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Facilitating nurturant fathering behavior in the NICU
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Primary nurses can support fathers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during their adjustment period. Recognizing individual needs and family dynamics is crucial for facilitating paternal role development and early bonding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nursing
- Paternal Role Development
- Family Systems Theory
Background:
- Fathers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) face new, challenging roles during a crisis.
- These fathers require support and nurturing while expected to exhibit self-control and adapt quickly.
- Sociocultural factors and family dynamics significantly influence paternal involvement and adjustment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the primary nurse in assisting fathers of NICU infants.
- To identify strategies for facilitating paternal role development and early father-infant interactions.
- To emphasize the importance of individualized, nonjudgmental nursing care.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the experiences and needs of fathers with infants in the NICU.
- Focused on the primary nurse's strategic position in supporting paternal adjustment.
- Emphasized systematic assessment of individual fathers within their family system.
Main Results:
- Primary nurses are pivotal in helping fathers adjust to their infant and the NICU environment.
- Fathers exhibit varying levels of involvement and nurturant behaviors.
- Recognizing and supporting individual paternal choices and family values is essential.
Conclusions:
- Nurses must provide tailored support to fathers, considering their unique needs and family context.
- Facilitating paternal role development requires a nonjudgmental approach and understanding of family dynamics.
- Effective nursing care promotes positive early interactions between fathers, mothers, and NICU infants.