Australian fathers’ experiences of caring for their preterm infants
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7155597 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Esther Adama (0000-0002-7771-2722, Federation University Australia, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Discipline of Nursing Victoria Australia, corresponding author), Eric Adua (0000-0002-6865-3812, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health Adelaide South Australia Australia), Evalotte Mörelius (0000-0002-3256-5407, Edith Cowan University), Annie Chang (0000-0002-9342-064X, Edith Cowan University), Ravisha Srinivasjois (0000-0003-0991-854X, Joondalup Health Campus Joondalup Western Australia Australia), Sara Baye (0000-0001-7121-9593, Edith Cowan University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 298-316 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Infant Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0163-9641 • E-ISSN: 1097-0355 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/imhj.70011 |
| PMID | 40173282 |
| OpenAlex | W4409147518 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 42 |
Fathers and/or non‐birthing partners are now actively involved in child‐rearing globally; however some experience emotional difficulties during the perinatal period. With the birth of a preterm infant, parents experience additional stress beyond that normally engendered by having a baby, which can impact on parent‐infant relationship and infant development. In Australia, there is limited evidence on fathers’ experiences of preterm birth. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Australian fathers of preterm infants including their emotional and physical wellbeing when they have a preterm infant. Narrative inquiry guided the study; 13 fathers whose preterm infant was admitted to Australian neonatal units participated in in‐depth interviews lasting 22–72 min. Data analysis generated four themes: (i) emotional response, (ii) fathers’ wellbeing, (iii) fathering in neonatal unit and during transition home (iv) fathers’ needs in the neonatal unit. The findings revealed that fathers felt emotionally overwhelmed, had specific needs but their role in the neonatal unit was not well defined and they felt mothers were given more attention. Despite feeling excluded, many continued to support their partner and infant. Health professionals must be aware of their unconscious biases toward gender roles in the neonatal unit and utilize strategies to actively include fathers and non‐birthing partners
Developmental psychology · Feeling · Family and Disability Support Research · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology
Central effects of stress hormones in health and disease
Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes
Men's Psychological Transition to Fatherhood
Thematic Analysis
Associations of Partnership Quality and Father-to-Child Attachment During the Peripartum Period. A Prospective-Longitudinal Study in Expectant Fathers
Narrative Inquiry
Narrative Research
Stories of Experience and Narrative Inquiry
Trustful bonds
Fatherhood of a Premature Infant
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |