Perceptions of Distressed Fathers in the Early Postpartum Period: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Current literature lacks qualitative information derived from distressed fathers. The aim of this study was to explore distressed fathers’ experiences and needs in the early postpartum period. A descriptive qualitative study design was used. The study took place from October 2018 to December 2018 at the tertiary public hospital in Singapore. A purposive sample of 12 distressed Singaporean fathers were interviewed in this study. Audio recorded interviews were conducted face-to-face using a semistructured interview guide and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Six themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (a) facing the “real deal,” (b) everyday woes, (c) “losing excitement,” (d) “trying to be strong,” (e) “reality check,” and (f) supplementing help for fathers. This study highlights distressed father’s agony and the urgent need for health care professionals and family members to seek acceptability and understanding of fathers’ mental health difficulties in the early postpartum period.