A Mixed-Method Examination of Maternal and Paternal Nocturnal Caregiving

Abstract Objectives The study objectives were to describe and compare causes of, and activities during, postpartum parents’ nocturnal awakenings. Methods Twenty-one primiparous postpartum couples were studied for 1 week with qualitative and quantitative methods. Results Mothers reported more awakenings per night (3.3 ± 1.1) and more wake time after going to sleep (116.0 ± 60.0 minutes) compared to fathers (2.4 ± 0.5 and 42.7 ± 39.4 minutes, respectively). “Actions taken” during maternal nocturnal awakenings were primarily for infant feeding (49.0%), general infant care (18.5%), and infant changing (12.0%). “Actions taken” during paternal nocturnal awakenings were primarily “passive awakenings” (35.9%), for self-care (18.4%), and for infant feeding (9.4%). Conclusions Qualitative analyses revealed ways that new families can optimize the sleep of both parents while also providing optimal nocturnal infant care.