A mixed-method examination of maternal and paternal nocturnal caregiving

J Pediatr Health Care. 2014 Jul-Aug;28(4):313-21. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2013.07.016. Epub 2013 Sep 3.

Abstract

Objectives: The study objectives were to describe and compare causes of, and activities during, postpartum parents' nocturnal awakenings.

Methods: Twenty-one primiparous postpartum couples were studied for 1 week with qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results: Mothers reported more awakenings per night (3.3 ± 1.1) and more wake time after going to sleep (116.0 ± 60.0 minutes) compared to fathers (2.4 ± 0.5 and 42.7 ± 39.4 minutes, respectively). "Actions taken" during maternal nocturnal awakenings were primarily for infant feeding (49.0%), general infant care (18.5%), and infant changing (12.0%). "Actions taken" during paternal nocturnal awakenings were primarily "passive awakenings" (35.9%), for self-care (18.4%), and for infant feeding (9.4%).

Conclusions: Qualitative analyses revealed ways that new families can optimize the sleep of both parents while also providing optimal nocturnal infant care.

Keywords: Maternal; child care; family; paternal; sleep.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers*
  • Fathers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Parent-Child Relations