Table 1 Final coding structure with categories, themes and codes
From: NICU and postpartum nurse perspectives on involving fathers in newborn care: a qualitative study
Category | Themes | Codes |
|---|---|---|
Nurse role and training | Direct care of mother, baby | Assessment Cord and circumcision care Diapering, bathing, swaddling Feeding Post-operative care |
Parent education | Mother relays info to father Repeat information for father Teach whomever is present Wait for father to arrive | |
Focus on mothers | Training focuses on mothers Education directed to mothers | |
Want, need additional training | Communication Fathers’ interests, concerns Providing education How to engage fathers | |
Interactions with fathers | Father presence or absence at hospital | Home with other children Incarcerated Not involved with the mother Out of country Transportation issues Work schedule, lack of leave |
Ways to engage fathers | Answer his questions Ask about his thoughts, feelings Demonstrate, show him things Directly acknowledge him Don’t push too hard Educate and inform him Encourage him to ask questions Tell him he needs to learn, do things | |
Perceptions of fathers’ level of engagement | Level of engagement | As engaged as mothers Less engaged than mothers |
Influences on level of involvement | Depends on the person First-time fathers more engaged Cultural influences | |
Barriers to involvement | Afraid to touch or handle the baby Feels left out, ignored Lack of knowledge, confidence Maternal gatekeeping | |
Attitudes toward father involvement | Benefits of father involvement | Benefits to baby Benefits to mother Benefits to family |
Father role | Equal partner with mother Secondary caregiver |