A study of the lived experience of first time fathers in the first six months following the birth of their baby

This phenomenological study describes the experiences of five first time fathers in the six months following the birth of their baby. The study, based in a regional city of New South Wales (NSW), Australia used a hermeneutic phenomenological framework to expose the underlying meaning of the fathers’ experience. The five fathers who participated in the study were aged between 30 and 36 years of age. Each participated in two unstructured interviews, during the six months following their baby’s birth. Data analysis revealed a common journey which fathers experienced over the first six months of their baby’s life, however at times the journey differed for each participant or encompassed a different perspective of a shared theme. A descriptive model and statement of the essence of first-time fatherhood emerged from the study which captured these fathers’ expression of their journey of transition. Four of the fathers revealed that for them the experience of fatherhood commenced at the baby’s birth, and, one that this commenced before the birth. The fathers also revealed that although some wanted to be the same and others different from their own father they all wanted to be good fathers and tried valiantly to meet this aim. While they expressed their journey as often tumultuous and uncertain, by six months they all revealed that they had reached a time of harmony within themselves and their family. The findings that emerged from the interview data illuminated six main themes: The Dawning of Responsibility, Seeking and Finding Connection, Absolute Joy, Wonder, Delight and Unconditional Love, Struggling towards being a Father, Moving towards Cohesion, and Arriving at Harmony – reflection on the journey. The overall implication emerging from the study is that fathers, like mothers, need support during the early months of their baby’s life and their inclusion in health care services, particularly Child and Family Health Nursing (CFH Nursing) Services is essential.