New research finds dads are being ignored to the danger of mums and babies
Fathers often feel ignored before, during and after the delivery of their babies even though mothers want them to be central.
Outdated visiting policies in hospitals, including inadequate or non-existent overnight facilities, exacerbate a problem that exists from the moment families enter antenatal care.
Two thirds of people interviewed by charities Fathers Network Scotland and the Fatherhood Institute said antenatal healthcare professionals had rarely or never discussed fathers’ roles. And half of new dads said they had rarely or never been addressed by name.
Recent research on the role of new fathers found they were key to maternal and infant wellbeing, including having an influence on whether or not a pregnant woman smokes, her diet, physical and mental wellbeing.
However, these new survey results found fewer than a quarter of prospective fathers had ever been asked about their own physical health, diet or exercise. Around half were not asked about smoking despite the risks of passive smoking to babies.
And only 16% of soon-to-be dads were asked about their mental health, even though evidence suggests a father’s mental health is closely related to a mothers.
Samantha Pringle, director of Fathers Network Scotland, said: “All the research shows that involving fathers at this crucial time of preparation, birth and post-natal care has a positive impact on the whole family. But our survey sadly shows that fathers remain an under-used resource at a time when a stretched NHS would most benefit from the support they bring to their families.
"Let’s change this outdated attitude and follow the beacons of excellent practice – such as the Dads2B classes pioneered across the Lothians. They show how instilling confidence in expectant fathers can ripple through the whole community.”
Adrienne Burgess, co-chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said: “Our survey shows that dads are there for mums every step of the way – at routine antenatal appointments, for the scan, labour, birth and back home. No-one can say dads are not interested or unwilling. But the survey reveals serious failings in the NHS approach at every stage.
"Too often, services are ignoring fathers, in spite of dads’ importance to healthy pregnancies and babies and even though mothers want their partner to be involved and informed."
The two charities received survey responses from more than 560 new dads in Scotland, and 1,800 across the UK.
They found almost all of the new fathers were present in maternity services at each stage.
Who’s the bloke in the room? is a review of UK evidence about new fathers and health services. It details how expectant fathers in Britain are key influences on maternal and infant health and wellbeing
It recommends specific new measures to welcome fathers throughout pregnancy, birth and early infancy.
