The father-infant relationship: becoming connected.
OBJECTIVE
To explore fathers' experiences of developing a relationship with their infants during the infant's first 2 months of life


METHODS
Grounded theory approach


METHODS
Fathers' homes or other mutually agreed-upon site


METHODS
First-time fathers (N = 14), ages 28-44, Caucasian, middle class


METHODS
Tape-recorded semistructured interviews to elicit fathers' perceptions of their fathering selves, their infants, and the father-infant relationship.


RESULTS
Using constant comparative method for analysis, three major categories were identified as operative in the initial development of the father-infant relationship: (a) making a commitment, (b) becoming connected, and (c) making room for the baby


CONCLUSIONS
With an increased understanding of the father-infant relationship, nurses can provide humanistic, thoughtful care to assist fathers in developing this significant relationship.
Anderson
A M
AM
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. aanderso@ua-nursing.ualberta.ca
D000328:Adult; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009742:Nursing Theory; D016487:Parenting; D012649:Self Concept