Family life starts at home: Fathers’ experiences of a newly implemented Swedish home-based postnatal care model – an interview study

Margareta Johansson,Petra Östlund,Cecilia Holmqvist,Michael B Wells

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2021.103199

Margareta Johansson, Petra Östlund + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2021.103199

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore and describe fathers’ experiences of a newly implemented Swedish home-based postnatal care model. DesignA descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted as a part of a larger study. SettingFamilies who qualified to be discharged early were offered to participate in a postnatal home-based model of midwifery care by a hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants and MeasurementsIn total, 16 fathers participated in a semi-structured telephone interview, averaging 43 min. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. FindingsThree major themes emerged: To decide on home- or hospital-based postnatal care – a matter of safety, To be offered professional midwifery postnatal support at home, and To be at home helped fathers to navigate parenthood. Fathers appreciated the home-based postnatal care and felt safe because of the received professional support from midwives. Key conclusionsHome-based postnatal care was valued by fathers whose partner had a non-complicated vaginal birth because they felt safe in their home environment and supported by midwives. The home environment aided fathers in supporting their partners and developing a father-infant bond. Implications for practiceHome-based postnatal care was valued by fathers and should be considered an option for new families. To offer home-based postnatal care may result in less overcrowded postnatal wards. Midwives need to enable fathers’ participation and support their parental role regardless of where the care takes place.

Highlights

Fathers who are involved in their infants’ care from the beginning are more likely to be involved throughout their children’s lives (Scism and Cobb, 2017; Shorey et al, 2019)
The current qualitative study assessed fathers’ views of a new Swedish home-based postnatal midwifery-led care model. Fathers valued this model because they felt safe in their home environment, could attend to and engage with their other children, and felt supported by midwives
Home-based postnatal care was valued by fathers because they felt safe in their home environment and supported by midwives

Summary

Introduction

Fathers who are involved in their infants’ care from the beginning are more likely to be involved throughout their children’s lives (Scism and Cobb, 2017; Shorey et al, 2019). The postnatal period is a critical phase in the lives of new families, and receiving professional support plays an important role (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). A Midwifery 105 (2022) 103199 recent Swedish study found that fathers reported receiving the least amount of support from postnatal midwives compared to prenatal and intrapartum midwives (Wells and Aronson, 2021). This lack of postnatal support alienates fathers from their parental role, which is disadvantageous both to them as individuals, as well as for mothers and their infants (Wells, 2016). Fathers may benefit from receiving equitable professional support and advice regarding caring for their infant, the mother, and their new family (The Swedish Association of Midwives, Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Swedish Neonatal Society, 2013)

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