The Experience of Australia's First Nations Men Supporting Their Partners During Childbirth: A Descriptive, Interpretive Study

• Published in: International Journal of Childbirth
• Main Authors: Blanc, Yordanka Berg, Dietsch, Elaine
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Publishing Company 2018
• Subjects: Nursing; Other health sciences; Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Australia's First Nations expectant fathers; culture; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10072/390801; https://doi.org/10.1891/2156-5287.8.4.216

This research explored and described the experiences of Australia's First Nations expectant fathers as they supported their partners during childbirth. A descriptive, interpretive approach used purposive recruitment to the point of data saturation. Five participants were interviewed within 4 days of supporting their partners during childbirth. Interview data were thematically analyzed, and five themes emerged. Three themes were consistent with findings from non–First Nations fathers. Two new themes related to changes in childbearing traditions, “we show affection in different way” and staff support strategies, “educate dads by telling stories about birth”; will be closely examined in this article. This research identified the existence of a new generation of First Nations fathers in Central Australia wishing to guide and support their partners in their journey to parenthood. The development of support programs, responsive to their unique ways of knowing and learning style, will ensure that their needs are optimally met. Full Text