Fathers in the birth room: What are they expecting and experiencing? A phenomenological study

to explore the role, expectations and meanings that individual fathers ascribe to their presence at birth. a Heideggerian phenomenological approach utilising in-depth interviews at two different time points. large tertiary maternity unit in the North West of England. 11 first-time fathers accessed through hospital-based parentcraft sessions. four main themes were evident: fathers' disconnection with pregnancy and labour; fathers on the periphery of events during labour; control; and fatherhood beginning at birth and reconnection. birth is the moment that fathers ascribe as the beginning of fatherhood. However, through their lack of knowledge and perceived control, they struggle to find a role there. midwives are ideally placed to help fathers to find a role through parentcraft and encouraging participation at birth.