Enhancing fathers' educational experiences during the early postnatal period.
Since the 1970s, men have been encouraged to actively participate in the childbirth process, resulting in a shared experience for couples. Nevertheless, after the baby is born, many fathers find themselves displaced, unsure of how to embrace the transition to parenthood. The shift in cultural practice and evolving needs of families calls for the recognition of fathers as well as mothers in the provision of midwifery services. Innovative strategies must be considered to enhance postnatal education that is father-inclusive and responsive to the needs of families in the 21st century. This article introduces one strategy created from an action research study conducted to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to improve postnatal education for parents.
LOIS McKELLAR is a lecturer in the School of Population Health and Clinical Practice at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. She is also a member of the College of Midwives.
Lois
L
McKellar
Jan
J
Pincombe
Ann
A
Henderson