A comparison of mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of the attachment process in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Comparing parents' experiences of the attachment process within the first days after a premature birth reveals a striking contrast between the mother's experience of surrealism and the father's ability to be involved immediately after birth. Relevance to clinical practice. Parents' of premature children's different starting points should be acknowledged as professionals encourage parents to have early skin-to-skin contact with their premature infant.

Bonding and Prematurity: Exploratory Study on Early Paternal Involvement in Hospitalization Contexts

“…It further important to mention that, although hospitalization is a moment of family crisis (Deeney, Lohan, Parkes, & Spence, 2009) with a high risk of disturbing paternal adaptation (Pedrosa, Canavarro, Oliveira, Moura Ramos, & Monteiro, 2005) and parental involvement with the preterm baby (Fegran et al, 2008), this particular situation seems to offer the father specific conditions that strengthen the development of his relationship with the child (Lindberg et al, 2008). Therefore, a common and equal space for the contact and interaction of the parents with the new-born exists, as well as a special kind of attention to the father figure from the medical staff in these types of units.…”

“…The few studies done with the father figure show a positive impact on emotional involvement and on the quality of the interaction between father and child in cases where there is early contact with the baby (Fegran, Helseth, & Fagermoen, 2008;Feldman, Weller, Sirota, & Eidelman, 2003;Pestvenidze & Bohrer, 2007). The physical/bodily proximity is crucial for the development of a connection between father and child and it precedes the establishment of a relationship, so the father can and should be present since the early days after birth (Arockiasamy, Holsti, & Albersheim, 2008;Camus & Frascarolo, 2003;Fegran et al, 2008).…”

“…The preterm birth and subsequent hospitalization of the baby have a huge emotional impact on the parents and disrupt the bonding and involvement process between father and child (Fegran et al, 2008;Jotzo & Poets, 2005;Lau & Morse, 2003). Despite the difficulties felt in these conditions, the father seems to be prepared for involvement and interaction with his child since the birth (Lindberg et al, 2008).…”

“…Despite the difficulties felt in these conditions, the father seems to be prepared for involvement and interaction with his child since the birth (Lindberg et al, 2008). This strong emotional impact associated with the desire of interaction may lead to ambivalent feelings in the first contact the parent has with the new-born (Fegran et al, 2008). The preterm situation represents a specific moment of family crisis, and its impact on the father/child relationship is still not fully explored and researched (Lau & Morse, 2003).…”

Effects of a Paternal Participation Program during Cesarean Section on Paternal Infant Attachment

“…아버지에게도 아기를 바라보고, 안아주고, 만지 고자 하는 욕구가 내재되어 있는데, 이러한 접촉을 통하여 몰 입(engrossment)이 형성되면 부아애착이 견고해진다 (Sreenberg & Morris; Kim, 1994;Park, 2008). 그럼에도 불구하고 분만 현장에서는 정상 분만에서의 모아애착 중재에 초점을 맞 추어 오고 있어, 아버지는 이차적인 역할로 주변에 머무르는 것이 현실이다 (Fegran et al, 2008;Wilson, Rholes, Simpson, & Tran, 2007). (Erlandsson, Christensson, & Fagerberg, 2008).…”