[Fathers' childbirth experience and nursing interventions]

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe the childbirth experience of fathers and nursing interventions used during labour and delivery. The data were collected by questionnaires from fathers attending delivery room during one month (n = 137). Five fathers refused to participate. The return rate was 81% out of 132 fathers. Data analysis included cross tabulations, factor analysis as well as content analysis for open ended questions. Nursing interventions which fathers found supportive were infant care, getting information and attention from the staff. Most of the respondents felt they got encouragement to take care of the infant. They also got information of the delivery and newborn's welfare. However, about half felt they got little encouragement to show their own feelings. Fathers found that being present at the delivery was an important part of their fatherhood. The best moments were attached to enjoyment of taking care of the newborn. Fathers felt themselves unable to help their partner enough. They felt very difficult to see their partner in pain. Most of the father were quite satisfied with nursing interventions used during labour. They wanted more attention to be paid to pain management. Fathers would like to get more advice during labour.