From belonging to belonging through a blessed moment of love for a child – the birth of a child from the fathers’ perspective

Abstract 

Background

Over the years the involvement of the partner in the childbirth process has resulted in an increasing interest in the partner's role. Research into the partner's experiences is still limited. This study aimed to describe the experiences of fathers at the birth of their child from the father's perspective.

Method

Sixteen fathers were interviewed about their experiences at the birth of their child between 8 days and 6 weeks after the birth. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach.

Results

The findings not only recount that the moment of birth was a life changing and overwhelming moment characterised by feelings of love and belonging, but go further in revealing the birth of a child as a movement from belonging to belonging through a blessed moment of love for a child.

Conclusion

What this finding indicates is that the birth of a child is an important experience in the quality of life of men, calling for their participation at the birth of the child and for a strategy of leaving the family alone right after this outstanding life moment of a new birth.

Keywords: Childbirth, Father, Perinatal education, Phenomenology