Through the Eyes of a New Dad: Experiences of First-Time Fathers of Late-Preterm Infants

Abstract

Fathers of late-preterm (34-36 weeks' gestation) infants may experience challenges in parenting. Late-preterm infants are more irritable and less responsive in interactions. The unexpected early birth of an infant may negatively affect fathers' cognitive and emotional experiences. The Father-Infant Interaction Program (FIIP) is a video-modeled play intervention that aims to increase fathers' sensitivity and responsiveness to infant cues. Using data from a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate FIIP, the purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences of first-time fathers of late-preterm infants and their perceptions of the intervention. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 85 fathers of 8-month-old infants during the outcome home visit for the RCT and thematically analyzed data. Three main themes about fathers' experiences emerged: Fathers believed they had the "best job in the world," yet saw fathering as the "biggest job ever." Fathers viewed fatherhood as an opportunity for personal growth and reflected on how their lives had changed since the arrival of their infant. Fathers in the intervention and comparison groups liked the convenience of the home visits and validation of their role as a father. Fathers in the intervention group liked the tailored feedback about play.

Reflections on Fathers and Infant Mental Health

“…For example, while it has been known for quite some time that infants form attachments to fathers (Lamb, 1977), less attention has been given to the impact of the infant's birth on fathers, despite the fact that Greenburg and Morris (1974) characterized first-time fathers' response to the birth of their baby as engrossment-a term encompassing absorption, preoccupation, and interest-and presumably creating a set point for subsequent involvement with infant rearing. In this special issue, Benzies, Magill-Evans, and Kurilova (2015) report similar reactions from first-time fathers 8 months after the birth of their late preterm infants. Fathers used descriptors such as "awesome" and "fulfilling" to describe their parenting status and viewed fatherhood as a context for personal growth as well as a personal challenge with respect to their perceived supporter and protector roles and responsibilities.…”

Os primeiros dias do filho prematuro em casa: discurso do sujeito coletivo

“…As contrastantes experiências positivas e negativas podem estar relacionadas com as fases do novo papel parental, sendo a maioria das respostas emocionais durante a gravidez e até dois anos após o nascimento mais negativas do que positivas. As emoções negativas como surpresa, e confusão, observadas em alguns discursos, estão associadas com a transição para a paternidade, assim como emoções positivas que variam de alegria, ansiedade e tristeza geram flutuação de sentimentos característicos do processo de parentalidade (17) . Os discursos dos pais revelam participação cada vez mais ativa e frequente dos mesmos nos cuidados diretos aos filho , corroborando com achados de outro estudo semelhante, que encontrou como principais atividades de cuidado do bebê realizado pelos pais: trocar fraldas, realização do banho, oferecer colo, alimentar, preparo e oferta de mamadeira ou alimentos pastosos, atenção durante a noite e cuidado em saúde, levando ao mé dico, dando-lhe remédio ou observando hábitos de higiene e prevenção de doença (7) .…”

“…O estudo revelou que os pais não apenas estão realizando cuidados diretos ao filh , mas auxiliando suas companheiras nos afazeres domésticos e, assim, propiciando que as mesmas tenham mais tempo para dedicar-se aos cuidados do filh (15) . O pai deseja passar mais tempo com seu filh , sendo este tempo considerado como experiência positiva (17) . Atividades como brincar, pegar no colo, entre outras, são consideradas prazerosas e satisfatórias para os pais (7) .…”

Care of the Family of an Infant With a Congenital Heart Defect During the NICU Hospitalization

“…5,7,10 While mothers are most concerned about their infants, fathers are more concerned about the health and care of the mothers immediately after birth. 2,8,12 They want to be involved in the infant's care but often feel that they need to protect and care for the mother as their first priority. 12 Fathers report feeling like "bystanders" in the NICU, with their needs and concerns often being overlooked.…”

“…2,8,12 They want to be involved in the infant's care but often feel that they need to protect and care for the mother as their first priority. 12 Fathers report feeling like "bystanders" in the NICU, with their needs and concerns often being overlooked. Caring for the father of the infant with CHD is just as important as caring for the mother.…”