First-time fathers' experiences of normal childbirth

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe first-time fathers' experiences of normal childbirth.

Design: A qualitative interview study using a thematic analysis for analysing the transcripts.

Participants: purposeful sampling was used. Eight men were interviewed two to six months after experiencing childbirth. Participants were men who had become fathers for the first time.

Setting: A county located in the middle of Sweden covering both urban and rural areas.

Findings: The analysis resulted in one major theme - a transformative experience - with four sub-themes: preparing for childbirth, feeling vulnerable in a new situation, being confirmed as part of a unit, and meeting their child for the first time.

Key conclusions: The findings indicate that the needs of prospective fathers should be given more recognition during childbirth. The findings also show that the midwife is an important person for prospective fathers, both before and during the birth.

Implications for practice: The findings of the study show what affects first-time fathers' experiences of childbirth. By listening to fathers and recognising them as part of a unit with the woman giving birth, midwifes can support them and increase their participation. Thereby, they can find their role in an unfamiliar situation and thus have a positive experience of childbirth.

Keywords: Childbirth; Experiences; First-time father; Qualitative study; Thematic analysis.