Experiences of fathers with inpatient premature neonates: Phenomenological interpretative analysis

Abstract

Background:Birth and hospitalization of premature neonates create enormous challenges for the family with serious impacts on parents' mental and emotional health. The present study was designed to explore the experiences of fathers with premature neonates hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Materials and Methods:In this interpretative phenomenological study, data were collected using in-depth interviews guided with a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Totally seven interviews were conducted with six participants.Results:The mean age of the fathers was 32 (23–42) years, and all of the fathers lived with their wives. Experiences of the fathers were categorized into 13 subordinate and three superordinate themes: “abandonment and helplessness” (lack of financial support, lack of informational support, and indignation and distrust toward the hospital staffs); “anxiety and confusion” (family disruption, shock due to the premature birth of the neonate, uncertainty, the loss of wishes, feeling of guilt and blame, and occupational disruption); and “development and self-actualization” (emotional development, spiritual development, independence and self-efficacy, and responsibility).Conclusions:The present study showed that the fathers with premature neonates hospitalized in NICU encounter both positive (development and self-actualization) and negative experiences (lack of financial and informational supports, distrusting toward the hospital staffs, family disruption, and occupational disruption). Planning to manage adverse experiences can help fathers to cope with this situation.

Cross‐sectional survey of factors associated with paternal involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit

“…A recent phenomenological interpretative analysis study from Iran describes fathers' statements when feeling unsupported by NICU and hospital staff. Themes of the study included abandonment, helplessness, anxiety and confusion (Dadkhahtehrani, Eskandari, Khalajinia, & Ahmari-Tehran, 2018).…”

Perception of mothers when visiting their child in the neonatal unit for the first time

“…In other studies, there is a concern of the mothers regarding the preparation and informational support. 3,14 Although it is a traumatic moment to see the child with the whole technological apparatus, fragile and debilitated every detail becomes important. 16 The attitude and positioning were important memories reported by the mothers during a first visit.…”

“…The separation of the binomial is an important difficulty that the mothers will face, which was also shown in another study. 3 In the process of bond building, encouraging the touch represents the appropriation of the child and the fulfillment of a dream. The gradual and planned involvement of mothers in the care provision softens the feeling of impotence and assists in the construction of autonomy.…”

“…Impaired parental behaviors can affect the baby's growth and development. 3 The environment of the neonatal unit, while transmitting the possibility of healing of the newborn, is associated with the suffering and chances of death. The dense technology, the emission of equipment alarms sounds, and high illumination impact on the first visit.…”

Care for Preterm Child in House: Fatherly Experiences

“…It is noteworthy that in this new context, the development of parenting may not occur as desired, leading to an emotional imbalance of men, causing anxiety, stress, isolation, sadness and even separation from their partners. [3][4] Despite the difficulties faced, man has been realizing his importance in the participation of child care and paternity has been increasingly promoted by health policies. Thus, a paternal care protocol was developed and implemented to stimulate the father's participation in the care of the preterm child in the Neonatal Therapy Care Unit (NITU) and the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NICU) of the University Hospital of Londrina (HUL).…”