At home in early labour: what fathers do and how they feel--part 1

A survey of fathers from across the UK was carried out to explore their experience of being at home with their partners in early labour. Respondents were recruited via the Fatherhood Institute website and by contacting children's centres. Two hundred and sixty three men from diverse backgrounds responded. Approximately two fifths had found that early labour matched up to their expectations, but many fathers had been greatly or somewhat surprised by what happened. In terms of deciding when to leave home and go to the hospital or birth centre, fathers did not generally see themselves as the primary decision makers, but half had been either primarily or jointly responsible for the decision. There is therefore a strong case for ensuring that expectant fathers are given information when attending clinics or antenatal classes with their partners to help them understand the latent phase of labour and signs of established labour.