Title. The transition to parenthood: what does it mean for fathers? Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the needs of first-time fathers in relation to the care, support and education provided by healthcare professionals during the antenatal period, particularly in relation to preparing them for the transition to fatherhood. Background. Pregnancy and transition to parenthood are major developmental periods within families throughout the world. Previous research suggests that fathers in many different countries feel unprepared for parenthood. Methods. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 partners of primiparous women from two healthcare provider organizations in South-West England between December 2005 and July 2006. Recruitment took place at about 28 weeks gestation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken at home in the last trimester of pregnancy and 3–4 months postpartum. Content analysis of the interview data was undertaken. Findings. Several common themes emerged from both the ante- and postnatal data, including lack of support mechanisms, involvement in antenatal provision and the need for more information given in the antenatal period on parenting, baby care and relationships. Conclusions. Adequately preparing new fathers for parenthood in advance of the birth of their baby is important, and healthcare professionals can contribute to this by involving and supporting new fathers. Further study is needed to explore the role of fathers in antenatal education and the types of interventions that are effective in improving their early experiences of parenthood. The study needs to be repeated with fathers from black and ethnic minority groups.

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The transition to parenthood: what does it mean for fathers?

This paper describes an all-male discussion forum for expectant fathers led by a male facilitator. The 617 participants completed an evaluation form and were unanimous in their agreement about the benefits of the forum, in particular the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to them with others in a similar situation. The results should encourage those developing antenatal education programs to be more inclusive of expectant fathers and to acknowledge their feelings, unique role, and contribution.

/pdf/all-male-discussion-forums-for-expectant-fathers-evaluation-1lbfhygvyr.pdf

All-male discussion forums for expectant fathers: evaluation of a model.

Studies of childbirth education have universally failed to take into account the quality of the education provided to women and their families and whether its style of delivery meets women's preferences and needs. The present study sought to determine which educational approaches are most welcomed by women and most helpful to them in learning about labor, birth, and early parenting. A systematic survey of peer-reviewed studies on antenatal education, published in English from 1996‐2006 and which sought women's views and experiences, was conducted. Findings confirm women's preference for a small-group learning environment in which they can talk to each other as well as the educator and can relate information to their individual circumstances.

/pdf/information-giving-and-education-in-pregnancy-a-review-of-44tafvgz9i.pdf

Information giving and education in pregnancy: a review of qualitative studies.

Women׳s views on partnership working with midwives during pregnancy and childbirth

Background: Despite the growing body of literature, the reality of getting evidence into practice remains problematic.



Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish levels of research awareness amongst registered health care professionals (RHCPs) and the influence of research awareness on evidence-based practice activities.



Design and Methods: This was a descriptive quantitative study. A convenience sample of 2,126 registered RHCPs working in a large acute hospital in Northeast England, the United Kingdom was used. A self-completion Research Awareness Questionnaire (RAQ) was directed towards measuring RHCP: attitudes towards research, understanding of research and the research process, and associations with practising using an evidence base. Data were entered into a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) database and descriptive and inferential statistics were used.



Findings: A total of 843 questionnaires were returned. Seven hundred and thirty-three (91%) RHCPs overwhelmingly agreed with the principle that evidence-based practice has a large part to play in improving patient care. This point was reinforced by 86% (n= 701) of respondents strongly agreeing or agreeing with the idea that evidence-based practice is the way forward to change clinical practice. Significant associations were noted between levels of confidence to undertake a piece of research and whether the individual had received adequate information about the research process, had basic knowledge and understanding of the research process, or had research awareness education or training.



Conclusions: The study shows that RHCPs, regardless of position or grade, have a positive attitude towards research but face many obstacles. The key obstacles are lack of time, support, knowledge, and confidence. To address these obstacles, it is imperative that the organisation adopts a structured and coordinated approach to enable and empower individuals to practice using an evidence base.

https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1741-6787.2006.00059.x

Research awareness: An important factor for evidence-based practice?

Fathers wish to attend parenthood education sessions but may have no real input into the educational content. This small study asked first-time fathers to indicate topics for discussion at midwife-led courses. The results indicate that new fathers wish to gain knowledge about their unique role in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. The least favoured topics included both breast and bottle-feeding. If sessions remain exclusively woman-focused then these interested new fathers will not gain the knowledge they seek.

Antenatal information wanted by first-time fathers

The decision-making power base in maternity care has altered in the last century with recent government documents suggesting that it be more women-centred. Those midwives who do not use evidenced-based practice and who teach, support and demonstrate ritualistic practices without reference to the substantial research available, are limiting women's choice(s) in maternity care. In a trial (Fleming et al, 2001), investigating whether routine suturing of perineal lacerations is required, the researchers concluded that midwives appeared to have attempted to influence the outcome because of their own deep-held beliefs about suturing. The rationale for this behaviour is not always easy to understand and it is examined here to determine what concepts are influencing these practices. First, is this behaviour a way of raising the midwife's profile as an expert or are midwives in fact feeling less the expert of normal childbirth as their role is eroded by other disciplines? Second, are midwives trying to regain auto...

Mary McElligott

Papers

Antenatal information wanted by first-time fathers

How midwives' attitudes can affect the research process