The Experience of Fathering a Preterm Infant

Preterm births (PTB) are the largest obstetrical problem in America. An infant's preterm birth presents an extraordinary life situation for fathers, whose voices are rarely heard. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the experience of fathering preterm infants from fathers' perspectives. A purposive sample of five fathers of infants born between 24 and 36 weeks gestation participated in three semi-structured interviews over four-months beginning within six months of the birth. Each father took photographs expressing their experience of fathering. Van Manen's phenomenological approach guided the analysis of interview transcripts and photos and Madison's nine principles were used to ensure rigor. Guided by van Manen's four existentials, the 10 emergent themes included "anticipating a future of possibilities," "worry, waiting and not knowing," "running out of time," "letting others in my world," "living the space of fathering at home and work," "fatherhood unleashed/ becoming closer," and "man in the mirror." Findings will help inform nursing education, policy, and innovative practices of caring for fathers in the community and hospital settings.