First-time fathers' experiences and needs during childbirth: A systematic review
Maartje van Vulpen1, Mariëlle Heideveld-Gerritsen1, Jeroen van Dillen2
1Radboud University Medical Center, Post Office Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; University Utrecht, Post Office Box 80125 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Midwifery
|January 14, 2021
Summary
First-time fathers need better preparation and support during childbirth, often overlooking their own needs. Healthcare professionals should formalize care and improve training to address these experiences.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Health
- Paternal Psychology
- Sociology of Family
Background:
- Paternal involvement in childbirth has increased since 1990.
- Childbirth attendance is linked to improved health outcomes for fathers, partners, and children.
- First-time fathers' unique experiences during childbirth remain under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and needs of first-time fathers during childbirth.
- To inform the adaptation of support and care for expectant fathers.
- To identify areas for improved professional practice and training.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted.
- Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, supplemented by snowball sampling.
- Thematic synthesis of evidence was performed after quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.
Main Results:
- Eight qualitative studies and one mixed-methods study were included.
- First-time fathers reported a lack of knowledge and a desire for better preparation.
- Fathers prioritized the mother's needs, often disregarding their own, and sought guidance and honest information.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals need to recognize and address the specific needs of first-time fathers.
- Professional behavior significantly impacts fathers' childbirth experiences.
- Formalized care, improved prenatal preparation, and enhanced professional training are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
00:55Parental Care
12.2K
Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.
12.2K
01:14Fetal Circulation
2.0K
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
2.0K
01:20Attachment
305
Attachment is vital for infant development, as warm social interactions support growth and well-being. In a classic 1958 study by Harry Harlow, the significance of warmth and comfort in forming attachments was examined. Harlow separated newborn monkeys from their mothers and provided two artificial "mothers": one made of cold wire and the other covered in soft cloth. Despite the wire mother offering food, the infant monkeys preferred the comfort of the cloth mother, demonstrating that...
305
01:27Parenting Styles
353
Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
353
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
425
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
425
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
592
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
592