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Expectant fathers and labor epidurals.
1Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, California, USA. IMDRMOM@aol.com
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|May 16, 2000
Summary
Expectant fathers experience significant emotional shifts during labor when their partners receive epidurals, described as "Losing Her" and "She
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Labor epidurals are common pain management techniques during childbirth.
- The impact of epidurals on expectant fathers' experiences is not well understood.
- Qualitative research is needed to explore these experiences in depth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and explain expectant fathers' experiences during labor when their partners receive labor epidurals.
- To develop a theoretical framework explaining these experiences.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing grounded theory.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 17 couples.
Main Results:
- Fathers identified two critical phases: "Losing Her" and "She's Back," marking the epidural's impact.
- The developed theory, "Cruising through Labor," explains fathers' experiences.
Conclusions:
- Childbirth education should include information on epidural effects to prepare fathers.
- Informed fathers may experience reduced anxiety, frustration, and helplessness.
- Labor nurses play a crucial role in supporting fathers by providing explanations and inclusion in care.