Present as a partner and a parent

Mothers’ and fathers’ perspectives on father participation in prenatal care

Datos Bibliográficos

ID11277286
AutoresTova Walsh (0000-0002-3653-2530, Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work University of Wisconsin‐Madison, autor de correspondencia), Emma Carpenter (0000-0002-4473-0908, The University of Texas at Austin), Molly A Costanzo (0000-0002-5082-8725, Institute for Research on Poverty), Lanikque Howard (Office of Community Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF)), Rachel Reynders (Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work University of Wisconsin‐Madison)
Año2021
Volumen42
Número3
Páginas386-399
Fecha de publicación2021-05-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInfant Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0163-9641 • E-ISSN: 1097-0355
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/imhj.21920
PMID33955042
OpenAlexW3157768241
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas33

Supportive father involvement during pregnancy can positively impact maternal and child outcomes. Father participation in prenatal care is increasing, yet little research exists to understand how mothers and fathers experience father participation in prenatal care and their preferences for father participation. We interviewed expectant first‐time mothers ( N = 22) and fathers ( N = 20) to learn about fathers’ participation in prenatal care, perceptions of providers’ treatment of fathers, and preferences for father participation. Interviews were coded using principles of grounded theory. Father participation ranged from attendance at visits considered “important” (e.g., ultrasounds) to attendance at every appointment. Experiences of father participation varied, with many describing it as both an important act of support for the mother and part of assuming the role of father. Most participants saw great value in father participation in prenatal care as an opportunity for fathers to learn how to support a healthy pregnancy, bond with their developing baby, and share joy and/or worries with mothers. Participants generally felt that fathers were made to feel welcome and wanted providers to be inclusive of fathers during appointments. Results of this study suggest that father participation presents an opportunity for prenatal care providers to foster fathers’ positive involvement in pregnancy, support for mothers, and preparation to parent

Attendance · Developmental psychology · Perception · Pregnancy · Prenatal care · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology