The role of the father during childbirth

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the role of the fathers during childbirth. A purposeful sample of twelve fathers who attended childbirth was chosen for the study. Data· was collected through tape-recorded semi-structured interviews conducted in the post-natal ward of the local general hospital, one or two days following birth. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the phenomenological method proposed by Moustakas (1994). Findings indicated that the fathers were present during birth mainly to provide emotional support to their partners and to witness the birth of their child. Some of the first-time fathers were feeling unprepared for the experience, while the second time-fathers were feeling prepared, as they already had an experience of childbirth. The fathers found childbirth an emotionally highly charged experience. The first stage of labour was found to be more stressful than the actual birth. Fathers were worried and afraid because they did not know what to expect during childbirth. Seeing their wife in pain aroused feelings of sadness, frustration, fear, helplessness and guilt. However, the second stage of labour, the birth of the baby, was characterized by positive feelings, as the fathers were happy to see and hold the baby for the first time. Moreover, they were relieved and grateful that there were no complications for their partner and the baby. All the fathers, except one believed that participating during childbirth was beneficial to them and their partners. They responded that their attendance during childbirth helped their partner feel more relaxed, gave her a sense of well-being, security and ability to cope better with the pain. Moreover, the fathers felt rewarded and had a sense of achievement from participating during childbirth. It was interesting to find that not all the fathers considered their participation during childbirth as beneficial in strengthening the bond with their wife and the baby. The study recommendations include the need for reorganization of the antenatal classes to prepare better the fathers regarding the realities of the labour and ways of being helpful during childbirth. Moreover, nurses and midwives should pay more · attention in providing support and guidance to the fathers during childbirth.