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Fisher SD, Walsh T, Wongwai C. The importance of perinatal non-birthing parents' mental health and involvement for family health. Semin Perinatol 2024:151950. [PMID: 39069440 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal mental health research typically focuses on the birthing parent's experiences and their influence on birth/child outcomes, while not considering non-birthing parents in similar depth. Non-birthing parents are also at increased risk for mental illness during the perinatal period, and non-birthing parents' health and involvement affect the health of birthing people, fetuses, and newborns, necessitating greater understanding of non-birthing parents' contributions to family functioning. This review examines perinatal mental health disorders in non-birthing parents, their relationship quality with the birthing parent, and how the non-birthing parent's mental health and involvement affects the health outcomes of the birthing parent and the child. Recommendations are provided for healthcare professionals who work with perinatal patients and their families to engage non-birthing parents, learn about non-birthing parent health, and facilitate connections to care. By doing so, professionals working with perinatal patients can optimize health outcomes for their patients and the family as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheehan D Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, 676 North Saint Clair Street Arkes Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Tova Walsh
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1350 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Clare Wongwai
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, 676 North Saint Clair Street Arkes Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Walsh TB, Garfield CF. Perinatal Mental Health: Father Inclusion At The Local, State, And National Levels. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:590-596. [PMID: 38560802 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fathers occupy a dual role in the realm of perinatal mental health: partner and parent. In fathers' role as partners, their support for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum is associated with improved maternal mental health. In their role as parents, fathers themselves are vulnerable to perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. This article aims to advance awareness of paternal perinatal mental health issues and impacts on families. We first review the evidence on paternal perinatal mental health. This evidence includes the critical role played by fathers in maternal perinatal mental health, the prevalence of paternal perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, the impact of paternal mental health on child and family well-being, and screening and treatment approaches. Next, we offer recommendations for more inclusive approaches at the local, state, and national levels aimed at improving parental mental health and health outcomes for fathers, mothers, and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tova B Walsh
- Tova B. Walsh , University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Fletcher R, Regan C, StGeorge J. Providing clinicians with 'how to' knowledge for technology-based innovation: Introducing the SMS4dads texts. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:481-486. [PMID: 37438881 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Male partners are key supports for women in birth preparation and postnatally. Text-messaging can deliver timely information to expectant and new fathers to increase their support of the mother. However, technological innovations in healthcare often fail to be adopted. This study aims to assess the impact of disseminating a 'taster' set of SMS messages to increase clinicians' engagement with the intervention. METHODS Example messages from SMS4dads were delivered to clinicians over a 3-week period and a link provided to an evaluation survey. Agreement to two closed questions was rated on a five-point Likert scale; the frequency of specific recalled messages was calculated for the first open-ended question. Responses to the remaining open-ended questions were analysed with a descriptive thematic approach. RESULTS A total of 418 participants (female 61.5%) working in health organisations (80.4%), mostly in nursing (33.9%) or midwifery (19.6%) enrolled. Of the 77 (18.4%) participants who provided an evaluation, 96% agreed or strongly agreed that the Professional Taster gave them a better understanding of how to explain the program, and 88% agreed or strongly agreed that they are now more likely to tell parents about the program. Analysis of the remaining two open-ended questions revealed clinicians' concerns for fathers alongside their primary focus on maternal wellbeing. CONCLUSION Providing 'how to' knowledge through receiving a sample of the intervention may increase clinicians' acceptance of technological innovation. SO WHAT?: Health-promoting digital interventions using text are increasing. Novel tested strategies for gaining buy-in from healthcare staff will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Casey Regan
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer StGeorge
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Poulos NS, Donovan EE, Mackert M, Mandell DJ. Missed opportunities for prenatal family-centered care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024; 17:111-117. [PMID: 38319088 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2024.2313246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of COVID-19 on fatherhood experiences during pregnancy. METHODS A semi-structured interview guide was developed to collect qualitative data from fathers about their experiences in pregnancy and prenatal care, how they communicated with providers, strategies for information seeking, and social support they received during the pregnancy. One-time, virtual interviews were conducted via Zoom with fathers that were either expecting a baby or fathers who had a baby after March 2020 and were 18 years or older. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that highlighted the fatherhood experience. RESULTS In total, 34 interviews with new or expectant fathers were completed. Two central themes that highlight the experiences of fathers: missed opportunities to shift toward family-centered care and inequity in the parent dyad during pregnancy. Additional supporting themes included: limited patient-provider relationship, lack of telemedicine use, inadequate uncertainty management for parents, unidirectional information sharing between parents, and limited opportunities for achieving role attainment during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic created a decision point for prenatal care. Instead of focusing on family-centered practices, prenatal care exclusively centered on the mother and fetus, resulting in problematic experiences for fathers including limited access to information about the pregnancy and health of the mother and fetus, heightened stress related to COVID-19 safety requirements, and few opportunities to attain their role as a father. Prenatal care should actively seek robust strategies to improve family-centered care practices that will withstand the next public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S Poulos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- School of Health Professions, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Erin E Donovan
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael Mackert
- Department of Population Health, Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, Center for Health Communications, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Dorothy J Mandell
- School of Health Professions, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Austin, TX, USA
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Misra DP, Giurgescu C, Caldwell CH, Song P, Hu M, Adaji R, Vaughan S. Fathers Matter: Black Fathers' Relationships with their Partners during Pregnancy and Postpartum. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:295-302. [PMID: 37589959 PMCID: PMC10623111 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the characteristics of participants in the Fathers Matter study for a better understanding of fathers of the baby who engage in pregnancy research involving primarily Black couples and their relationships with their partners. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The Fathers Matter Study uses a prospective design, identifying father-mother dyads during pregnancy and following them until birth as part of the Biosocial Impacts on Black Births Study. Participants completed prenatal and postpartum questionnaires. RESULTS Our analyses are based on 111 fathers. Nearly all ( n = 101, 91.1%) of fathers identified as Black and 51.4% ( n = 57) had a high school diploma, graduate equivalency diploma, or higher. About half ( n = 57, 51.4%) reported annual incomes of $10,000 or less. Most reported that relationships with the mother were very close both before ( n = 100, 89.9%) and during ( n = 85, 76.6%) pregnancy. However, substantial variability was found in relationship satisfaction, involvement in the pregnancy, financial support provided, and scales of conflict and support. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS We found homogeneity in sociodemographic and basic relationship measures. Complex measures of the father-mother relationships demonstrated considerable variability. Data from fathers may identify their contributions to successful birth outcomes. Understanding relationships between fathers and mothers could identify risk or protective characteristics to be addressed at the family or community levels.
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Walsh TB, Thomas A, Quince H, Buck J, Tamkin V, Blackwell D. Black fathers' contributions to maternal mental health. Arch Womens Ment Health 2023; 26:117-126. [PMID: 36525158 PMCID: PMC10184460 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-022-01284-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods research study aimed to assess the contribution of interparental relationship quality and paternal support for mothers to maternal mental health among Black parents in a metro area characterized by severe racial disparities. We also explored Black parents' understanding of meaningful paternal support for mothers. Using survey data collected from Black mothers (N = 75), we examined correlations among the study variables, then conducted mediation and moderation analyses to examine whether relationship quality would mediate the association between paternal support and maternal mental health and to test whether relationship quality would moderate the association between paternal support and maternal self-reported overall health. We used inductive thematic analysis to analyze data from focus groups with Black parents (N = 15). We found that mothers' mental health was positively correlated with relationship quality, mothers' subjective health was positively correlated with paternal support, and relationship quality significantly mediates the relationship between paternal support and maternal mental health while controlling for relationship status. Our thematic analysis yielded four themes to characterize meaningful paternal support for mothers and a high quality interparental relationship: (1) Teammates; (2) Multidimensional, everyday support; (3) Communication is key; and (4) Challenge racism and disrupt intergenerational trauma. Findings suggest that paternal support and interparental relationship quality can play a protective role, promoting maternal mental health and wellbeing. Providers of perinatal services should support Black parents to support one another, including as advocates in confronting racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tova B Walsh
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Alvin Thomas
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Helenia Quince
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacqueline Buck
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vivian Tamkin
- School of Education & Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA
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Hannon S, Newnham E, Hannon K, Wuytack F, Johnson L, McEvoy E, Daly D. Positive postpartum well‐being: What works for women. Health Expect 2022; 25:2971-2981. [DOI: 10.1111/hex.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hannon
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity Centre for Maternity Care Research (TCMCR) Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Newnham
- School of Nursing and Midwifery University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
| | - Kathleen Hannon
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity Centre for Maternity Care Research (TCMCR) Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Francesca Wuytack
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- ESTER Team—Epidemiology in Occupational Health and Ergonomics, Department of Medicine, Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health (IRSET—Inserm UMR 1085) University of Angers Angers France
| | - Louise Johnson
- Study Participant, c/o Susan Hannon, School of Nursing and Midwifery Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Ellen McEvoy
- Study Participant, c/o Susan Hannon, School of Nursing and Midwifery Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Déirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Dublin Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity Centre for Maternity Care Research (TCMCR) Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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