An Australian perspective of fatherhood and sexuality

OBJECTIVE

to describe and explore the effect that pregnancy, childbirth and adjustment to a new baby have on the sexual relationship of fathers.

DESIGN

a content analysis, using a qualitative approach, was undertaken on the written comments provided by fathers on a 6-week postpartum postal survey. The survey was undertaken to provide information relating to fathers' adaptation to fatherhood. The father's functional status was measured using, the Inventory of Functional Status-fathers (IFS-F) Tool.

SETTING

a regional location within New South Wales, Australia. Participants (fathers) were recruited through postnatal services within hospital and community settings.

PARTICIPANTS

volunteer study participants consisting of 204 fathers were sent a questionnaire at 6 weeks postpartum. The questionnaire was returned by 128 study participants (fathers). The participants were men experiencing fatherhood for the first time or who were adding to their existing families.

FINDINGS

comments by the study participants revealed that sexual relationships during pregnancy and the postnatal period undergo a variety of changes that may affect the couple's relationship.

KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

it is important for health-care professionals, particularly midwives, to recognise that variance in sexual activity during the childbearing period does occur, and that there is a need for the midwife to be open to individual discussion of sexual activity with the woman and her partner during pregnancy and postnatal periods. Holistic care of women and their partners in the childbearing period requires health professionals to effectively communicate current information and education on sexuality.

Recognition and management of critical illness by midwives: implications for service provision

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore midwives' recognition and management of critical illness in obstetric women in order to inform service provision.

BACKGROUND

Critical illness is not confined to Intensive Care. Limited published work was located examining factors affecting critical care provision by midwives.

METHODS

A multi-method design incorporating a paper and pencil simulation (n = 11) and in-depth interviewing (n = 5) was conducted with midwives from a large London National Health Service Trust. This study details and discusses the findings.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that frequency and type of critical illness experience impact upon midwives' critical care knowledge and skills. Midwives, especially those who were more junior, expressed anxiety regarding this aspect of practice, and considered the support of senior midwives, medical and nursing staff as crucial to effective client management.

CONCLUSION

This study has yielded important insights into midwives' management of critical illness. Possible mechanisms to enhance the quality of service provision, and midwife support in this area are highlighted.