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Expectant fathers' roles during labor and birth
1Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, CA 94609.
Summary
Expectant fathers adopt roles like coach, teammate, or witness during childbirth. Most fathers primarily acted as witnesses, suggesting a need to re-evaluate the expected father
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Maternal Health
Background:
- The role of fathers in childbirth has evolved.
- Understanding the expectant father's experience is crucial for family-centered care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and explain the expectant father's experience during labor and delivery.
- To identify the roles fathers adopt during childbirth.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed.
- Semistructured interviews and observations were conducted with 20 couples.
- Participants were recruited from five hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area.
Main Results:
- Three distinct roles were identified for expectant fathers: coach, teammate, and witness.
- The majority of fathers adopted the role of witness.
- The father's role was influenced by relationship understanding and mutuality.
Conclusions:
- The traditional expectation of fathers as active coaches may need reevaluation.
- Findings highlight the varied and often passive roles fathers play.
- Further research is needed to support fathers in labor and delivery.