Father participation in labor and birth expectations vs. experience

Abstract

This secondary analysis study described the experiences of twelve fathers (out of an original group of 61) whose mates and/or infants were at risk during the pregnancy, labor and birth. The data for the study came from a large project named "Antepartum Stress: Effect on Family Health and Functioning" (Mercer, Ferketich, May, & DeJoseph, 1987). The conceptual framework for the secondary analysis was based on adaptation theory. Fathers' experiences were described in terms of adaptation to fatherhood in four modes: physiologic, self-concept, role function, and interdependence. The data was analyzed by quantitative and qualitative methods. A succinct description of the experience of high-risk fathers is characterized by the phrase one of the fathers used: "like a roller coaster". While 87% of the fathers said they were happy and proud of becoming a father, many expressed fear and concern because their mates and/or infants were at risk. The fathers were present during the labor and delivery of their high-risk infants. The birth was not what they expected but the fathers would not change the experience in retrospect. More exploratory work needs to be done in order to understand the experience of fathers involved in high-risk pregnancy and birth.