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Paternal involvement after perinatal death
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Summary
Many fathers experience grief after perinatal death. Paternal involvement, including birth presence and holding the baby, was linked to cohabitation and gestational age, highlighting the need for father-inclusive grief support.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Perinatal death significantly impacts families, yet paternal involvement in grief processes is understudied.
- Understanding fathers' roles is crucial for comprehensive bereavement care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine paternal involvement following perinatal death in a diverse, lower socioeconomic status population.
- To identify factors influencing paternal engagement during bereavement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 722 perinatal death cases (miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death ≤12 hours).
- Indicators of paternal involvement included presence at birth, holding the baby, and attending follow-up appointments.
- Data collected from Shands Hospital at the University of Florida (July 1978–April 1991).
Main Results:
- Over half of fathers attended the birth; a quarter held their baby; one-fifth attended follow-up appointments.
- Paternal-maternal cohabitation was the strongest predictor of involvement.
- Race, marital status, employment, and gestational age also influenced paternal presence and engagement.
Conclusions:
- Fathers experience significant perinatal grief, necessitating their inclusion in bereavement counseling.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and support paternal involvement after perinatal loss.
- Clinical interventions should consider socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing paternal engagement.