Paternal engagement during childbirth depending on the manner of their preparation

Abstract

Objectives: The analysis of the forms of paternal activity depending on the manner of their preparation, including stages of labor. Material and methods:A prospective survey-based study involved 250 fathers who participated in their child's birth. The fathers included in the study were present during all stages of family-assisted natural labor. The study was conducted one day after childbirth with the use of a survey prepared by the authors. Statistical calculations were conducted using the Statistica PL software. The frequency of individual qualitative features (non-measurable) was assessed by means of a non-parametric χ² (chi-squared) test. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. Results:A half of the fathers included in the study (52.4%) participated in childbirth with no prior preparation. The dominant form of preparation involved self-education from books, magazines and the Internet (24%). 23.6% of fathers participated in ante-natal classes. The study demonstrated that fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engaged in the supportive role, provided nursing care and carried out instrumental monitoring during each stage of childbirth. Conclusions:The fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engage in the supportive role, provide nursing care and carry out instrumental control during each stage of childbirth. Ante-natal classes should be promoted as an optimal form of preparation for active participation in childbirth. Moreover, other forms of paternal ante-natal education as well as continued education in a delivery room should be developed.

First-Time Delivering Women’s Fear of Childbirth and It’s Relation to Delivery Outcomes at a University Hospital in Lithuania

“…Among tested women, only 17.3% participated in antenatal classes or other activities that would help to gain reliable knowledge and reduce the FOC. Polish research performed in 2016 shows that participation in such activities reduced FOC and influenced greater preparation for childbirth including an active attitude of the father who provided emotional support and helped reduce FOC [19]. However, current low attendance may have been due to the national quarantine for Covid-19 infection and public restrictions in the country.…”

Presença do acompanhante durante o processo de parturição e nascimento: análise da prática [Presence of a companion during the process of labor and childbirth: analysis of practice] [Presentación del acompañante durante el procedimiento de parto y nacimiento: análisis de la práctica]

“…Pesquisa internacional assegura a importância das chamadas aulas pré-natais, que se assemelham aos grupos de gestantes, em que profissionais orientam a mulher acerca dos seus direitos, sublinhando a importância do papel do pai ou de outra pessoa de confiança da parturiente 17 Com relação às mulheres que realizaram pré-natal, constatou-se, no presente estudo, que quase metade da amostra tinha conhecimento da Lei do Acompanhante.…”

Causes and frequency of tocophobia — own experiences

“…It can be suspected that the level of preparation for childbirth in these women is insufficient. The participation in ante-natal classes has an influence on proper preparation for a family-assisted childbirth, including an active attitude of the father who provides emotional support and his role in relieving fear and eliminating anxiety associated with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period [21][22][23][24]. Over a half of the tested women (56.7%) did not participate in ante-natal classes, and of those who took part in such classes (43.3%) merely 12.5% attended them with their partner.…”