First-time fathers: demand for support and visibility

Abstract

We investigate how “first-time” fathers position themselves about receiving support from health professionals and from their own social and family circles to practice fatherhood. We individually interviewed 20 men who were accompanying the gestation of their first children, based on a semistructured questionnaire. Thematic categorization was used to analyze the data. Most participants reported the need for support during pregnancy, especially from family and friends. They said that women deserve and need more attention. The support from health professionals included the offering of guidance about the gestational process and help with caring for the newborns. Some fathers who had a private healthcare plan took part in activities such as those. We discuss the little attention offered to men who become fathers, as well as the impact of men’s social representations as individuals and as fathers on the practices of fatherhood and on their expectations of support to perform them. Public health policies and the inclusion of the gender perspective in Education are considered essential to promote more egalitarian and beneficial ways of life also for men and the strengthening of the father-baby bond.