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Paternal perspectives of the childbirth experience
1School of Nursing, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
Maternal-Child Nursing Journal
|July 1, 1993
Summary
First-time fathers reported mixed emotions during childbirth, with labor evoking both positive and negative feelings. However, the overall birth experience was perceived positively, with fathers feeling most helpful to their partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Paternal involvement during childbirth is increasingly recognized.
- Understanding fathers' perspectives is crucial for perinatal care.
- Limited research exists on first-time fathers' emotional responses to childbirth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore first-time fathers' feelings about labor and childbirth.
- To identify paternal behaviors perceived as most helpful during delivery.
- To compare experiences based on attendance at childbirth education classes.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study using open-ended questions.
- Data collected from first-time fathers.
- Analysis of responses from fathers who attended and did not attend prenatal classes.
Main Results:
- Labor evoked both positive and negative emotional responses in fathers.
- The birth experience was predominantly perceived as positive.
- Fathers believed their presence and actions were most helpful to their partners.
Conclusions:
- First-time fathers experience a range of emotions during childbirth.
- Prenatal preparation may influence, but does not solely determine, childbirth experiences.
- Fathers perceive their role as supportive and valuable during labor and delivery.