Peer-reviewed article
Fathers' Newborn Care-Related Experiences: A Qualitative Study on Factors Affecting Their Participation in Neonatal Care and Support Needs.
Arslanlı SE, Aygüler E, Kasımoğlu N, Çelik İ ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study explores fathers' experiences with newborn care, examining what factors help or hinder their involvement. Fathers expressed willingness to participate in feeding and hygiene care but faced barriers including lack of confidence, limited paternity leave, and traditional gender roles. The research identifies support needs including training from healthcare professionals and family-centered policies. The study suggests that strengthening fathers' caregiving skills and creating supportive work and family policies could increase their participation in newborn care.
Key points
- Fathers were willing to participate in newborn care, particularly in feeding and basic hygiene practices
- Lack of experience, fear of harming the baby, and low self-confidence were significant difficulties fathers experienced
- Wives, healthcare professionals, and family members were identified as important sources of support for fathers
- Demanding work schedules, limited paternity leave, and traditional gender roles were major barriers to participation
- Healthcare professionals should develop father-focused training programmes and policies supporting paternity leave to increase involvement
Limitations
This qualitative study does not specify which country or countries the research was conducted in, and as a phenomenological interview study, findings may not be generalizable across different cultural contexts or healthcare systems. The study captures fathers' perceptions and experiences but does not measure actual child health outcomes or developmental impacts.
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate fathers' newborn care-related experiences, identify the factors affecting their participation in the care process and explore their support needs. Methods This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews conducted based on a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis method. Results Fathers were willing to participate in newborn care and were particularly involved in practices such as feeding and basic hygiene care. Lack of experience, fear of harming the baby and lack of self-confidence regarding caregiving skills emerged as significant difficulties experienced by the fathers in newborn care. The fathers pointed out that their wives, healthcare professionals and family members were important sources of support, while demanding work schedules, limited paternity leave and traditional gender roles were among the leading barriers limiting their participation in caregiving. Conclusion The fathers were willing to participate in newborn care, but their participation in the care process was limited owing to individual, social and structural barriers. It is believed that strengthening their caregiving skills and creating supportive environmental conditions will increase their participation in newborn care. Implications for practice Healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric and neonatal nurses, should develop father-focused training programmes and provide guidance on care practices to encourage fathers to participate in newborn care actively. Developing policies that support paternity leave and family-centred care practices can also increase fathers' involvement in early infant care.