Fathers' perspectives during pregnancy, postperinatal loss.
OBJECTIVE
To present information about the father's perspective during the experience of a pregnancy following perinatal loss.


METHODS
Descriptive phenomenology.


METHODS
Interviews were done in a venue chosen by fathers (home, clinic).


METHODS
Ten fathers who had experienced a loss within the prior year and were currently with that partner in a subsequent pregnancy. FOUR THEMES EMERGED: Recognition, preoccupation, stoicism, and support.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants describe the need to be recognized by others. The orderly conduct of their daily lives is disrupted by preoccupation with the pregnancy. They feel unable to share their own anxiety and fear because they want to protect the mothers. Societal pressure to "be strong" and the belief that "men don't share" appear to inhibit fathers from getting support. Strategies to assess and support fathers emotionally at the time of loss and in the subsequent pregnancy need to be explored.
O'Leary
Joann
J
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. jandj@pro-ns.net
Thorwick
Clare
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005783:Gender Identity; D006117:Grief; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010332:Paternal Behavior; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires