A qualitative study of new fathers' experiences of care in relation to complicated childbirth.

OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to describe new fathers' experiences with care related to complicated childbirth. METHODS A qualitative approach consisting of individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions was applied. A purposive sample of eight fathers participated. The interview text was subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed the following three categories: (1) feeling scared and uncared for during acute situations; (2) appreciating the opportunity to participate in care and becoming a family; and (3) needing continued care. Based on these three categories, a recurring theme was identified: struggling to be recognized by care staff as a partner in the family was revealed. CONCLUSION Although fathers lack support and understanding from care staff, they strive to fulfill their roles as fathers by guarding their families and keeping them together. Caregivers involved in the childbirth process should realize that by acknowledging and encouraging fathers in these roles, they in turn support the entire family unit. Interventions developed for fathers and family care requires further development. Additional research concerning how midwives and critical care nurses (CCNs) view the presence of fathers in the emergency situations that may accompany childbirth is also needed.