Fathers matter

Abstract

SUMMARY Becoming a father, especially for the first time, can present changes in men's identity and in the relationship with their partner. Affinity within the family and participation in the whole process of pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period are important for fathers' sense of postnatal security. The fathers want to be already prepared before birth for the early postnatal period. Willingness to participate and take responsibility from the first day of pregnancy is important for his own sake and also for the sake of the mother's and child's wellbeing. Affinity within the family can be strengthened by midwives' empowerment and the father's interaction with the midwife. Midwives should invite fathers to participate in maternity care rather than only 'permit' participation. To enable future development of postnatal care, a specific instrument called Parents' postnatal sense of security (PPSS) has been developed in Sweden. The PPSS can be used to evaluate antenatal and postnatal care and exists in one version for fathers and one for mothers. © 2012 Medical Education Solutions Ltd.