Fathers In Sight

This study aims to explore the expectations and needs of (future) underprivileged fathers, in relation to their partner, their family network and to the wider network of medical and social care organisations and this in pre-, peri- and postpartum.

Field of interest: Health and Care; People and Society; Education

Duration: 1/09/2016

Financing: PWO

Experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, perspectives towards the future role as a father and expectations towards family and care network will be taken as a starting point to explore why and how fathers can or want to be more actively involved in raising their child.

We focus this research prenatally on the 'fathers-to-be' and postnatally on the 'first-time fathers', as this is where the transition to parenthood is sharpest. This double focus also makes it possible to examine whether the estimated needs and expectations before birth are confirmed in the postnatal period.

Using literature review, inspirational practices and focus groups, the researchers studied various factors that facilitate fathers' involvement in children's facilities - ranging from a maternity hospital to a nursery.

Based on this data, an indicator list was developed. This list triggered a formation, a scientific publication and a practice rating. The practice rating is awarded to facilities that position themselves as 'father-friendly facilities'.