Fathers' experiences with the skin-to-skin method in NICU: Competent parenthood and redefined gender roles
Introduction
The skin-to-skin (STS) method has been proven to have a stabilizing effect on the immature function of the organ systems in premature infants (Charpak et al., 2005; Beal, 2005). The method has also been shown to improve the mothers' breastfeeding abilities and facilitate the early attachment process between mother and infant (Charpak et al., 2005; Tessier et al., 1998). While the bonding process is already affected by the uncertainty and fears that are naturally related to having a premature infant (Fegran et al., 2008), the physical environment and resource constraints of the NICU can additionally result in an undesirable separation of the mother and infant. The STS method may therefore be used to counteract the delayed bonding process for the mother and infant due to time spent apart. Few studies have examined the psychological effect of STS on both parents. These studies find that the dynamics of the family improves and parental ability to respond to the needs of the infant also improves (Feldman et al., 2002, 2003). Even fewer studies concentrate exclusively on the STS method from the perspective of the father. These studies, however find a difference in the emotional experiences of mothers and fathers in being a parent of a premature infant and also in regards to the use of the STS method (Fegran et al., 2008; Blomqvist et al., 2011).
The aim of this study is to explore how fathers of premature infants experience and potentially benefit from using the STS method during their infants admission to the NICU.
Section snippets
Methodological approach
The study was conducted using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach in capturing the lived experience of the fathers concerning the STS method, but also to widen and deepen the understanding of these experiences by using a theoretical framework in the interpretation of the data, as described by Kvale and Brinkman (2009).
Inclusion criteria
The following inclusion criteria were used: 1) Danish-speaking fathers, 2) Infant gestational age (GA) < 35 weeks which is based on the STS method being primarily used in
Findings
Three overarching themes emerged as a final result of the analysis process.
Discussion
One study finds that “being able to act” is of great importance for fathers of premature infants, and that fathers are ready to relate to their newborn early on (Fegran et al., 2008). Our study finds similar experiences. The fathers in the current study emphasize the importance of practical skills and the ability to “act” and gain an important role due to the use of the STS method. The fathers feel satisfaction in being able to care for their infant in a competent manner. The STS method helps
Relate findings to practice
It is of great importance to treat the father as an equal and significant parent. Often the focus is aimed on the mother as the primary caregiver for the infant by the fathers themselves, the nurses and the hospital services as a whole. The challenge for the nurse lies within helping the father to define his own role in relation to his infant and his partner. Thereby, the individual resources of the parents can contribute to a strong and competent parenthood. Several fathers emphasize the
Limitations of the study
The limitation of the semi-structured design is the potential risk of excluding points of view that are not brought to attention by the interview questions. However, the methodological approach resulted in specific and detailed findings regarding the study aims. The use of quotations enables the reader to assess the authenticity of the emerged themes strengthening the credibility of the study. The strength of the results is also found in regards to dependability, since only one author conducted
Conclusion
The fathers in this study express a great desire to play an important and caring role in their newborn infants' life. The STS method enhances their abilities to do so. The method helps fathers view culturally defined gender roles in a new perspective and enhances an understanding of their own role in relation to their infant.
Health professionals in the NICU should ascribe fathers' equal and important roles in their infant's life by promoting the use of the STS method in order to enhance a
Conflict of interest
None declared. No funding sources for research or nonauthor contributions have been used.
The paper emanates from an academic project, in the Master of Health Science programme, Copenhagen University.
References (16)
- Abstinenser, neonatal (withdrawal symptoms, neonatal). Link:...
Nordic Statistical Yearbook
(2010)Evidence for best practices in the neonatal period
MCN
(2005)Kangaroo Mother Care helps fathers of preterm infants gain confidence in the paternal role
Journal of Advanced Nursing
(2011)Kangaroo Mother Care: 25 years after
Acta Pædiatrica
(2005)The Reproduction of Mothering. Psychoanalysis and the Sociology of Gender
(1999)- et al.
Doing Qualitative Research
(1999) The Danish Data Protection Agency
(2010)
Cited by (0)
- 1
Current address: The University Hospitals' Center for Nursing and Care Research (UCSF), Copenhagen, Denmark.