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The father at the bedside: patterns of involvement in the NICU

Nancy Feeley1, Kathyrn Sherrard, Elana Waitzer

  • 1McGill University School of Nursing, Centre for Nursing Research & Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. nancy.feeley@mcgill.ca

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|January 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Fathers show varied involvement with newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Three distinct patterns of father involvement were identified, highlighting the need for tailored nursing support.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Child development
  • Paternal psychology

Background:

  • Paternal involvement is crucial for infant development.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding fathers' engagement with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the patterns of fathers' involvement with their hospitalized infants.
  • To explore how fathers engage with their newborns during NICU stays.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study involving interviews with 18 fathers of hospitalized infants.
  • Cross-case analysis of interview, sociodemographic, and infant medical data.

Main Results:

  • Three patterns of father involvement emerged: 'Equal to mother,' 'Mother more important,' and 'Reluctant.'
  • 'Equal to mother' fathers were intrinsically motivated, spent significant time, and performed direct care.
  • 'Mother more important' fathers perceived their role as supportive and were often working.
  • 'Reluctant' fathers showed fear and extrinsic motivation for involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Fathers' desire and extent of involvement with their newborns in the NICU vary significantly.
  • Nurses should assess individual fathers' preferences to facilitate comfortable and appropriate engagement.
  • Recognizing diverse paternal roles can enhance family-centered care in neonatal settings.

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