The First-Time Fathers’ Experiences in Early Fatherhood: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Becoming a father is a stressful transition period for men, presenting numerous challenges from caring for their newborns to navigating changes in family dynamics. Recently, cultural expectations have shifted, transforming the role of the father from primarily being a breadwinner to being more actively involved in parenting. There is growing evidence that first-time fathers encounter various obstacles and have unmet needs during the parenting period. Thus, before encouraging fathers in society to take on more active parental roles, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of their support needs, experiences, and challenges. This study aimed to explore the experiences of the first-time fathers in the early parenthood. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with ten participants residing in the community of Kuantan, Pahang. The data was analyzed using a content analysis approach to emerge the themes. Results: Four themes and 18 sub themes emerged from this study, elucidating the experiences of first-time fathers in parenthood. These themes are: Adaptation and changes, Paternal involvement, Challenges and coping mechanisms, and Support and needs of first-time fathers. This study reveals that entering parenthood as a first-time father can be highly challenging. Despite a clear lack of preparation for their roles, the participants demonstrated good coping mechanisms and generally regarded the experience positively. Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity for targeted support systems and resources tailored to first-time fathers to help them navigate the transition into parenthood more smoothly. It is recommended that healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations develop programs and interventions that address the specific needs of new fathers, including education on newborn care, emotional support, and strategies for balancing work and family responsibilities. By doing so, society can better support first-time fathers in their evolving roles, ultimately benefiting the entire family unit.