FIRST-TIME DADS PERINATAL EXPERIENCE:

BASIS FOR INVOLVEMENT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

Transition to parenthood is a major life development both for man and

woman decision to start a family life. For most women, pregnancy marks the start
of a womens milestone to motherhood as she goes along dramatic physiological
and psychological changes in childbearing process. Several studies have examined
mothers perinatal experience was largely considered a feminine development in a
womens lives and relatively a minor events in mens lives. First-time fatherhood
experience challenge mens gender role as they perceived expectations to their
new role. Their preparedness for the physical, emotional and mental health as they
embarked in their symbolic involvement to the reality of pregnancy up to the birth
of their firstborn. Changes in mens lives as fathers also have an implication for
womens lives too.

While most studies examined mothers experience from pregnancy, labor

and postpartum, much have taken account to the roles of first-time dad in this
significant event of their lives. The fathers experience is frequently identified as of
lesser importance than the mothers and minimal emphasis has been placed on the
nurturing role of fathers (Halle et al, 2008). Like the mothers, fathers also go
through stages in their involvement to pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal
experience. They must come to term with their transition in family roles and
responsibilities and deal with their own feelings.

Previous studies describe fathers preparing for childbirth as reading books,

participating in antenatal care visits and engaging in dialogue with friends and their
partners, Bckstrm C, Hertfelt Wahn E (2011) Hallgren A, Kihlgren M, Forslin L,
Norberg A (1999).

Fathers participation in childbirth education and how to prepare men for

fatherhood are now an interest of researchers in different countries (Draper,2002,
2003; Finnbogadottir, Svalenius, & Persson,2003; Johnson, 2002; Kalia-Behm &
Vehilainen-Julkunen, 2000; Lupton & Barclay, 1997; Polomeno,1998; Ross, 2001;
Smith, 1999; Tiedje, 2001). According to the research of Dellman (2004), most
men find childbirth both wonderful and distressing. They often don't live up to
their expectations and are confused about their role. Fathers cooperation in the
pregnancy process is highly effective in their own, mothers, infants, and families
health Bartlett EE (2004).

Being present during childbirth is also an important part of the process of

becoming a father Vehvilinen-Julkunen K, Liukkonen A (1998). The birth of their
first-born provided a different perspective from a very intense period of hands-on
involvement to their new baby.
Overview
Childbirth is a significant event and positive experience for most women. Giving
birth was considered a feminine action in life and men were left out. Several
research have examined mothers experience during labor and delivery. Fathering
is also an evolutionary change for the men especially for the first time and
fathering. Fathers physical, emotional, mental health and their ability to support
the woman have been less taken into account in comparison to the mothers
psychological changes.
Therefore, a as midwives, we are interested to gain understanding of the fathers
experience of childbirth - how this experience influences their well-being, their
coping style in preparation for first time fatherhood and their participation that will
enhances the mothers well-being and to their childs attachment.
The result of this study will contribute to the welfare of the father in this life-
changing experience and will abate their nervous feelings, anxiety, irritation and
frustration. Father should be compelled to participate, provide support and strength
to their partner during labor and delivery. Conducting health education to men who
are parent-to-be may reduce the distress levels and improve paternal satisfaction.
Thus paternal training should be considered as part of pregnancy care programs.