Adjusting to being a father to an infant born prematurely: experiences from Swedish fathers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of being a father to a prematurely born infant. Eight fathers of prematurely born children were interviewed using a narrative approach, and a thematic content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The fathers described that the preterm birth gave them the chance to get to know their infant as they had to spend time at the intensive care unit. They also felt better educated by professionals who helped them take care of their infant. Their feelings and attachment for their infant increased over time and the fathers felt that they had a stronger bond with their child compared with friends who had babies born at term. As time passed, they became more confident as a father. In spite of the strain, the experience made them change as a person and they expressed having different values. The relationship with their partner was strengthened as they handled this situation together as a couple. However, the fathers felt fortunate despite everything and described having managed a prematurely born infant rather well. Although there are similarities between being a father to a child born at term and to one born preterm, it is significant to gain further knowledge about the specific experiences of fathers of prematurely born infants. The results of this study have implications for nurses working with families who have children born prematurely.

Reorganizing Life: A Qualitative Study of Fathers' Lived Experience in the 3Years Subsequent to the Very Preterm Birth of Their Child

“…Hammarstrand, Jönsson, and Hallström (2008), who evaluated a neonatal home care program, and Lindberg, Axelsson, and Ohrling (2008), describing fathers' adjustment to fatherhood, also found that coming home was associated with a sense of being a father. In the present study, the fathers felt that their child was healthy and they described this as having helped them to come to terms with the situation.…”

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

“…Therefore, it can be stated that fatherhood is a concept that has been changing drastically over the last few decades in the sense that fathers are getting closer to their children, interacting with them, and appearing interested and strongly active in their education (Camus & Frascarolo, 2003;Lindberg, Axelsson, & Öhrling, 2008). There are, in fact, several studies with results showing a more effective and affective paternal involvement (Fägerskiöld, 2006;Hossain, Roopnarine, Ismail, Hashmi, & Sombuling, 2007), showing that fathers desire to be present during the growth and development of their children.…”

“…There are, in fact, several studies with results showing a more effective and affective paternal involvement (Fägerskiöld, 2006;Hossain, Roopnarine, Ismail, Hashmi, & Sombuling, 2007), showing that fathers desire to be present during the growth and development of their children. This change in the role of the father is multidimensional and encompasses several aspects, such as direct care provided to the child at any age (Camus & Frascarolo, 2003;Lamb, 1986;Lindberg et al, 2008;Simões, Leal, & Maroco, 2010).…”

“…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 Meanings of Caring for Pre-Term Children in the Vision of Male Parents

“…A study in Sweden 25 showed that encouragement of the father to spend more time in the treatment unit is a way to promote their familiarity with their preterm child and let them learn how to care for the baby. With the help of the care team, the fathers feel better prepared to be instructed by health professionals during hospitalization in the NICU and thus stronger and better equipped for the time of discharge.…”