Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Midwives and the Transition to Fatherhood

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Perspectives on Midwifery and Parenthood

  • 349 Accesses

Abstract

The transition to fatherhood has been described as a physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual journey. Nevertheless, it has been acknowledged that fatherhood is a somewhat neglected concept within society, with its importance often being overlooked. The involvement of fathers in the parenthood journey has long-term social and economic benefits not only for themselves and their families but also for society at large. Despite this, men have reported feeling as though society does not attribute the same importance to new fatherhood as it does to motherhood, even though many men become fathers. Research has highlighted how new fatherhood presents itself with many contradictions as most men struggle with the idea of their expanding roles and their changed lifeworlds. Indeed, many men have described new fatherhood as being a difficult experience, one that requires endurance and patience. Many men have also reported feeling excluded within maternity settings by the professionals they encounter. This has implications for men’s mental health and well-being and for midwifery practice. Nevertheless, the midwife has been identified as a key supportive figure who can help men traverse the transition to fatherhood.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 89.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Baldwin S, Malone M, Sandall J, Bick D. Mental health and wellbeing during the transition to fatherhood: a systematic review of first time fathers’ experiences. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 2018;16(11):2118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayne E. Womb envy: the cause of misogyny and even male achievement? Womens Stud Int Forum. 2011;34:151–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berryman JC, Windridge KC. Pregnancy after 35 and attachment to the fetus. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 1996;14(2):133–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borg Cunen N. Parents’ experiences of conceptualising and relating to their unborn child: a constructivist grounded theory. PhD thesis. Hull: University of Hull; 2021.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borg Xuereb R. The needs of Maltese first-time parents during their transition to parenthood—implications for the development of an educational programme. PhD thesis. Malta: University of Malta; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cassidy J. The nature of the child’s ties. In: Cassidy J, Shaver PR, editors. Handbook of attachment: theory, research and clinical applications. 2nd ed. New York: Giford Press; 2008. p. 3–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Before pregnancy—information for men. 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/preconception/men.html. Accessed 30 May 2021.

  • Christie SA. A qualitative study: a Maltese male perspective on revealing their emotions. B.Psy. (Hons.) thesis. Msida: University of Malta; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  • Condon JT. The parental-foetal relationship: a comparison of male and female expectant parents. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 1985;4(4):271–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Condon JT, Boyce P, Corkindale CJ. First-time fathers’ study: a prospective study of the mental health and well-being of men during the transition to parenthood. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2004;38:56–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deave T, Johnson D. The transition to parenthood: what does it mean for fathers? J Adv Nurs. 2008;63(6):626–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Della Vedova AM, Dabrassi F, Imbasciati A. Assessing prenatal attachment in a sample of Italian women. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2008;26(2):86–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dermott E. Intimate fatherhood: a sociological analysis. Oxon: Routledge; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dolan A, Coe C. Men, masculine identities and childbirth. Sociol Health Illn. 2011;33(7):1019–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Draper J. ‘It’s the first scientific evidence’: men’s experience of pregnancy confirmation. J Adv Nurs. 2002;39(6):563–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Draper J. Blurring, moving and broken boundaries: men’s encounters with the pregnant body. Sociol Health Illn. 2003a;25(7):743–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Draper J. Men’s passage to fatherhood: an analysis of the contemporary relevance of transition theory. Nurs Inq. 2003b;10(1):66–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eddy B, Poll V, Whiting J, Clevesy M. Forgotten fathers: postpartum depression in men. J Fam Issues. 2019;40(8):1001–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X19833111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fenwick J, Bayes S, Johansson M. A qualitative investigation into the pregnancy experiences and childbirth expectations of Australian fathers-to-be. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2012;3(1):3–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finnbogadóttir H, Svalenius EC, Persson EK. Expectant first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Midwifery. 2003;19(2):96–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gatrell C. Hard labour: the sociology of parenthood. Berkshire: Open University Press; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaunt R. Maternal gatekeeping: antecedents and consequences. J Fam Issues. 2008;29(3):373–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George C, Solomon J. The caregiving system: a behavioural systems approach to parenting. In: Cassidy J, Shaver PR, editors. Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications. 2nd ed. New York: The Guilford Press; 2008. p. 833–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giddens A, Sutton PW. Sociology. 8th ed. Cambridge: Polity Press; 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Habib C, Lancaster S. The transition to fatherhood: identity and bonding in early pregnancy. Fathering. 2006;4(3):235–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Habib C, Lancaster S. Changes in identity and paternal-foetal attachment across a first pregnancy. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2010;28(2):128–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hallgreen A, Kihlgren M, Forslin L, Norberg A. Swedish fathers’ involvement in and experiences of childbirth preparation and childbirth. Midwifery. 1999;15(1):6–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higginbottom GM, Safipour J, Mumtaz Z, Chiu Y, Paton P, Pillay J. “I have to do what I believe”: Sudanese women’s beliefs and resistance to hegemonic practices at home and during experiences of maternity care in Canada. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013;13:51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter M. Fathers without Amandla: Zulu-speaking men and fatherhood. In: Richter L, Morrell R, editors. Baba: men and fatherhood in South Africa. Cape Town: HSRC Press; 2006. p. 99–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwata H. Experiences of Japanese men during the transition to fatherhood. J Transcult Nurs. 2014;25(2):159–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamb ME. The role of the father in child development. 5th ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leach LS, Poyser C, Cooklin AR, Giallo R. Prevalence and course of anxiety disorders (and symptom levels) in men across the perinatal period: a systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2016;190:675–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.063.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leśniewska M, Budzyńska J, Kozioł I, Milanowska J. Postpartum depression in men—a common but rarely understood problem. Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2021;27(3):248–51. https://doi.org/10.26444/monz/138621.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsiglio W, Amato P, Day RD, Lamb ME. Scholarship on fatherhood in the 1990s and beyond. J Marriage Fam. 2000;62(4):1173–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maushart S. Wifework: what marriage really means for women. London: Bloomsbury Publishing; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • May C, Fletcher R. Preparing fathers for the transition to parenthood: recommendations for the content of antenatal education. Midwifery. 2013;29(5):474–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller T. Falling back into gender? Men’s narratives and practices around first-time fatherhood. Sociology. 2011;45(6):1094–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller WB, Jones J. The effects of preconception desires and intentions on pregnancy wantedness. J Popul Res. 2009;26(4):327–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mkhize N. African traditions and the social, economic and moral dimensions of fatherhood. In: Richter L, Morrell R, editors. Baba: men and fatherhood in South Africa. Cape Town: HSRC Press; 2006. p. 183–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moos M-K, Dunlop AL, Jack BW, Nelson L, Coonrod DV, Long R, et al. Healthier women, healthier reproductive outcomes: recommendations for the routine care of all women of reproductive age. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199(6):S280–S9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nazareth I. Should men be screened and treated for postnatal depression? Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(1):1–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien AP, Hurley J, Linsley P, McNeil KA, Fletcher R, Aitken JR. Men’s preconception health: a primary health-care viewpoint. Am J Mens Health. 2018;12(5):1575–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paulson JF, Bazemore SD. Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2010;303:1961–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perälä-Littunen S. Gender equality or primacy of the mother? Ambivalent descriptions of good parents. J Marriage Fam. 2007;69(2):341–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poh HL, Koh SSL, Seow HCL, He H-G. First-time fathers’ experiences and needs during pregnancy and childbirth: a descriptive qualitative study. Midwifery. 2014;30(6):779–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polce-Lynch M, Myers BJ, Kilmartin CT, Forssmann-Falck R, Kliewer W. Gender and age patterns in emotional expression, body image, and self-esteem: a qualitative analysis. Sex Roles. 1998;38(11):1025–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raphael-Leff J. Psychological processes of childbearing. London: The Anna Freud Centre; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts M. There from the start: men and pregnancy. Aust Fam Physician. 2016;45(8):548–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sallmén M, Sandler DP, Hoppin JA, Blair A, Baird DD. Reduced fertility among overweight and obese men. Epidemiology. 2006;17:520–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sandbrook SP. Love or protection? Defining and measuring maternal-fetal attachment from the woman’s perspective. Wolverhampton: University of Wolverhampton; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schindler HS. The importance of parenting and financial contributions in promoting fathers’ psychological health. J Marriage Fam. 2010;72(2):318–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schipper-Kochems S, Fehm T, Bizjak G, Fleitmann AK, Balan P, Hagenbeck C, Schäfer R, Franz M. Postpartum depressive disorder—psychosomatic aspects. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2019;79(4):375–81. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0759-1981.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwerdtfeger KL, Todd J, Oliver M, Hubler D. Trying versus not trying: a qualitative exploration of pregnancy intentions, the transition to parenthood, and the couple relationship. J Couple Relatsh Ther. 2013;12(2):113–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spiteri G. An exploration of preparation for parenthood amongst first-time biological parents. PhD thesis. Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle University; 2018.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiteri G, Borg Xuereb R, Carrick-Sen D, Kaner E, Martin CR. Preparation for parenthood: a concept analysis. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2014;32(2):148–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ustunsoz A, Guvenc G, Akyuz A, Oflaz F. Comparison of maternal-and paternal-fetal attachment in Turkish couples. Midwifery. 2010;26(2):e1–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • White G. You cope by breaking down in private: fathers and PTSD following childbirth. Br J Midwifery. 2007;15(1):39–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widarsson M, Engström G, Tydén T, Lundberg P, Hammar LM. ‘Paddling upstream’: fathers’ involvement during pregnancy as described by expectant fathers and mothers. J Clin Nurs. 2015;24(7–8):1059–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12784.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Georgette Spiteri, Nicole Borg Cunen & Rita Borg Xuereb

Authors
  1. Georgette Spiteri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nicole Borg Cunen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Rita Borg Xuereb
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Georgette Spiteri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Rita Borg Xuereb

  2. Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus, Bilinga, QLD, Australia

    Julie Jomeen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Spiteri, G., Borg Cunen, N., Borg Xuereb, R. (2022). Midwives and the Transition to Fatherhood. In: Borg Xuereb, R., Jomeen, J. (eds) Perspectives on Midwifery and Parenthood. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17285-4_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17285-4_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-17284-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-17285-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation