Fathers' self-reported wellbeing in the first postnatal year: How can health visitors help?

Abstract

For some fathers the transition to parenthood is an emotional time, affecting their physical and emotional wellbeing. This review aimed to examine fathers' wellbeing needs and support preferences in the first postnatal year, and explore how health visitors can help. A systematic meta-synthesis was conducted and studies published between 2009 and 2019 analysed using Prisma and CASP tools. A total of 15 studies were identified and the following themes extracted: forming an identity as a father; relationships; and emotional/physical wellbeing and father's support preferences. There were five sub-themes: work/home role; supporter/protector role; parental relationship; and father–baby relationship and father/health relationship. It is concluded that emotions relating to role negotiation, self-efficacy and separation/rejection affected wellbeing, and fathers felt ignored and sidelined by health professionals. Support preferences included more knowledge on the postnatal period, father/nurse groups, targeted leaflets and direction to online services. Health visitors need to improve awareness around paternal wellbeing, starting with SCPHN training. Inviting fathers to all appointments or innovative telephone contacts would promote a more father-focused service.