Fathers' Experiences during Delivery of Their Newborns: A Content Analysis

Paternal involvement during pregnancy has been shown to have a positive impact on the mother-baby dyad during and after birth. The presence of the father during birth also positively influences father-child attachment, reduces, apprehension, and stress, increases maternal satisfaction, and increases love and respect for the partners. This study explored the experiences of fathers who were present in the delivery room during the delivery process.

This qualitative content analysis study was conducted at a maternity hospital in Kingston, Jamaica from June to July 2022. A total of ten (10) fathers of babies delivered within six weeks were purposefully selected to be interviewed via telephone over four weeks. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Four sub-themes and one theme were extracted from data analysis. Fathers perceived satisfaction and empowerment in the shadow of positive and negative feelings as the theme. Sub-themes emerged from the data including "clinician's acceptance and support", "close bonding and attachment with mother and baby", "preparedness of fathers to give support", and "inspiring and amazing feeling by fatherhood experiences".

Fathers experienced the feeling of empowerment and wished to take up their role during the delivery of their newborns. Their experiences were influenced by the midwives and the resources available to support their accommodation. More policies are needed to strengthen the fathers' involvement during antenatal clinic visits, delivery, and postnatal care.