Fathers' Needs and Masculinity Dilemmas in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Denmark
Betty Noergaard1, Jette Ammentorp, Jesper Fenger-Gron
1Department of Paediatrics (Ms Noergaard and Drs Fenger-Gron and Kofoed) and Health Services Research Unit (Dr Ammentorp), Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; and Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences (Ms Noergaard and Drs Ammentorp and Kofoed) and Research Unit of User Perspectives, Department of Public Health (Dr Johannessen), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Summary
Fathers in neonatal intensive care units want to be equal coparents but face challenges balancing caregiving with traditional breadwinner roles. Healthcare providers should support fathers
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Family-centered care
- Fatherhood studies
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) often prioritize infant and maternal needs.
- Fathers in NICUs may feel powerless and struggle with bonding.
- Evolving societal roles for men necessitate understanding fathers' experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify fathers' needs during infant NICU admission.
- To analyze these needs through the lens of masculinity theory.
- To inform clinical practices and advance knowledge on fatherhood.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing participant observation.
- Utilized interviews and focus group discussions.
- Grounded theory principles for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Fathers desire involvement as caregivers and coparents.
- Balancing caregiving with breadwinner expectations is a key challenge.
- Emotional experiences and needs were significant themes.
Conclusions:
- NICU healthcare professionals must recognize fathers' desire to be equal coparents.
- Nurses can facilitate fathers' involvement and validate their importance.
- Further cross-cultural research is needed on fatherhood in NICUs.
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