First-time fathers’ experiences and needs during childbirth:A brief review

Background: Fathers have been increasingly involved in childbirth since ۱۹۹۰.Attendance at childbirth is considered to benefit fathers’ health as well as that of their partner andchildren. However, childbirth is a life event that parents may experience differently. First-timefathers’ experiences have been barely studied and may differ from those of fathers who havealready had a child. In order to adapt support and care during childbirth to the needs of first-timefathers, a deeper insight must be gained into their experiences and needs during childbirth. So, thepresent study was designed to investigate the First-time fathers’ experiences and needs duringchildbirth. Methods: The present study was a review study designed in ۲۰۲۲. The search wasconducted in international and national databases, including Scientific Information Database(SID), PubMed and Scopus, using the following keywords: “First-time fathers”, “Experiences”and “Childbirth”. Summaries of articles published in congresses and conferences were excludedfrom the study. Initially, ۱۶ articles in English or Persian were finally evaluated. Results: Thereview of various studies showed that amongst other feelings, fathers experience a lack ofknowledge and a need to be better prepared. First- time fathers want to be more involved and needguidance, information and honest answers to help them fulfil a supportive role. Fathers disregardtheir own needs to focus on the needs of the mother. Meeting the baby for the first time changesthe focus from the mother to the child, and fathers need time and privacy for this special moment.Conclusion: To adapt support and care during childbirth to the needs of first-time fathers,professionals must be aware of their needs. healthcare professionals to pay more attention tofathers when delivering perinatal care. Sociocultural-sensitive interventions should be developedto facilitate a smoother transition to fatherhood