This exploratory case-control study investigated the psychological well-being of expectant fathers before, during, and after an emergency cesarean section. The aim was to determine whether these men are at a higher risk of post-traumatic stress compared to men undergoing a secondary cesarean section and what affective experiences they report retrospectively.Fathers (secondary cesarean [N=103] vs. emergency cesarean [N=52]) were retrospectively surveyed using a questionnaire developed by the Department of Medical Psychology and the Women's Clinic of the University Hospital of Ulm. The study focused on unplanned cesarean sections during the period from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2019. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: Section A captured sociodemographic, biographic, medical, and psychometric characteristics. Section B focused on the experience of childbirth and afterward and integrated the "Positive and Negative Affect Schedule" (PANAS) and the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist 5 (PCL-5).During an emergency cesarean, fathers more frequently expressed fear for the life of their partner and child. The PANAS analysis showed that fathers in the emergency cesarean group significantly more often experienced negative emotions such as fear and restlessness. They also had higher PCL-5 scores, however, only three fathers from the emergency cesarean group and one father from the control group met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Fathers during an emergency cesarean felt less well cared for compared to the control group and rated the information about the possibility of an emergency cesarean as insufficient. After an emergency cesarean, psychological support was more often recommended but was not utilized. The majority of fathers desired a follow-up conversation with the treatment team. About one-fifth sought additional help after the birth, mostly from family or a midwife.The results of the retrospective study suggest that men experience higher psychological stress during an emergency cesarean compared to a secondary cesarean. Many fathers in the emergency group felt inadequately prepared. A postoperative discussion with the team is desired by the fathers and can be helpful in processing an emergency intervention.Expectant fathers should be thoroughly informed about potential complications before birth. Staff should be trained to also support the fathers during a emergency cesarean.

Birth trauma is increasingly recognised in policy and practice, yet remains focused on birthing women, also holding the assumption that families involve only one of these. This research explored psychologically traumatic birth experiences in non-carrying mothers in same-gender relationships, and how they made sense of these experiences.

Interviews were conducted with eight participants recruited via social media and charities, analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Sample demographics were homogeneous; all self-identified as Black, lesbian, first-time mothers.

Four themes were developed: 'anticipated and realised threats', 'navigating identities and roles in the transition to motherhood', 'importance of feeling understood and accepted by others' and 'adapting to a new normal'. Participants' reported threat often began during pregnancy, influenced through prior experiences of perinatal loss, trauma, and stressors related to holding minoritised identities, specifically concerning sexuality and race. Challenges were experienced related to navigating dual identities as both a partner and mother, with prevalent feelings of resentment, invisibility, shame, and not being 'good enough'. Most experienced stigma and discrimination, from within and outside their families, and valued spaces where they felt accepted, including through connecting with other LGBTQ+ parents. Implications for subsequent reproductive choices were voiced, typically linked to efforts to prevent repeated trauma.

Psychologically traumatic birth may be experienced by any parent, bringing significant impacts for individuals and their relationships. Intersectional approaches that recognise diverse routes to parenthood are needed to inform and evaluate family-focused support provision, which may include facilitating couples' navigation of reproductive choices.

One-third of women report a psychologically traumatic event during birth; limited research exists on how couples experience and process self-reported traumatic birth.

This study aimed to examine the lived experience and psychosocial impact of traumatic birth in couples.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore in-depth participants' lived experience during and after traumatic childbirth. Four couples were recruited, from women experiencing vaginal deliveries in the public hospital system in Australia during the past 5 years. Women and men were interviewed individually.

Three superordinate themes were identified: 'Compassionless care' (experiences of being dismissed, devalued and degraded by care providers), 'Violation and subjugation' (women's bodies and birthing experiences being violated) and 'Parenting after birth trauma' (challenges in caring for a newborn following trauma and recovery from trauma).

Couples described care providers' actions as a major contributing factor to trauma experiences. Couples contextualised care in terms of under-resourced wards and perceived women were treated as a means to an end. Women and men both described feeling fearful, distressed and devalued. Following birth trauma, individual cognitive factors, such as negative self-evaluations and avoidance of the trauma memory interacted with family system to shape trauma-related distress.

Future research would benefit from highlighting the systemic context in which compassionless care occurs, and the family system in which trauma is experienced and processed. Findings reinforce that psychosocial safety must be considered in addition to physical safety for both women and men in maternity care practices.

Birth complications increase the risk of birth injuries and neonatal complications, as well as the risk of experiencing childbirth as a trauma. This, in turn, increases the risk of postpartum mental ill-health and may affect early bonding with the baby. Birth complications add additional stress on lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (LBTQ) parents, as they also must navigate hetero- and cisnormative assumptions, being subject to othering, and negative attitudes from healthcare staff.

To explore LBTQ parents' experiences of bonding with their child following a complicated birth.

Semi-structured interviews with 22 birthing and non-birthing parents. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.

The results describe obstructive and facilitating factors. Being traumatised was the main obstacle for mentally engaging with the baby. A focus on physical injuries and healing hindered caretaking and bonding for birthing parents. Stress related to their parental role was obstructive for some non-birthing parents, who struggled to find space to process their own experiences when the partner and/or child was not well. Other non-birthing parents experienced a head start in the bonding process when their partner was injured. Some birthing parents had positive bonding experiences despite the birth complications, as they felt an alliance with their child in the harsh situation.

Complicated births and minority stressors can increase the risk of bonding difficulties and mental ill-health. Tailored, LBTQ-competent care is essential to support both birthing and non-birthing parents in overcoming these challenges.

To understand the father's lived experience of childbirth as a significant life situation within the well-being concept framework. To understand the father's lived experience of childbirth within the framework of the concept of well-being as a significant life situation.

Secondary data analysis from a qualitative study about the experience of twelve Chilean fathers who were prepared to actively participate at childbirth from a mixed public-private health system institution between 2016-2017, was carried out. Qualitative data were extracted from transcripts of open interviews with eight of the twelve fathers after childbirth. Data were analyzed using an interpretive-phenomenological approach.

Four central themes emerged from data, which were framed and understand within the psychological well-being concept: I. Feeling as a part of the healthcare team; II. Perceiving himself capable of containing and supporting his partner and being a guardian of the process; III. Being committed to being a father from the first moment of contact with the child; IV. Being wrapped in a whirlwind of emotions.

Father's lived experience at childbirth can be understood considering the psychological well-being concept. Prepared fathers could live the childbirth experience within a state of well-being, focusing on their achievements, commitments, and being satisfied with their roles as father and partner.

To examine the relationship between social support and psychological birth trauma among Chinese primiparous women and the mediating effects of childbirth readiness.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022.

10 general tertiary hospitals and 3 specialised maternity hospitals in 7 provinces in China.

A total of 751 primiparous women were recruited for this study.

The questionnaires consisted of questions on demographic characteristics, the Birth Trauma Scale, the Chinese Mandarin version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and the Childbirth Readiness Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to explore the associated factors and mediating role of childbirth readiness in the relationship between social support and psychological birth trauma. The mediating model was examined by the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

After adjusting for demographic variables, social support was negatively associated with psychological birth trauma (r=-0.242, p<0.01). Childbirth readiness had a positive correlation with social support (r=0.206, p<0.01) and a negative correlation with psychological birth trauma (r=-0.351, p<0.01). The hierarchical multiple regression model indicated that social support and childbirth readiness explained 3.9% and 7.7% of the variance in psychological birth trauma, respectively. Childbirth readiness partly mediated the association between social support and psychological birth trauma for primiparas.

Childbirth readiness plays a mediating role between social support and psychological birth trauma among primiparas. Strategies and interventions to enhance childbirth readiness levels may be expected to improve the impact of social support on women's psychological birth trauma.

Fear of childbirth not only brings negative psychological experiences to expectant fathers and affect their ability to prepare for parenthood but can even affect children's emotional and cognitive development. It is essential to identify men with a more severe fear of birth and its related risk factors for the better transition of fathers' role. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fear of childbirth among Chinese expectant fathers, identify its contributing factors and explore the association among fear of childbirth, resilience and dyadic coping. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the obstetric department of two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. The socio-demographic questionnaire, the father's version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version A (W-DEQ A), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC), and the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) were used to explore the correlation of fear of childbirth, resilience and dyadic coping of participants. Ultimately, a total of 1176 expectant fathers were included in this study. The prevalence of fear of childbirth was 32.1%. Gestational weeks of pregnant women, monthly income, adverse birth experience, gravidity and parity of pregnant women were considered risk factors for the expectant fathers with fear of childbirth. Furthermore, there was a weak negative correlation between fear of childbirth and resilience and dyadic coping. In conclusion, the prevalence of fear of childbirth in expectant fathers in China was high. Adequate identification of factors influencing the fear of childbirth among expectant fathers is necessary to reduce the fear of childbirth and to develop appropriate interventions in preparing fathers for their new parenting role.

The aim of this mixed-method study was to identify support needs, as well as barriers and facilitators to seeking support in a sample of Swedish fathers with a fear of childbirth (FOC). Participants completed an anonymous quantitative online survey (N = 131), with three free-text items for those self-identifying as having an FOC (N = 71) and five individual in-depth interviews. Data analysis included descriptive and chi-square analyses for quantitative data, and manifest content analysis for qualitative data. Those with a severe FOC were more likely to report having on-going mental health difficulties (p = .039) and one fifth (21%) of the participants with severe FOC wanted to receive professional treatment, but only 8.1% received treatment. Most participants either preferred individual support or to receive support together with their partner. Fathers with severe FOC were more likely to report one or more barriers than those without FOC (p = .005), where unwanted social stigma was the single largest barrier. Qualitative findings identified one main category: Expectant fathers missing and wishing for support for FOC composed four generic categories: (1) support in developing an understanding of their fear, (2) coping by being aware of feelings, (3) professional support through trust and respect, and (4) needing individualized support. To encourage healthy fathers, clinical professionals should find ways to support fathers, such as by providing them with their own perinatal appointments, asking them about their feelings, as well as screening, diagnosing, and treating fathers with severe FOC.

This study aimed to explore the 'real time' expectations, experiences and needs of men who attend maternity services to inform the development of strategies to enhance men's inclusion.

A qualitative descriptive design was adopted for the study. Semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted with 48 men attending the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital before and after their partner gave birth. Data were coded and analysed thematically.

Most respondents identified their role as a support person rather than a direct beneficiary of maternity services. They expressed the view that if their partner and baby's needs were met, their needs were met. Factors that contributed to a positive experience included the responsiveness of staff and meeting information needs. Factors promoting feelings of inclusion were being directly addressed by staff, having the opportunity to ask questions, and performing practical tasks associated with the birth.

Adopting an inclusive communication style promotes men's feelings of inclusion in maternity services. However, the participants' tendency to conflate their needs with those of their partner suggests the ongoing salience of traditional gender role beliefs, which view childbirth primarily as the domain of women.

There has been limited research on the lasting impact of giving birth on both mothers and infants. This study aimed to investigate women's memories of their childbirth experience 4 months and 4 years after giving birth. Additionally, it aimed to examine how the childbirth experience is linked to women's mental health, sexual satisfaction, exclusive breastfeeding, and the type of subsequent birth.

In this prospective cohort study, a total of 580 women giving birth in Tabriz hospitals in 2018 were followed up for 4 years. The data were collected using a childbirth experience questionnaire, a mental health inventory, and a sexual satisfaction scale for women, and were analyzed by a Pearson correlation test, an independent samples t-test, and a general linear model.

The total scores of the childbirth experience in two short-term (4 months) and long-term (4 years) time points following the birth had a significant and strong correlation with each other (r = .51; p < .001). After adjusting for the effects of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, sexual satisfaction had significant relationships with childbirth experience (p < .001) and postpartum complications (p < .001). In addition, mental health had significant relationships with childbirth experience (p < .001), postpartum complications (p < .001), and low income (p = .004).

Even 4 years after giving birth, women have a clear recall of their childbirth experience. This experience has a significant association with long-term outcomes such as sexual satisfaction, mental health, exclusive breastfeeding, and subsequent birth type.

Extensive research has explored the impact of traumatic births on mothers, capturing enduring adverse outcomes as well as post-traumatic growth. The literature on fathers' experiences of birth trauma is more limited and little is known of the ongoing impact. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of attending a traumatic birth.

Semi-structured interviews were completed with fathers who identified as having a traumatic birth experience two or more years ago. Thematic analysis was conducted on eight interview transcripts.

Despite the time since the birth trauma, fathers described ongoing impact, which is captured in five themes. Four of these focus on the negative impacts: their attempts to cope by boxing away emotions, which they thought they should not feel; anxieties over having further children; negative effects on parenting; and ongoing distress or negative impact on their wellbeing. The final theme highlighted some positives from the experience, primarily a strengthened relationship with their partner.

Traumatic birth can result in fathers experiencing difficulties beyond the perinatal period, whilst thinking that they should not feel or discuss their distress. As a result of a traumatic birth fathers can experience ongoing guilt and poor mental health, which may lead them to delay subsequent pregnancies. Most participants had not accessed support regarding the traumatic birth, instead coping by trying to avoid their memories and emotional reaction. These findings highlight the need for increased acknowledgement of the impact of birth trauma and intervention for fathers, during and after the perinatal period.

The father's participation in the birth contributes significantly to the mother's birth experiences as well as to the fatherhood process. Since fathers have traditionally not been allowed to attend childbirth in Turkish public hospitals, which now is changing, there is a lack of research in this area. To remedy this shortcoming, a questionnaire that explores the Turkish fathers' experiences of childbirth is needed. The study aims to translate, validate, and adapt the pre-existing First-Time Fathers' Questionnaire to the Turkish language and culture. In the first stage of the study, the questionnaire was translated to Turkish. Expert opinions of the First Time Father Questionnaire were taken, and the content validity was checked. The revised questionnaire was then completed by 110 fathers. The average age of the fathers participating in the study was 32.12 ± 6.8 and 80 % of them were found to be middle class. The construct validity of the questionnaire was tested with explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, finally a test-retest was performed. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each dimension of the 20-items questionnaire was as follows: knowledge = 0.90, acceptance = 0.90, anxiety = 0.88, and emotional support = 0.66. All sub-dimensions correspond to 68.5 % of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis model showed consistency for the data (X2/DF = 1.078; RMSA = 0.027; CFI = 0.992; GFI = 0.900; AGFI.0.829). Therefore, the adaptation of the First Time Fathers Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument in evaluating the childbirth experiences of first-time fathers in Turkish culture.

Psychological birth trauma has been associated with a variety of negative consequences for mothers, partners, newborns, and midwives. While prior research has identified demographic and clinical factors that may contribute to the development of psychological birth trauma, interventions targeting these factors can prove challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how psychological birth trauma is influenced by psychosocial factors including Sense of Coherence, Childbirth-related Fear, Social Support and Childbirth Readiness.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 tertiary or secondary hospitals in mainland China from November 2021 to June 2022. One thousand three hundred and sixty-six women were recruited totally. Data regarding basic characteristics, Sense of Coherence (SOC, Sense of Coherence Scale-3), Childbirth-related Fear (CBRF, Fear of Childbirth Scale), Social Support (SS, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey), Childbirth Readiness (CR, Childbirth Readiness Scale) and Psychological Birth Trauma (PBT, Psychological Birth Trauma Scale) were collected. Parallel mediation analysis was adopted to identify the underlying mechanisms between study variables.

It was found that: (1) SOC has been found to have both direct and indirect effects on PBT. Women with higher level of SOC tend to report lower level of PBT; (2) the indirect effect of SOC on PBT was significantly exerted through CBRF, SS and CR; (3) CBRF was found to weaken the protective effect of SOC, whereas SS and CR were found to enhance it. No significant difference was found in contracts of the three specific indirect effects.

SOC, CBRF, SS, and CR should be paid enough attention when designing intervention programs for women who might experience PBT. Interventions targeting SOC and CR are more likely to yield positive outcomes.

We aimed to explore the lived experiences of caesarean birth complicated by impaction of the foetal head, for mothers and midwives.

A pragmatic, qualitative, focus group study of mixed-participants was conducted, face-to-face. They were postpartum women (n = 4), midwives (n = 4), and a postpartum midwife (n = 1) who had experience of either providing care for impacted foetal head, and/or had experienced it during their own labour, in Fife, United Kingdom. Data were transcribed and were analysed using template analysis.

Three main themes emerged through analysis: (i) current knowledge of impacted foetal head; (ii) current management of impacted foetal head; and (iii) experiences and outcomes of impacted foetal head. Each theme was made up of various initial codes when data were analysed inductively. Finally, each theme could be overlaid onto the three core principles of the Tydeman Tube: (1) to improve outcomes for mother and baby in the second stage of labour; (2) to reduce the risk of trauma to mother and baby in complicated births; and (3) to increase respectful care for women in labour; thus allowing for a neat analytic template.

A lack of consensus regarding definition, management, and training were highlighted by the midwives. Women anticipated caesarean birth in late labour as straightforward and were therefore unaware of this potential complication. Women and midwives would welcome any new device to facilitate delivery of the impacted foetal head (IFH) as long as it is fully evaluated prior to widespread introduction. Women were not averse to being part of this evaluation process.

Fear of childbirth is a prevalent clinical psychological issue for both mother and father; however, there is a lack of research comparing and summarizing discrepancies in parental fear of childbirth.

This study aimed to explore differences in parental fear of childbirth, identify gaps in related research area, and provide directions for future studies.

Original references were searched from six databases by using subject terms associated with fear of childbirth. The guideline of the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O' Malley were applied.

The review covered 203 publications in all. Of them, 181 were maternal studies and 22 were paternal studies. 105 articles examined prevalence and influencing factors ranging from 0.7 % to 89.3 % in mothers and 5 % to 54.3 % in fathers. The current study included 84 influencing factors, 9 of which were common to parents and 75 of which were different, containing fathers' specific influences on fear of childbirth are perceived pregnancy difficulties, perceived birth difficulties, feelings about the upcoming birth, more frequent thoughts of birth in the middle of pregnancy and not attending parent education classes. 12 articles dealt with the experience of fear of childbirth, and the parents' fear of childbirth had 5 common themes, including fear of the birthing process, fear related to the baby, fear of lack of support, fear of postnatal health and life, and adverse psychological problems. But they have different sub-themes. 61 articles on fear of childbirth interventions, including 8 mother-specific approaches and 4 identical approaches for parents, and all of these methods were effective in reducing the prevalence of parental fear of childbirth.

Factors such as marital status, personality, etc., that are specific to mothers can also be applied to paternal fear of childbirth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and group discussion, which are unique to maternal fear of childbirth, may be attempted for paternal fear of childbirth. In addition, future research should be devoted to developing a specific measurement tool for fathers, studying paternal fear of childbirth in depth from various aspects.

Birth trauma affects the entire family, yet limited attention has been directed to how nurses influence the experiences of birth companions. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to increase awareness of birth trauma among birth companions and provide nursing strategies to reduce the adverse effects of traumatic childbirth among birth companions. I review background information describing birth companions' perceptions of childbirth as traumatic and the implications of birth trauma. I then present protective nursing strategies before, during, and after birth, followed by a discussion on implications. Lastly, I offer a summary of protective nursing strategies, an example of postnatal debriefing using the adapted ASSIST communication tool, and available online birth companion resources.

Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (sPOP) can have a negative impact on a woman's health. While research exists about the impact of sPOP on women, little is known about the effect on their partners. Therefore, this study aimed to explore, from the partner's perspective, what it means to live with a woman with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse after vaginal birth.

A qualitative explorative design with a constructed grounded theory approach was taken to analyse the interviews of 13 partners who experienced living with a woman who had sPOP after vaginal birth.

"The theory of bearing the burden of spill-over effects" was constructed based on a core category: "Facing a new restricted life", with related categories "Giving up valued activities"; "Struggling with added demands"; "Changing intimate behaviour" and "Redefining future family planning". The theory also contains factors constraining and enabling adjustment to the new reality. While the shortcomings of healthcare constrained the process of adjustment, getting competent treatment and the feeling of love for the family enabled it.

This study demonstrated that women's sPOP had an apparently negative impact on partners' health behaviours, sexual health, relationship harmony, and psychological well-being. The partners indicated they were unprepared for post-birth adversities and distressed by the lack of treatment options. There is a need to develop prenatal information highlighting the potential risks of sPOP which may be accompanied by levator ani muscle injury, implement guidelines for the prevention and management of these conditions, and offer targeted support to partners if needed.

Negative birth experiences are associated with postpartum mental health difficulties in parents. However, research considering the long-term impact of a negative birth experience on parent-child-bonding and the interdependence between parents is rare. This study aimed to investigate actor as well as partner effects for the association between parents' birth experience and parent-child-bonding and whether this association is mediated by postpartum psychiatric symptoms.

A community sample of couples (N = 743) completed questionnaires during pregnancy, 2, and 14 months after birth.

Applying Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Models, structural equation modeling showed that parents' own negative birth experience predicted a poorer bond to their child 14 months postpartum. Compared to mothers, this association was twice as strong for partners and was mediated by symptoms of postpartum depression (mothers and partners), anxiety (partners), and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (mothers). Negative birth experiences of one parent were not related to the other parent's bonding with the child.

Results underline the importance of parents' positive birth experience for their postpartum mental health and secure bond to their child. The other parent's birth experience or postpartum mental health does not seem to affect one's own bond to the child in the long term.

Most research about outcomes following postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has focused on immediate outcomes. There are fewer studies investigating longer-term maternal morbidity following PPH, resulting in a significant knowledge gap. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence about the longer-term physical and psychological consequences of primary PPH for women and their partners from high income settings.

The review was registered with PROSPERO and five electronic databases were searched. Studies were independently screened against the eligibility criteria by two reviewers and data were extracted from both quantitative and qualitative studies that reported non-immediate health outcomes of primary PPH.

Data were included from 24 studies, of which 16 were quantitative, five were qualitative and three used mixed-methods. The included studies were of mixed methodological quality. Of the nine studies reporting outcomes beyond five years after birth, only two quantitative studies and one qualitative study had a follow-up period longer than ten years. Seven studies reported outcomes or experiences for partners. The evidence indicated that women with PPH were more likely to have persistent physical and psychological health problems after birth compared with women who did not have a PPH. These problems, including PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular disease, may be severe and extend for many years after birth and were more pronounced after a severe PPH, as indicated by a blood transfusion or hysterectomy. There was limited evidence about outcomes for partners after PPH, but conflicting evidence of association between PTSD and PPH among partners who witnessed PPH.

This review explored existing evidence about longer-term physical and psychological health outcomes among women who had a primary PPH in high income countries, and their partners. While the evidence about health outcomes beyond five years after PPH is limited, our findings indicate that women can experience long lasting negative impacts after primary PPH, including PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular disease, extending for many years after birth.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020161144.

To explore the care experiences of lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LBTQ) people during births where complications have arisen.

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with self-identified LBTQ people who had experienced obstetrical and/or neonatal complications.

Interviews were conducted in Sweden.

A total of 22 self-identified LBTQ people participated. 12 had experienced birth complications as the birth parent and ten as the non-birth parent.

Most participants had felt invalidated as an LBTQ family. Separation of the family due to complications elevated the number of hetero/cisnormative assumptions, as new encounters with healthcare professionals increased. Dealing with normative assumptions was particularly difficult in stressful and vulnerable situations. A majority of the birth parents experienced disrespectful treatment from healthcare professionals that violated their bodily integrity. Most participants experienced lack of vital information and emotional support, and expressed that the LBTQ identity made it harder to ask for help.

Disrespectful treatment and deficiencies in care contributed to negative experiences when complications arose during birth. Trusting care relationships are important to protect the birth experience in case of complications. Validation of the LBTQ identity and access to emotional support for both birth and non-birth parents are crucial for preventing negative birth experiences.

To reduce minority stress and create conditions for a trusting relationship, healthcare professionals should specifically validate the LBTQ identity, strive for continuity of carer and zero separation of the LBTQ family. Healthcare professionals should make extensive efforts to transfer LBTQ related information between wards.

Ongoing distress following a traumatic birth experience, commonly known as birth trauma, can lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Experiencing birth trauma can affect personal well-being and impact the couple relationship.

The present study aimed to explore the lived experience of the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship and related support requirements.

A purposive sample of men and women in the UK who had experienced birth as traumatic were recruited and interviewed remotely in 2021. Data were analysed using framework analysis in NVivo 12.

The sample (N=18) contained 9 women who were first time parents and 9 men; 5 of which were first time parents and 4 who had two children. Twelve themes are reported related to the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship. Findings suggest the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship can be negative and distressing, or for some lead to a strengthened relationship. Fourteen themes are reported related to associated birth trauma support. Negative aspects of support were reported in themes: unavailability of help from friends and family; unhelpful birth debriefing services; no personal awareness of birth trauma; absence of trauma validation from health care professionals; lack of awareness of the emotional needs of men; and barriers to accessing psychological services. Potential improvements to support included: supporting parents to understand the traumatic events; birth trauma informed antenatal preparation; improving access to specialist psychological services; and compassionate parent centred maternity services.

The impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship appears complex with both positive and negative affects reported. Current support for the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship has perceived inadequacies for which improvements are proposed.

The association between mode of delivery (MOD) and parent-infant-bonding has only been studied in mothers and findings have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate how MOD relates to postpartum parent-infant-bonding in both mothers and fathers and whether these associations are mediated by birth experience.

This study is part of the prospective cohort study "Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health" (DREAM). Our sample comprised N = 1,780 participants who completed quantitative questionnaires during pregnancy as well as 8 weeks and 14 months postpartum. MOD was dummy coded, contrasting spontaneous vaginal delivery against vaginal delivery induced by drugs, operative vaginal delivery, planned, and unplanned cesarean section. Parent-infant bonding and birth experience were assessed using validated scales. A moderated mediation analysis based on ordinary least square (OLS) regression and bootstrapped estimates was conducted, considering relevant confounding variables.

Compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery, all categories of MOD predicted more negative birth experiences in both parents. A more positive birth experience predicted stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks, but not at 14 months postpartum. Mothers who delivered via cesarean section (planned or unplanned) reported stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks and 14 months postpartum. In fathers, only unplanned cesarean section was associated with stronger parent-infant-bonding at 8 weeks postpartum. At 8 weeks postpartum, birth experience mediated the association between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs and a planned cesarean section and mother-infant-bonding and between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs, an operative vaginal delivery, and planned cesarean section and father-infant-bonding. At 14 months postpartum, birth experience mediated the association between a vaginal delivery induced by drugs, operative vaginal delivery, and planned cesarean section and parent-infant-bonding in both parents.

The results emphasize the importance of the birth experience for parent-infant-bonding in both mothers and fathers. Further research should address the mechanisms by which parents with an unplanned cesarean section establish stronger parent-infant-bonding compared to parents whose baby was delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery, despite their overall more negative birth experiences.

Pre-eclampsia affects 3-5% of all pregnant women and is among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as iatrogenic preterm birth worldwide. Little is known about the experience of partners of women whose pregnancy is complicated by pre-eclampsia.

To describe partners' experience of having a spouse whose pregnancy was complicated by pre-eclampsia.

A qualitative study with in-depth interviews. Eight partners of women whose pregnancy was complicated by pre-eclampsia were interviewed and data were analysed using content analysis.

Partners found themselves in an unfamiliar and unexpected situation. They experienced an information gap in which they tried to make sense of the situation by interpreting subtle signs. The situation left them feeling emotionally stretched, feeling like an outsider while trying to provide support for their extended family. The partners experienced a split focus after the baby was born, prioritising the baby while worrying about their spouse. Post-partum, they expressed needing time to process and heal after childbirth. A need for professional support was highlighted and concerns about a future pregnancy were voiced.

Having a spouse who is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia is challenging and overwhelming. Our findings imply a need to develop a model of care for women with pre-eclampsia that includes their partner, i.e., the other parent.

To compare mental health in parents of preterm/ill infants and parents of term and healthy infants before birth and 1 month after hospital discharge.

A comparative cohort design was used. In total 439 parents from six neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and 484 parents from four maternity units (MUs) in Sweden answered a survey 1 month after discharge.

Parents in neonatal units experienced significantly more psychologically traumatic births and rated their health and the health of their infants less favourably the first week after delivery than parents in MUs. In the neonatal units, both parents had better possibilities to stay together with the infant during hospital stay. There was no difference between the NICU and MU groups in postpartum depressive symptoms 1 month after discharge. Experiencing a traumatic birth was not related to an increased risk of perinatal depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥13) for mothers in NICUs. In contrast, the risk of depression increased for mothers in MUs.

Family togetherness, parent-infant closeness and emotional support at NICUs may contribute to the positive outcome. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of how family togetherness and closeness influence families long term.

High-risk pregnancy affects maternal and infant health negatively and it may be the beginning of a process with traumatic outcomes for women and their spouses. Identifying the experiences and perceptions of expectant fathers in this process is important to develop support factors for women and their spouses.

To identify expectant fathers' perceptions towards high-risk pregnancy and their experiences during the high-risk pregnancy period.

Fifteen expectant fathers whose spouses were admitted to the hospital due to high-risk pregnancy were interviewed for the study.

This study was conducted using an interpretive paradigm based on the Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology, which is a qualitative research method. Data were collected through in-depth telephonic interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Four main themes were obtained: "Emotional burden", "Coping mechanisms", "Adaptation to fatherhood" and "High-risk pregnancy journey". The expectant fathers said that they had so many emotions during this process, could cope by praying and with support from their spouses, longed for their unborn child and had increased responsibilities due to paternity.

The results of this study indicated that men struggled emotionally, had very few coping strategies, questioned the high-risk pregnancy process, had several expectations and formed father-infant attachment during the high-risk pregnancy. Further studies are needed that review how midwives and nurses can support expectant fathers in this process and that provide opportunities for the improvement of clinical roles in this regard.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of spouses whose wives had peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

Participants were recruited for this phenomenological study through online sites Facebook and SavetheMommies. Fifteen men from four countries participated through semistructured phone interviews conducted between October 2019 and August 2020. Data were analyzed using a modified version of the constant comparison method.

The overarching theme of spouses' experiences was Living with the 'what ifs' of persistent uncertainty. Four main themes were: Feeling the shock, Facing the challenge, Figuring out a new normal, and Finding meaning. Spouses had to deal with the fear of their wives' heart failure relapse or death, changed marital and parental roles, and unclear expectations of the future.

PPCM is a rare complication of pregnancy with uncertain implications for the future that can have a profound impact on the woman's spouse and family. Our findings should alert nurses and other health care professionals to the need for emotional, spiritual, and informational support of spouses or partners of women who have PPCM. Nurses should include spouses and partners in care and communication to make sure they are as informed as possible, have their questions and concerns addressed as needed, and receive adequate follow-up support.

This study aims to explore the emotional and behavioural responses and coping strategies of fathers or expectant fathers who faced a significant traumatic event during a partner's pregnancy, labour, or the postpartum period.

This prospective qualitative study of 24 fathers was conducted at a public teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia. 'Traumatic pregnancy' was defined as a pregnancy complicated by life-threatening or severe risk to the mother and the fetus, termination of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death or stillbirth. Semi-structured interviews of participants were conducted 3-4 months after the traumatic event. An initial qualitative analysis with automatic coding was performed using Leximancer and later followed by a six-phase manual thematic analysis.

A pregnancy-related traumatic event had significant mental and physical impacts on fathers. Participants' reactions and coping strategies were varied and influenced by their background history, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and the gap between expectation and reality. Most fathers described a fluctuating state between their needs 'not being met' and 'being met'. These needs were conceptualised using Maslow's hierarchy and Calman's gap theory to construct a composite thematic model to depict the universal requirements of men facing a traumatic pregnancy or childbirth.

A greater understanding of the needs of men and gaps in their care is urgently needed. A targeted effort is required to make maternity services father-inclusive. This approach may assist in preventing long term consequences on fathers, partners, and their children.

The early postpartum period is a critical time for first-time parents as they adapt to their new role. Perceived lack of social support is a risk factor for developing mental health problems. Insufficient or inappropriate professional support for both parents has been reported by many studies. Social support that appropriately meets parents' needs is an important protective factor for parents' wellbeing; however, little is known about the social support needs of both first-time parents.

To describe both first-time parents' formal social support needs in the early postpartum period.

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with first-time parents recruited on the postpartum ward of a Swiss university hospital. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes.

Fifteen mothers and eleven fathers were interviewed. Twelve themes were identified. Mothers' themes were "experiencing postpartum changes," "creation of a family unit," "self-esteem," "emotional needs," "difficulty in communicating their needs," and "the postpartum stay." Fathers' themes were "to be included in care procedures on the postpartum ward," "to be reassured," "to anticipate their postpartum stay" and "to consider their need as non-priority." Parental shared needs were: "to care for their newborn," and "returning home."

Mothers' and fathers' needs differed. Mothers needed more emotional support than fathers and fathers considered themselves as the main support for their partner. Fathers wanted to be integrated in the care of their newborn.

The changes experienced during the transition to first-time or subsequent fatherhood are mainly positive; however, fathers can also experience adverse mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the early postnatal period.

A quantitative, descriptive correlational design was used. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of the Perceived Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

A total of 336 fathers were included in the study. The prevalence rates were 41.1% (n = 138) for moderate/high stress symptoms, 20.8% (n = 70) for state anxiety symptoms, 25.9% (n = 87) for trait anxiety symptoms, and 13.4% (n = 45) for depression symptoms. In the multivariable analysis, several factors were associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms including being a subsequent father (p = 0.009), not living in a house (p = 0.009), having a history of adverse mental health (p = 0.008), and having a partner with a history of anxiety (p = 0.040).

The findings suggest that fathers are at risk of adverse mental health in the early postnatal period which is a pivotal time for fathers in terms of bonding with their infant and redefining their relationship with their partner.

To date, information and support has been focused on mothers, with evidence that healthcare professionals overlook fathers' mental health, and that fathers receive little or no support for themselves during the perinatal period. However, recently, fathers' mental health has become an area of interest.

This study explored the support fathers receive for their own mental health during the perinatal period. A qualitative questionnaire was distributed on social media networks and completed by twenty-nine fathers.

Thematic analysis produced three main themes: Factors Influencing Fathers' Mental Health, Consequences of Poor Mental Health in Fathers and Solutions to Improve Fathers' Mental Health.

The findings from this study highlighted important implications about fathers' mental health and the need to support them more effectively. Fathers' reluctance to seek support and the limited support available need to be addressed. Fathers in this study perceived that perinatal health professionals view 'mothers as the priority'. It is clear that health professionals need more training on how to recognise that fathers are also important and need support for their mental health.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health problems among new parents. Past studies have examined PPD in women; however, the condition is less understood in men. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of men or fathers with PPD and to understand the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking among fathers with PPD. Eight fathers with PPD were interviewed and data were subsequently analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis. The fathers perceived fatherhood as an overwhelming experience and feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness were two of the main themes in the fathers' experiences of PPD. The feeling of inadequacy and powerlessness was related to the fathers' expectations for themselves and their role as a father. The fathers' sense of inadequacy and powerlessness sometimes turned into anger and frustrations. In addition, the fathers experienced a variety of contributing stressors around the birth of their child. Further, the analysis revealed how the fathers' help-seeking behavior was influenced by five contributing factors: recognition and perception of depressive symptoms; knowledge and beliefs about PPD; taboo, stigma and conforming to masculine norms; the fathers' partner; screening and perinatal healthcare services. Paternal PPD has a significant impact on the fathers' wellbeing and everyday lives. Findings indicate that parents-to-be may benefit from education on paternal PDD, and they highlight the importance of screening for paternal PPD and support tailored to the needs of fathers with signs of PPD.

How fathers cope with stress may be critical to their mental health during the perinatal period. Using a sequential explanatory design for systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify associations and causal relations between higher- and lower-order avoidant and approach coping strategies and paternal psychopathology. We searched five electronic databases and grey literature, and used random-effects models to calculate pooled effects from 11 quantitative studies. Meta-analytic results were integrated with findings from 18 qualitative studies. Fathers' avoidant coping was positively associated with global psychopathology and depression. Approach-oriented coping, particularly problem-solving, was associated with positive affect but not psychopathology. Qualitative findings indicate distressed fathers employ avoidant coping strategies such as suppression, distraction, and social withdrawal. Approach-oriented coping strategies such as problem-solving and cognitive reappraisals appeared to be constructive components of men's coping repertoires supporting adaptation to fatherhood. Different coping strategies and approaches may reflect enactment of constrictive, moderate, or reinterpreted masculine norms. Study designs did not allow conclusions about causal relations between coping and psychopathology. Screening for, and targeting of, high avoidant coping among expectant and new fathers may help detect men at risk of or experiencing mental health difficulties and inform clinical response to psychopathology. Research examining whether different patterns of avoidant and approach coping are associated with psychopathology over time could inform interventions to support men's mental health and adaptation to fatherhood.

Childbirth experience could be complicated and even traumatic. This study explored the possible risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth (PTSD-FC) in mothers and partners.

Through a cross-sectional online survey biographical, medical, psychological, obstetrical and trauma history data were collected. The PTSD-FC, postnatal depression, social support, and perceived mother-infant bond in 916 mothers and 64 partners were measured through self-reported psychometric assessments.

Our findings highlight the possible impact of several risk factors such as emergency childbirth, past traumatic experiences and distressing events during childbirth on PTSD-FC. The difficulties in mother-infant bond and the postpartum depression were highly associated with the total score of PTSD-FC symptoms for mothers. While for partners, post-partum depression was highly associated with the total score of PTSD-FC.

Our study demonstrated significant links between psychological, traumatic and birth-related risk factors as well as the perceived social support and the possible PTSD following childbirth in mothers and partners. Given that, a specific attention to PTSD-FC and psychological distress following childbirth should be given to mothers and their partners following childbirth.

It is estimated that approximately 13% of expectant fathers experience a pathological and debilitating fear of childbirth.

The aim of this integrative review was to examine and synthesise the current body of research relating to paternal experience of fear of childbirth.

A systematic literature search of five databases-CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycArticles and PsycInfo-identified seventeen papers. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool.

Thematic data analysis identified three themes: the focus of fathers' childbirth-related fears, the impact of fear of childbirth on health and wellbeing, and fear of childbirth as a private burden.

Fear of childbirth is a significant and distressing experience for expectant fathers who may benefit from an opportunity to express their childbirth-related fears in an environment where they feel validated and supported. Antenatal education is recommended to enhance fathers' childbirth-related self-efficacy to reduce fear of childbirth.

Fear of childbirth may negatively impact the lives of men and consequently their families. Further investigation into methods and models for identifying and supporting men at risk of or experiencing fear of childbirth is required to improve outcomes for this population of men.

The purpose of this study was to investigate fathers' experiences of being present at an unplanned birth outside a maternity facility.

This was a qualitative interview study with 12 fathers from six of Norway's eleven counties. All had been present at an unplanned out-of-hospital birth in 2015-2020. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.

The data analysis resulted in four themes. The first theme described the fathers' stress and worry and how they managed to keep a cool head and think rationally in a totally unprepared situation. The second theme described the fathers' need for help and the reassuring feeling provided by contact with health professionals. The third theme described how the birth increased the father's attachment to his partner and baby, while the fourth theme described fathers' feelings of exclusion and their reactions following the birth.

Fathers' perceived lack of expertise and their fear of complications led to stress, worry and anxiety, but support from health personnel provided reassurance and control. Many fathers experienced mastery, pride and joy after the birth, but when arriving at hospital, they felt rejected and wished that maternity care staff had approached them to talk about the experience.

The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers' health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship. The medical staff could even choose to quit playing their part in the birthing process. The phenomenon has gradually garnered attention around the world. However, it has rarely been discussed under Chinese special conditions. The study was to explore Chinese women's lived experiences of psychological birth trauma during labor and birth.

A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Twenty-four women were recruited, who reported having experienced psychological birth trauma. In-depth interviews were conducted within 1 week after birth. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze the data.

Twenty-four women participated in the study. Four themes emerged to describe the women's experience of psychological birth trauma: "How am I supposed to relieve the endless pain?" " Can't I be weak?" "Am I not important?" "What uncertainties are waiting for me?"

The findings provide deep insight into Chinese women's unique experience of psychological birth trauma. The social and health system could prevent psychological harm during birth and promote maternal health by measures of pain management, thoughtful attention, adequate caring, and prenatal preparation.

To examine health care practitioners' views of the support women, partners, and the couple relationship require when affected by birth trauma, barriers to gaining such support, and potential improvements.

Ongoing distress following psychologically traumatic childbirth, also known as birth trauma, can affect women, partners, and the couple relationship. Birth trauma can lead to post traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) or disorder (PTSD). Whilst there is a clear system of care for a PTSD diagnosis, support for the more prevalent experience of birth trauma is not well-defined.

An online survey of health care practitioners' views of the support parents require for birth trauma, barriers to accessing support, and potential improvements. Practitioners were recruited in 2018 and the sample for the results presented in the article ranged from 95 to 110.

Practitioners reported differing needs of support for women, partners, and the couple as a unit. There was correlation between practitioners reporting having the skills and knowledge to support couples and feeling confident in giving support. The support most commonly offered by practitioners to reduce the impact on the couple relationship was listening to the couple. However practitioners perceived the most effective support was referral to a debriefing service. Practitioners observed several barriers to both providing support and parents accessing support, and improvements to birth trauma support were suggested.

Practitioners indicate that some women, partners, and the couple as a unit require support with birth trauma and that barriers exist to accessing effective support. The support that is currently provided often conflicts with practitioners' perception of what is most effective. Practitioners indicate a need to improve the identification of parents who need support with birth trauma, and more suitable services to support them.

Today the majority of fathers-to-be are present at the birth of their children in the labour ward. Their presence at the birth is a significant event in their lives. The aim of this study is to identify factors influencing the paternal birth experience in the labour ward.

The experiences of 12 first-time fathers during pregnancy and birth and their perception of birth in the labour ward were gathered through problem-centred interviews. The transcribed and anonymised interviews were analysed by means of content analysis according to Mayring.

All fathers retrospectively assessed the experience of the birth of their child positively. A large number of potential factors influencing the paternal birth experience were identified, both biographical factors and factors during pregnancy and birth. In particular, the medical staff, especially the midwife, proved to be of importance.

Medical professionals should pay more attention to the paternal birth experience. The focus for further research could lie on concepts to promote a positive birth experience for fathers.

The aim of this study was to explore women and partners' experiences following critical perinatal events.

This is a qualitative interview study. We conducted semistructured individual interviews with women and their partners in separate rooms. Interviews were analysed thematically and validated by a transdisciplinary group of anthropologists, obstetricians and a midwife.

Department of obstetrics at a tertiary referral university hospital in Denmark.

Women and partners who had experienced a critical perinatal event within the past 3-12 months.

We conducted 17 interviews and identified three main themes: (1) ambivalence towards medicalisation, (2) the extended temporality of a critical birth and (3) postnatal loss of attention from healthcare professionals. Overall, participants expressed a high degree of trust in and quality of provided healthcare during the critical perinatal events. They experienced medicalisation (obstetric interventions) as a necessity, linking them to the safety of the child and their new role as responsible parents. However, some women experienced disempowerment when healthcare professionals overlooked their ability to stay actively involved during birth events. Postnatally, women and their partners experienced shortages of healthcare professional resources, absent healthcare and lack of attention.

Women and their partners' experiences of critical perinatal events begin long before and end long after the actual moment of childbirth, challenging conventional ideas about the birth as being the pivotal event in making families. In future healthcare planning, it is important to to align expectations and guide parental involvement in birth events and to acknowledge the postnatal period as equally crucial.