The effect of kangaroo care practice after caesarean section on paternal-newborn interaction: A mixed-methods study in Turkey

Abstract

ObjectivesThe first meeting of the mother with the newborn after the caesarean section is usually delayed due to some reasons in Turkey. Although there are many benefits of applying kangaroo care (KC) between mother and newborn, there are a limited number of studies on the application of KC between newborn and father after caesarean section in international literature. This study was conducted to determine the effect of kangaroo care between father and newborn after caesarean section. MethodA mixed-methods study was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and video recordings. While KC was applied to a couple of the father and the newborn in the experimental group, no application was given to the control group. The study sample consisted of 30 control group participants and 30 experimental group participants, from 60 planned caesarean delivered newborns and their fathers. In this process, newborns’ (heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation rate, body temperature) and fathers’ (feelings and behavior) characteristics were recorded. The data collection complied with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. ResultsNo significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of newborns’ mean heart rate (p>0.005). On the other hand, the respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and the mean body temperature values showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.005). The differences between the two groups were significant in terms of the happiness levels of the father and newborn pair and the calmness of the newborns (p ≤ 0.005). DiscussionThe finding that respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and mean body temperature values were within normal limits in the control group, despite being showed significant differences from the KC group, also supports the benefit of the father's involvement in KC. Almost all of the fathers in the study group reported that KC had a positive effect on their interaction with their newborns and that they were satisfied with the experience. KC should be disseminated and routinely applied.