Facilitating discussion among expectant fathers: is anyone interested?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sociology of Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Effective antenatal education for expectant fathers is a growing concern.
• Existing childbirth education programs often struggle to fully include men.
• There is a need to address identified deficits in male participation and engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on all-male discussion groups for expectant fathers.
• To explore appropriate attributes for facilitators of these groups.
• To report on the recruitment of male facilitators in an Australian health service.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on all-male discussion groups for expectant fathers.
• Exploration of facilitator characteristics.
• Case report on facilitator recruitment in New South Wales, Australia.

Main Results:

• All-male groups are a potential strategy to enhance male inclusion in antenatal education.
• Specific facilitator attributes are identified as crucial for group effectiveness.
• Recruitment of male facilitators presented unique challenges and successes.

Conclusions:

• All-male discussion groups offer a promising approach to better support expectant fathers in antenatal education.
• Careful selection and training of male facilitators are essential.
• Findings provide insights for implementing similar initiatives in other health services.