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Experiences of a Father-to-Be

 

            A typical North-American father's experience of pregnancy tends to be more stress related and carries with it feelings of incompetence. The mother is able to feel the baby move and shares a physical experience as the baby is nurtured from within. She and the infant share significant changes from body size to hormone levels. Through this shared experience, a natural attachment with the baby grows before the baby is born. Fathers do not actually feel the baby grow. All that is perceptible to them is the outward changes in their spouse/partner. This can make the transition to fatherhood surreal to them. Subsequently, most fathers feel the need to go above and beyond to make their partner as happy and comfortable as she can be while they are pregnant. In some cases, the father will put the mother's needs and desires above their own. With this transitional experience, comes natural feelings of anxiety, worry, fear and ineptitude. Fathers should be more involved in the birthing process and information sharing in the birthing environment. Deave and Johnson (2008) explore the needs of first-time fathers in relation to the care, support and education provided by healthcare professionals during the antenatal period, particularly in relation to preparing them for the transition to fatherhood. Boyce, Condon, Barton, and Corkindale (2007) found that fathers who had insufficient information about pregnancy and childbirth were at risk of being distressed, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to providing information to men about their partner's pregnancy, childbirth and issues relating to caring for a newborn. Draper (2003) states that by healthcare professionals providing insight into men's passage to fatherhood, they thereby create the potential for more effective support for expectant parents. Friedewald and Newing (2006) report provides testimonials of an all-male discussion forum called "Father-Time: Welcome to the rest of your life".


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