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Fathers' experiences with their preterm babies admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: A multi-method study
Alberto Stefana1, Ezio Maria Padovani2, Paolo Biban2
1Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Insights
Fathers experience varied emotional responses to preterm birth, with some bonding easily and others hesitant due to fear. Support should be tailored to fathers and infant gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Psychology
- Perinatal mental health
Background:
- Preterm birth interrupts the fatherhood preparation process.
- This interruption can negatively impact father-infant relationship development.
- Understanding fathers' experiences is crucial for supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fathers' emotional experiences following their infant's preterm birth.
- To explore the impact of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays on fathers.
- To identify patterns in fathers' emotional responses and their correlates.
Main Methods:
- A multi-method approach combining ethnographic observation, semi-structured interviews, and self-report questionnaires.
- Quantitative analysis to identify clusters of fathers' emotional experiences.
- Mixed-method analysis correlating clusters with infant and father characteristics.
Main Results:
- Two distinct clusters of fathers identified: "fathers-of-preterm-infants" and "preterm fathers."
- "Fathers-of-preterm-infants" touched their babies readily, while "preterm fathers" showed hesitation due to fear of harm or technology.
- Engagement in infant care varied between clusters and was associated with infant gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Fathers' emotional experiences and care engagement differ significantly based on preterm birth context.
- Personalized support for fathers is essential.
- Support strategies should consider the infant's gestational age for optimal father-infant bonding.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate fathers' emotional experiences of their infant's preterm birth and subsequent stay in neonatal intensive care unit.
Background:
When a baby is born preterm, there is also the premature interruption of the process of preparation for fatherhood. As a result, the impact on fathers of the preterm birth can bring negative consequences for the development of father-infant relationship.
Design:
A multi-method approach was used which included ethnographic observation, semi-structured interviews with fathers, a self-report questionnaire and clinical information between September 2015-March 2017.
Method:
Data were analysed using a mixed-method: a thematic analysis of data from the interviews and quantitative analyses to detect possible clusters of fathers' emotional experiences and associations between clusters and fathers' and/or infants' characteristics.
Results:
Two clusters were identified. The "fathers-of-preterm-infants" touched their baby as soon as they were given the opportunity and without fear that they would harm their infant. They were struck by their baby's physical appearance. In contrast, the "preterm fathers" preferred not to touch their baby when first given the chance, for fear of breaking/damaging/infecting her/him. They were struck both by the baby's physical appearance and by the technology/equipment around her/him and were afraid that their infant would die. All the "fathers-of-preterm-infants", but only just over half of the "preterm fathers", were actively engaged in their infant's care. Clusters were associated with the infant's gestational age.
Conclusion:
Fathers of preterm infants should receive personalized support specifically addressed to them and based on the infant's gestational age.