Transition to Fatherhood: Lamaze Preparation, Adjustment Difficulty and the Husband-Wife Relationship

Abstract

This study investigates change in the husband-wife relationship, Lamaze training and age of the infant in relation to adjustment difficulty in the transition to fatherhood. Forty-six fathers in three age of baby/Lamaze training groups responded to a questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Results indicate that items related to the husband-wife relationship are highly correlated with total adjustment difficulty and perceived change. Lack of knowledge about parenting is also predictive of high adjustment difficulty. However, Lamaze training does not result in an easier adjustment to fatherhood. Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for parenthood preparation.