Milton Kotelchuck1,2,3,4, Raymond A Levy5, Hiyam M Nadel6. 1. The Fatherhood Project, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. mkotelchuck@mgh.harvard.edu. 2. Division of General Academic Pediatrics/Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy and Research, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA. mkotelchuck@mgh.harvard.edu. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. mkotelchuck@mgh.harvard.edu. 4. Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. mkotelchuck@mgh.harvard.edu. 5. The Fatherhood Project, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 6. Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing recognition of father's importance for early family health and well-being, there has been very limited attention to men's own experiences and developmental needs antenatally, and specifically during their partner's prenatal care (PNC) visits. This study explores the feasibility of capturing men's own voices; documents their antenatal experiences and needs; assesses their treatment by Obstetric staff; and enquires about additional paternal information and skills desired and how best to provide them. METHODS: All fathers accompanying their partners to PNC services during two weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital were invited to fill out an anonymous, 15-min, two-part, iPad survey. RESULTS: 430 fathers participated (85% of men approached). Fathers expressed high levels of joy and involvement with approaching fatherhood; but 55% also expressed substantial levels of stress, 26% acknowledged depressive symptoms, and 42% reported limited social support for becoming fathers. Substantial men's health needs were noted: 75% were overweight (including 24% obese); 36% lacked an annual physical; and 22% had unplanned pregnancies. Most men (85%) desired additional fathering skills. Fathers perceived being very positively treated by the Obstetric staff, though 33% were never asked any direct questions. Most fathers (68%) expressed a desire or openness for additional parenting information, across a wide range of reproductive health topics, and were very enthusiastic about antenatal fatherhood initiatives. CONCLUSION: PNC sites provide a valuable locus for ascertaining men's/fathers' voices and could be enhanced to address their extensive antenatal needs and foster earlier paternal involvement to improve infant, family, and men's own health.
INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing recognition of father's importance for early family health and well-being, there has been very limited attention to men's own experiences and developmental needs antenatally, and specifically during their partner's prenatal care (PNC) visits. This study explores the feasibility of capturing men's own voices; documents their antenatal experiences and needs; assesses their treatment by Obstetric staff; and enquires about additional paternal information and skills desired and how best to provide them. METHODS: All fathers accompanying their partners to PNC services during two weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital were invited to fill out an anonymous, 15-min, two-part, iPad survey. RESULTS: 430 fathers participated (85% of men approached). Fathers expressed high levels of joy and involvement with approaching fatherhood; but 55% also expressed substantial levels of stress, 26% acknowledged depressive symptoms, and 42% reported limited social support for becoming fathers. Substantial men's health needs were noted: 75% were overweight (including 24% obese); 36% lacked an annual physical; and 22% had unplanned pregnancies. Most men (85%) desired additional fathering skills. Fathers perceived being very positively treated by the Obstetric staff, though 33% were never asked any direct questions. Most fathers (68%) expressed a desire or openness for additional parenting information, across a wide range of reproductive health topics, and were very enthusiastic about antenatal fatherhood initiatives. CONCLUSION: PNC sites provide a valuable locus for ascertaining men's/fathers' voices and could be enhanced to address their extensive antenatal needs and foster earlier paternal involvement to improve infant, family, and men's own health.
Authors: Santana R Silver; Rachel C Whooten; Gracia M Kwete; Haley Farrar-Muir; Rachel N Cournoyer; Elizabeth A Barth; Milton Kotelchuck; Elsie M Taveras Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2022-05-27 Impact factor: 3.105