Thesis
The midwife's role in the father's lived experience of birth and early parenting : a phenomenological approach
Southern Cross University, School of Nursing and Health Care Practices
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2003
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Abstract
This research project uses phenomenology as described by van Manen (1990) to examine how the midwife impacts upon the father's lived experience of birth and early parenting. The research objectives were, firstly, to provide a medium for the men and n1idwives to tell the stories of their experiences. I also wished to present a coherent description of midwife care of fathers in birth and early parenting. Finally I sought to examine the picture presented by these descriptions with a view to modifying midwifery education and practice if the evidence indicated a need for this.
Seventeen fathers and fifteen midwives were interviewed using a semi structured technique. The interviews were conducted at a time and place convenient for the father or midwife. The interview transcripts were sent to tile fathers and midwives for any clarification or additions they wished to make. Analysis using van Manen's six steps, was carried out and four categories emerged. They were fathers, midwives, birth and family.
The implications for the research are that fathers and midwives both have the interests of the mother and child as a focus. They also share four major needs. They need to be involved, they need to be informed, they need to be supportive and caring and finally they need to be respected. Midwifery practice should ensure that fathers' needs are met. It is also important that fathers have an understanding of the role of the midwife. When the needs of both the fathers and midwives are met the needs of the mother and child, for the best care possible, will be well served.
Details
- Title
- The midwife's role in the father's lived experience of birth and early parenting : a phenomenological approach
- Creators
- Kay Burton
- Contributors
- Bev Joan Taylor (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, School of Nursing and Health Care Practices
- Number of pages
- xx, 242
- Identifiers
- 991013321028602368
- Copyright
- © Kay Burton 2003
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis