First-time Fathers’ Experiences of Childbirth

• Abstract for oral presentation at ICM 29th Triennial Congress Durban, South Africa 19 - 23 June 2011 Title: First- time Fathers’ Experiences of Childbirth- a Phenomenological Study. Name and title of all authors: Åsa Premberg; RNM, MSc, Doctoral student, Gunilla Carlsson , RN, PhD, Associate Professor; Anna-Lena Hellström; RN, Phd, Professor ,Marie Berg; RNM, MNSc, MPH, PhD, Associate Professor Contact e-mail: asa.premberg@gu.se Background and Aim: Fathers have become routine participants during labor and delivery, but since the fathers entered the delivery room in the 1970s, their positions have been ambiguous. The aim of the study was to describe fathers’ experiences during childbirth including caregivers’ support. Setting: The study was performed in the Southwest area of Sweden during the autumn 2008. Ten fathers were located at two hospitals and interviewed 4-6 weeks after the childbirth. Ethical approval was obtained from the Regional Ethical Review Board in Gothenburg Methods: A qualitative method with phenomenological life world approach was chosen. The interviews were guided by a re-enactment method and carried out and analyzed in accordance with Dahlberg (2008). Preliminary results: First-time fathers’ experienced childbirth as a mutually shared process for the couple. This means that the man, in cooperation with the midwife, is highly involved in childbirth with engagement in the process of support and care to the woman in her suffering. However, experience of the woman’s pain, fear of the unknown combined with the gendered preconceptions of masculine hegemony can be hard to bear for the father to be. To maintain and strengthen childbirth as a mutually shared experience for the couple, the father needs to be recognised and supported as a parent to be. Midwives and other caregivers have to acknowledge the fathers role as valued participant, but also support a significant position for the father. Further results, discussion and conclusions are going to be presented at the congress. Keywords. First time Fathers, Childbirth, Experience, Support,

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

First time Fathers

Childbirth

Experience

Support

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