Former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Fathers' Involvement 4 Years Later: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

To explore the experience of fathering a previous Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infant four years after hospitalization. Design and methods: Nineteen fathers of former NICU infants were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule. Results: Most of the fathers had children with ongoing health issues (84%). The median age of the fathers was 38 years old. Racial demographics included 12 white fathers (63%), 5 black fathers (26%), and 2 Hispanic fathers (11%). Themes that emerged included adjustments, prepared for anything, closeness, ambivalent normalcy, and vigilance. These fathers of former infants with health issues made 'adjustments' in their lives to be available and better fathers for their children. They familiarized themselves with their children's ongoing health issues so they could be better protectors and be 'prepared for anything', but considered their children 'normal kids' while still maintaining 'vigilance' for future health needs. Fathers described that the experience of having an infant with health issues helped them to develop 'closeness' with the child and boosted their confidence as fathers. Conclusion: This involvement/confidence pattern is critically important to establishing and maintaining fathering, especially for fathers of children with disabilities. Practice implications: Pediatric practitioners can continue to encourage this pattern after the initial hospital stay.

A Concept Analysis of Paternal Bonding With Prematurely Born Infants

“…Our review of the literature led us to identify several synonyms and 1 antonym for the term “bonding.” These synonyms were “closeness,”32,40 “sensitivity,” “interaction,”41,42 “feelings of bonds,”26 “love,”24 and “relationships.”35 The sole antonym was “disconnection.”5,32,38 The synonym “closeness”32,40 signifies fathers’ interactive relationship with their infant 29. Indeed, the term strongly suggests that the fathers are emotionally connected to and intimately knowledgeable of their infants 29.…”

“…In past research, fathers reported that their initial investment in building a relationship with their prematurely born infants in NICUs helped strengthen the father–child bonding relationship years later 40. Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates that suboptimal bonding in NICUs continues to be an issue after neonatal discharge 22.…”

“…35 The sole antonym was "disconnection." 5 , 32 , 38 The synonym "closeness" 32,40 signifies fathers' interactive relationship with their infant. 29 Indeed, the term strongly suggests that the fathers are emotionally connected to and intimately knowledgeable of their infants.…”

“…In past research, fathers reported that their initial investment in building a relationship with their prematurely born infants in NICUs helped strengthen the father-child bonding relationship years later. 40 Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates that suboptimal bonding in NICUs continues to be an issue after neonatal discharge. 22 To avoid continuation of suboptimal bonding after NICU discharge, neonatal nurses can intervene early by conducting ongoing assessments of bonding levels at NICUs and by helping create a welcoming NICU environment for fathers who may be at risk of lowquality bonding.…”

Follow‐up care and support to parents of premature children: Multidisciplinary versus regular follow‐up care

“…Also, mothers are overrepresented (43 versus 13), for example, and there is a difference in the way mothers cope with a preterm birth compared with fathers (Shaw et al, 2006). Actually, there is still a lack of research into the experiences and need for mental support of fathers (Clarkson & Hearn, 2021; Kaplan & Knoll, 2018). It is important to pay attention to fathers in future research on this issue.…”