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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

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Fathering in the first few months.

Jan E Thomas¹, Ann-Kathrine Bonér, Ingegerd Hildingsson

¹Department of Sociology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43022, USA. thomasj@kenyon.edu

Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences

|January 6, 2011

Summary

First-time fathers, especially those with university education and financial concerns, experience significant worry about their parental role. Lack of partner support postpartum exacerbates these concerns, highlighting fathers

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Psychology
Sociology

Background:

Parenthood is a significant life transition involving profound physical and emotional changes for expectant parents.
The transition to parenthood presents unique challenges and adjustments for both partners.
Existing research often focuses on maternal experiences, with less attention given to paternal adjustment during and after pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the experiences and concerns of fathers during the prenatal and immediate postpartum periods.
To identify factors influencing fathers' concerns about their new parental role.
To explore the impact of social support on paternal adjustment.

Main Methods:

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted across all hospital prenatal clinics in Västernorrland County Council, Sweden.
Data were collected from 827 partners of women who gave birth between June 2007 and June 2008.
Three questionnaires were administered to gather data on fathers' experiences and concerns.

Main Results:

Regression analysis indicated that fathers with university education, those who were first-time fathers, and those experiencing financial worries reported higher levels of concern regarding their new role.
Support from midwives or close social networks during pregnancy did not significantly affect fathers' concerns about parenting difficulties.
A lack of support from their partners in the postpartum period was associated with increased paternal concern.

Conclusions:

Fathers' concerns about their parental role are influenced by educational background, parity, financial status, and partner support.
The findings underscore the need for targeted support systems for fathers during the transition to parenthood.
Further research is recommended to comprehensively understand and address the specific support needs of fathers in parenting.