesarean.     

At home in early labour: what fathers do and how they feel--part 1

A survey of fathers from across the UK was carried out to explore their experience of being at home with their partners in early labour. Respondents were recruited via the Fatherhood Institute website and by contacting children's centres. Two hundred and sixty three men from diverse backgrounds responded. Approximately two fifths had found that early labour matched up to their expectations, but many fathers had been greatly or somewhat surprised by what happened. In terms of deciding when to leave home and go to the hospital or birth centre, fathers did not generally see themselves as the primary decision makers, but half had been either primarily or jointly responsible for the decision. There is therefore a strong case for ensuring that expectant fathers are given information when attending clinics or antenatal classes with their partners to help them understand the latent phase of labour and signs of established labour.     

Sleep,mental health and wellbeing among fathers of infants up to one year postpartum: A scoping review

BackgroundSleep disturbance among adults has consequences for their health and functioning. Among mothers of infants, there is evidence that fatigue and sleep disturbance are significantly associated with depression, anxiety and impaired relationships with partners and infants. It is not known whether consistent evidence of such associations exists for fathers.PurposeThe aim of this review was to describe what is known about fathers’ sleep and its associations with mental health and wellbeing, in the first 12 months postpartum.MethodsA scoping review was conducted, searching MEDLINE complete, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL complete, from 1990 to 13 May 2019. Reference lists of relevant reviews were also searched. Articles were included if they were published in English, and reported on sleep among men cohabiting with their infants from birth to 12 months.FindingsThirty papers reporting on 27 separate studies met inclusion criteria. Sleep constructs and assessment of these varied greatly. While some measures of fathers’ sleep improved, fathers’ fatigue increased significantly with increasing infant age. In adjusted analyses, fathers’ sleep problems were associated with poorer mental health, relationships with partners, and safety compliance at work.Key conclusionsHealth professionals should consider a brief assessment of fathers’ sleep when they consult families with young infants. Psycho-education regarding management of poor infant sleep could help to prevent long-term fatigue and its consequences among fathers.     

An Exploration of the Perceptions of Male Partners Involved in the Birthing Experience at a Regional Australian Hospital

Introduction: The benefits to women of having their male partners present during labor and birth have been well documented, but the effects on men of sharing the birth experience have been less well explored. Several studies have suggested that male partners’ positive experiences at this time may benefit partner and family relationships subsequently, whereas negative experiences may translate into later difficulties in these relationships. This study explored the perceptions of male partners involved in the birthing experience in the Integrated Women's Health Unit of Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns, Australia, over a 6‐month period in 2010. The aims of the study were to document male partners’ self‐reported perceptions of their antenatal, labor, and birth experiences and birth expectations and birth involvement and to determine whether these perceptions influenced their feelings that their presence during birth was beneficial to the birthing woman. Methods : Participants were men experiencing for the first time their partner giving birth. A self‐administered 14‐item questionnaire was used to collect data; 163 of 200 eligible participants returned completed questionnaires. Continuous variables were converted to categorical variables and chi‐square testing was used to determine significant differences between groups. The relationship between beneficial presence and antenatal, labor, and birthing experiences was assessed using correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: There was a significant relationship demonstrated between perceived benefit of the partners’ presence and positive perception of both antenatal experience and birth involvement. There also was a positive relationship between realized birth expectations and both antenatal experience and birth involvement. Discussion : This study suggests that male partners’ perceptions of beneficial presence during the birth experience can be enhanced by their feeling well informed and supported during the antenatal period and feeling involved and supported by staff during birth. These findings have implications for the provision of information and support to male partners by midwives and childbirth educators and provide the basis for further research in this area.     

Fatherhood and the meaning of children: an ethnographic study among Puerto Rican partners of adolescent mothers

This study of the male partners of adolescent mothers was conducted in a small urban city in the northeastern United States where adolescent birth rates remain high despite declining national trends. Despite stated opposition to adolescent birth, one third of the fathers interviewed planned their pregnancies with their partners for more than a year. Because poverty and violence were part of life in the community of these fathers, the experience of having children initiated self-reflection. Men did not value absence from their children's lives, and they recognized their own agency in constructing a fatherless reality for their children. Thus, having children gave men an opportunity to consider alternative possibilities for their lives. This study suggests that despite widespread efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy, children born to adolescent mothers provide the fathers of these children with an affirming and valued component of self-identity.     

Obstetric difficulties in developing countries motivate preference for birth size

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of labor difficulties on mothers preference for birth size. A total of 502 pregnant Ghanaian women were interviewed to ascertain what size of infant they wished to deliver. Information on reasons, measures taken to achieve preferred birth size and birth weight of infants delivered by them was obtained. Results showed that even though mothers had particular preferences for birth size, actual birth weight of infants delivered did not tally with mothers’ preference. More women with previous childbirth experience wanted small infants than those who had no experience. Overall 41 % of the mothers preferred small or medium size infants for easy labor. Large infants on delivery were preferred by 11% of the mothers because they claimed large infants are tough. Approximately 48% of mothers had no particular preference for birth size. It seemed mothers wanting small infants had previous labor problems due to large birth size. A substantial number (40%) of the mothers did not take measures to achieve the preferred birth size. About 4% reported to have reduced their dietary intake to less than the non-pregnancy intake to deliver small infants. About 7% of the women who preferred large infants at birth claimed they ate more food to achieve their aim. Mothers who had mechanical difficulties during labor delivered infants of significantly higher birth weight than those who delivered normally without extra assistance (p < 0.002). Women who experienced a difficult childbirth, believed that high infant birth weight can pose labor problems.     

Obstetric difficulties in developing countries motivate preference for birth size

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of labor difficulties on mothers preference for birth size. A total of 502 pregnant Ghanaian women were interviewed to ascertain what size of infant they wished to deliver. Information on reasons, measures taken to achieve preferred birth size and birth weight of infants delivered by them was obtained. Results showed that even though mothers had particular preferences for birth size, actual birth weight of infants delivered did not tally with mothers' preference. More women with previous childbirth experience wanted small infants than those who had no experience. Overall 41% of the mothers preferred small or medium size infants for easy labor. Large infants on delivery were preferred by 11% of the mothers because they claimed large infants are tough. Approximately 48% of mothers had no particular preference for birth size. It seemed mothers wanting small infants had previous labor problems due to large birth size. A substantial number (40%) of the mothers did not take measures to achieve the preferred birth size. About 4% reported to have reduced their dietary intake to less than the non-pregnancy intake to deliver small infants. About 7% of the women who preferred large infants at birth claimed they ate more food to achieve their aim. Mothers who had mechanical difficulties during labor delivered infants of significantly higher birth weight than those who delivered normally without extra assistance (p < 0.002). Women who experienced a difficult childbirth, believed that high infant birth weight can pose labor problems.     

Outcomes of Father Involvement in Pregnancy and Birth

: To test the assumption that father involvement in pregnancy and childbirth results in more positive birth and fathering experiences, 40 primiparous couples recruited from childbirth education classes and obstetricians were studied. About two weeks before their due dates each mother was asked to rate her marital closeness and her husband's interest in children. These couples were observed for one hour in mid-labor. Then mothers and fathers were interviewed about one week after the birth. Fathers who were more involved in terms of their wives’ reports of prenatal marital closeness gave generally more positive reports of the delivery and the new baby. Fathers who were involved in terms of their wives’ estimates of their interest in children were rated by observers as interacting with their wives less during labor. (BIRTH 10:1, Spring 1983)     

Behavioral interaction of fathers with infants and mothers in the immediate postpartum period

This study describes paternal behaviors of first-time fathers with their partner and newborn immediately after birth and identifies a progression of behaviors with the infant within the first 15 minutes after birth. Videotapes were made of 24 first-time fathers observed at birth a traditional delivery room setting. Utilizing an ethological approach to define behavioral codes, episodes of paternal behavior were measured with time interval sampling. Using a modified frequency method, behaviors were identified in four main categories: proximity, gaze, touch, and movement. The analysis showed that proximity and gaze were high-frequency behaviors and touch and movement were low-frequency behaviors. A progression of behaviors was identified, with gaze starting out high and diminishing, proximity and movement increasing over time, and touch remaining low but constant. Limitations of the setting and implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.     

Skin‐to‐Skin Care with the Father after Cesarean Birth and Its Effect on Newborn Crying and Prefeeding Behavior

ABSTRACT: Background: Previous reports have shown that skin‐to‐skin care immediately after vaginal birth is the optimal form of care for full‐term, healthy infants. Even in cases when the mother is awake and using spinal analgesia, early skin‐to‐skin contact between her and her newborn directly after cesarean birth might be limited for practical and medical safety reasons. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of skin‐to‐skin contact on crying and prefeeding behavior in healthy, full‐term infants born by elective cesarean birth and cared for skin‐to‐skin with their fathers versus conventional care in a cot during the first 2 hours after birth. Methods: Twenty‐nine father‐infant pairs participated in a randomized controlled trial, in which infants were randomized to be either skin‐to‐skin with their father or next to the father in a cot. Data were collected both by tape‐recording crying time for the infants and by naturalistic observations of the infants’ behavioral response, scored every 15 minutes based on the scoring criteria described in the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Results: The primary finding was the positive impact the fathers’ skin‐to‐skin contact had on the infants’ crying behavior. The analysis of the tape recordings of infant crying demonstrated that infants in the skin‐to‐skin group cried less than the infants in the cot group (p < 0.001). The crying of infants in the skin‐to‐skin group decreased within 15 minutes of being placed skin‐to‐skin with the father. Analysis of the NBAS‐based observation data showed that being cared for on the father’s chest skin‐to‐skin also had an impact on infant wakefulness. These infants became drowsy within 60 minutes after birth, whereas infants cared for in a cot reached the same stage after 110 minutes. Rooting activity was more frequent in the cot group than in the skin‐to‐skin group (p < 0.01), as were sucking activities (p ≤0.001) and overall duration of wakefulness (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The infants in the skin‐to‐skin group were comforted, that is, they stopped crying, became calmer, and reached a drowsy state earlier than the infants in the cot group. The father can facilitate the development of the infant’s prefeeding behavior in this important period of the newborn infant’s life and should thus be regarded as the primary caregiver for the infant during the separation of mother and baby. (BIRTH 34:2 June 2007)     

Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy

Twenty-eight women were recruited from prenatal classes and randomly assigned to receive massage in addition to coaching in breathing/ram their partners during labor, or to receive coaching in breathing alone (a technique learned during prenatal classes). The massaged mothers reported a decrease in depressed mood, anxiety and pain, and showed less agitated activity and anxiety and more positive affect following the first massage during labor. In addition, the massaged mothers had significantly shorter labors, a shorter hospital stay and less postpartum depression.     

Men's adjustment to fatherhood: implications for obstetric health care

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors affecting first-time fathers' transition to parenthood. DESIGN: A longitudinal repeated measures study in which participants were interviewed in mid-pregnancy and completed assessments in late pregnancy, in early postpartum, and at 4 months postpartum. SELLING AND PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty-five first-time fathers were recruited from a major obstetric hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, from 1995 to 1998, via their partners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Men were seen separately from their spouses, and questionnaires assessing parity history, social support, marital satisfaction, anger, anxiety, and gender role stress were completed at each time. Prenatal and postnatal distress were measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: Men's peak period of distress was at the first assessment in pregnancy, where there was an overrepresentation of younger men, who were employed part-time and in shorter relationships. For most of the men, their anxieties decreased steadily postpartum. Lower relationship satisfaction was associated with distress, as was gender role stress, both antenatally and postpartum. Distress was also seen to affect men's attachment to their infants. CONCLUSIONS: Although most men deal effectively with the transition to fatherhood, a small group of distressed men may have continued problems in their role as a parent and partner. If more attention can be paid to their anxieties antenatally, it might benefit the men, their partners, and their infants.     

Early Discharge with Home Follow-up: Impacts on Low-Income Mothers and Infants

Low-income mothers and infants discharged at 24 to 47 hours after birth were compared to two control groups: early discharge with infant separation and conventional discharge. No differences among the three groups in maternal or infant morbidity at seven to 15 days postdelivery were recorded. Simultaneous early discharge was associated with higher maternal attachment scores, fewer maternal concerns, and greater maternal satisfaction with discharge type than early discharge with infant separation. All three groups had substantial morbidity in the first two weeks of life. A shorter hospital stay and more health monitoring postdischarge may be a better use of health resources than a conventional hospital stay for low-income mothers and their infants.     

A Comparative Study of Women Choosing Two Different Childbirth Alternatives

ABSTRACT: This is a report of the differences and similarities between two groups of 30 women each who selected widely divergent types of childbirth care. One group chose to deliver their babies in a tertiary university hospital obstetric service, the other in an out-of-hospital alternative birth center staffed by nurse-midwives. Women choosing the birth center were not demographically different from those choosing the tertiary hospital except that they were somewhat older. However, women choosing the birth center planned to emphasize autonomy and independence rather than intimacy in their child rearing, and they described their partners as much more supportive and involved in the birth, and were much more adaptive in preparation for the birth and the baby's care.