Father's participation during labor and emotional support: the parturient's perspective

Abstract

This study aims at characterizing emotional support during labor provided by parturient companion. In order to investigate this topic, an exploratory and descriptive/qualitative research was developed. Data collection was accomplished in two steps: (1) observation of labor and childbirth and (2) semi-structured interviews after birth. The subjects were 10 first-time mothers, aged 17 to 34 years old. The results were described through categories encompassing the interviews and the observation process, characterizing the interactions between the parturient and her companion. This study shows that the parturient considers the presence of her companion an important emotional and familiar reference. Another finding is that men support the parturient according to their possibilities and knowledge about the birth process. Therefore, the support of the medical staff, represented by the nursing staff in this study, is fundamental in order to help the father to undergo labor along with the parturient.