Paternità: Un'indagine sulle emozioni dei "nuovi" padri

Fatherhood: a survey on "new" fathers' emotions In the last few years, fathers' behaviour during pregnancy and childbirth appears more oriented towards an increased participation than in the past. Aims: To investigate fathers' experience of waiting for childbirth as well as their feelings and emotions after delivery. To verify if the type of delivery (Vaginal or Caesarean) has an impact on fathers' experience and if the participation in a prenatal education class can favour the father-child relationship. Methods: The survey involved 118 first child fathers at the Montecchio Emilia Hospital (Reggio Emilia - Italy). They were administered a Likert-scale questionnaire before and after the childbirth. Median value was calculated and Mann Whitney test was applied. Results: From the questionnaire administered before the childbirth fathers' awareness of their role as parents emerged, the knowledge of newborns' competence and the desire of actively taking care of the child rather than delegating others, the wish to play a significant role together with the mother. The results from the questionnaire administered after the childbirth show strong emotions, the desire of physical contact with the child, feelings of protection, happiness and tenderness during the first breastfeeding time. No significant differences were found between fathers who did and did not attend prenatal educational classes. The type of delivery (Vaginal or Caesarean) does not have a visible impact on fathers' experience. Conclusions: Fathers participating in this survey appear aware of the emotions originated by the birth of their child and willing to participate in the care of the newborn. We believe it is important that members of childbirth teams reflect on the new perception of fatherhood so that they can provide an appropriate support.