First time fathers and their perception of participation in labour and delivery

• Main Author: Rockwell, Beverley
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1986
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/5594/; https://research.library.mun.ca/5594/1/Rockwell_Beverley.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/5594/3/Rockwell_Beverley.pdf

The purposes of this research were to obtain an overview of factors thought to predispose a man to participate in the childbearing cycle, changes occurring in men at this time, their perceptions of their participation and to test for the presence of these factors in a sample of Newfoundland men. The study base was obtained from a review of available literature on expectant fathers. Implications of their participation were obtained from writings which pertained to the changing roles of father's. A conceptual model developed from Role Theory served as a guide for identification and categorization of paternal behaviours described in the literature. Selected variables related to men's backgrounds, physical and/or emotional changes, concerns and their preparation for fatherhood. Immediate post-partum reactions to participation in labour and delivery were explored. Reviewed literature suggested that the needs of fathers are not being met by health professionals, mainly due to lack of empirical knowledge of what these needs are. -- The subjects consisted of 36 first-time fathers who were present during labour and/or delivery. Data collection was by subject interview in early labour and post-delivery questionnaire. Frequencies and means of data were obtained in order to describe the population in relation to the variables being investigated. Factor analysis was performed on the fathers' perceptions of their participation. Tests of significance were performed using identified principal components as the dependent variables. In this manner differences of perceptions of prepared/unprepared fathers and birth attenders/non-attenders were obtained. -- Results revealed the majority of these fathers had experienced psychosocial changes and concerns during their wives' pregnancies. A minority reported physical changes. Prenatal classes had been attended by most of the men and a variety of activities to augment their ability to support their wives during labour were reported. Preparation for the fatherhood role was suggested in ...