First-time fathers’ experiences of parenting during the first year

Kowlessar, Omar; Fox, John R. E.; Wittkowski, Anja

doi:10.1080/02646838.2014.971404

Cited by 60 publications

(107 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Similar findings have been reported with women (Modh, Lundgren, & Bergbom, 2011). The theme of worry not only forms an integral part of men's emotional journey during the pregnancy, but continues into early fatherhood too (Kowlessar, Wittkowski, & Fox, 2014), suggesting an experiential overlap between these two related but distinct life events.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 68%

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

Kowlessar

Fox

Wittkowski

2014

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

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Objective: To synthesise qualitative study findings in order to gain an understanding of fathers' experiences of pregnancy. Background: As the transition to fatherhood can be challenging, awareness of the factors facilitating or hindering expectant fathers' adjustment is important. Our aim was to better understand the experiences of men during this significant life cycle phase, and to use this knowledge to advise health care professionals on how best to support men during this transition. Methods: We used Noblit and Hare's metasynthesis approach to review and synthesise 13 qualitative studies relating to expectant fathers' experiences of pregnancy. Results: The synthesis revealed five superordinate themes, which captured the emotional, psychological and physiological experiences of the expectant fathers during pregnancy: (1) Reacting to early pregnancy; (2) On the outside looking in; (3) The pregnant male; (4) A journey of acceptance; and (5) Redefining self as a father. Conclusion: Possible clinical implications and limitations of the metasynthesis approach are discussed. Relevant recommendations on how health professionals and services can be more effectively supportive of men during this period are outlined.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 68%

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

Kowlessar

Fox

Wittkowski

2014

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

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“…As the transition to fatherhood poses a significant event in any man's life, bringing with it uncertainty and helplessness (Kowlessar et al, 2015), the simultaneous onset of maternal mental health problems and the arrival of a baby was an emotionally poignant time for fathers in this study. The fathers also reported positive emotions, such as excitement, irrespective of the mother's illness.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

The Experiences of Fathers When Their Partners are Admitted with Their Infants to a Psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit

Reid

Wieck

Matrunola

et al. 2016

Clin Psychology and Psychoth

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Partners of mothers admitted to a psychiatric mother and baby unit have shown increased vulnerability to mental illness themselves; however, little is known about the support that these fathers need and receive during this time. Using interviews, this study sought to understand a) how fathers experienced the mental illness of their partner and the unit's services and b) how fathers could be better supported. Fathers face many emotional and practical challenges during their partner's admission and seek support from numerous sources, including the mother and baby unit. Fathers require more information from the mother and baby unit with regard to mental illness and the unit's services. Furthermore, the introduction of regular one-to-one updates between staff and fathers would provide an opportunity for fathers to understand how their partner is progressing and for staff to informally assess the father's wellbeing and outstanding support needs.

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“…By offering postpartum parental interviews with nonbirthing parents lies, therefore, an opportunity to not only engage with both parents to build strong bonds but also to prevent mental ill health. The intervention is also well-aligned with previous research, suggesting that postnatal visits can be opportunistic for CHS nurses to connect with new parents and assess the health and well-being of the nonbirthing parent, as well as the mother (42), and the need for increased knowledge and postnatal support at the CHC (43,44).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

‘So, the circle has grown’ – Child Health Services nurses’ experiences of giving parental interviews with nonbirthing parents

Ståhl

Hallström

Skoog

et al. 2019

Scandinavian Caring Sciences

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Background Lately, greater focus has been given to the mental health of nonbirthing parents postpartum. However, mothers, but not nonbirthing parents, are routinely screened for postpartum depression, and until recently, nonbirthing parents have not been given the same opportunity as mothers to discuss their parental role without the other parent present. To strengthen the parental role, a separate parental interview with the nonbirthing parent began to be offered as part of the Swedish Child Health Service's (CHS) general programme. Aim This study aimed to explore CHS nurses’ experiences of performing parental interviews with nonbirthing parents. Methods Content analysis was used when analysing data from six research interviews, of which half were focus group interviews. In total, 11 CHS nurses were interviewed. Results Child Health Service nurses reported that although the interview with the nonbirthing parent was a positive experience and that a more family‐oriented perspective was something many of them had been longing for, they could also feel that it demanded a lot from them, including things they had perhaps not previously considered. CHS nurses reported difficulties with having such close contact with both parents, and they also described feeling worried about the information that could come up in a standardised conversation and the knowledge provided. Conclusion There are both possibilities and challenges in widening the responsibilities of the CHS nurse to include the nonbirthing parent by offering a postpartum interview. Implications This study provides information to healthcare professionals about the importance of providing proper guidance and education when broadening the duties and responsibilities for CHS nurses to include nonbirthing parents in mental health screening. CHS nurses must be given the resources needed to deal with the challenges they encounter and sufficient time for the interviews to be possible and meaningful.

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First-time fathers’ experiences of parenting during the first year

Cited by 60 publications

References 29 publications

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

The Experiences of Fathers When Their Partners are Admitted with Their Infants to a Psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit

‘So, the circle has grown’ – Child Health Services nurses’ experiences of giving parental interviews with nonbirthing parents

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