Influence de la participation aux cours prénataux sur le sentiment de sécurité et le bonding paternel dans le postpartum

Abstract

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of antenatal class attendance on paternal security and bonding in the postpartum period, while the secondary aim was to investigate fathers’ interest in attending antenatal classes. MethodsA total of 375 fathers living in France answered several questions online about their participation in prenatal classes as well as questionnaires assessing the sense of postnatal security and bonding quality. ResultsIn general, the results showed a non-significant difference in terms of bonding and sense of security between fathers who attended multiple sessions and those who attended fewer or no sessions of antenatal classes. Nevertheless, participation in prenatal classes and socio-demographic factors explain together a significant part of the paternal feeling of postnatal security and bonding. In addition, a majority of the participants stated that they would be interested in participating or increasing their participation in birth/childbirth preparation and parenting classes. ConclusionsThese results highlight the importance of further exploring the effect of prenatal classes on the paternal postpartum experience in order to propose adapted and inclusive prenatal accompaniments for future fathers.