Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare最新文献

{"title":"Migrant women’s experiences of community-based doula support during labor and childbirth in Sweden. A mixed methods study","authors":"Radhika Purandare ,&nbsp;Kajsa Ådahl ,&nbsp;Maria Stillerman ,&nbsp;Erica Schytt ,&nbsp;Nataliia Tsekhmestruk ,&nbsp;Helena Lindgren","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.101000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To describe migrant women’s experiences of bilingual community-based doulas (CBD) contribution to care in relation to labor and birth.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Mixed methods study combining quantitative data from 82 women who received CBD-support within a randomized controlled trial and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of 12 women from the same study arm. Descriptive analyses were used for quantitative data and content analysis for the manifest and latent content of the qualitative data. Quantitative findings were categorized according to qualitative findings.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The women expressed how CBDs played an essential role in the response to their basic emotional, informational, and physical support needs, when no other female family member was available. Three main categories emerged from the analysis of interviews: <em>The doulas help women feel safe and calm – providing support before, during and after childbirth</em>; <em>The doulas’ support role fills the void left by a deeply missed family, mother or sister;</em> and <em>The doulas assist women in achieving autonomy through communication support and advocacy.</em> More than half of women reported feeling involved during labor and birth (56.8%), most valued CBD positively (such as being competent, calm, secure, considerate, respectful, encouraging, supportive) (40.8%-80.3%), that CBD had interpreted (75.6%), facilitated communication with the midwife (60,3%), comforted the woman (57.7%) and reduced anxiety (48,7%). Few reported negative CBD-characteristics (1.3–9.2%). Nevertheless, 61.7% of women felt frightened sometime during labor and birth, which made it even more important to them that the doula was there. Few women (21.8%) reported that the CBD had supported her partner but expressed so in the interviews.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Through an essential contribution in responding to migrant women’s basic emotional, informational, and physical needs, bilingual community-based doulas have the potential to improve migrant women’s experience of care during labour and birth. However, more focus on the quality of CBD-support to partners seem necessary.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000557/pdfft?md5=a38bb2db7583afb0f6c8b4b6934f7dd4&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000557-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141499839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring perceptions of vulnerability among women facing psychosocial adversity before, during and after pregnancy: A qualitative interview-study using thematic analysis","authors":"L. van der Meer ,&nbsp;H.E. Ernst-Smelt ,&nbsp;M.P. Lambregtse-van den Berg ,&nbsp;M. van ’t Hof ,&nbsp;A.M. Weggelaar-Jansen ,&nbsp;H.H. Bijma","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The term ‘vulnerable’ is often used to describe women facing psychosocial adversity during pregnancy, implying a heightened risk of experiencing suboptimal pregnancy outcomes. While this label might facilitate the pathway to appropriate care, it can be perceived as stigmatizing by the women it intends to help, which could deter their interaction with healthcare services. This study explores how women facing psychosocial adversity before, during and after pregnancy perceive the concept of vulnerability and experience being labeled as such.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Through purposive sampling targeting maximum variation, ten women of diverse backgrounds were included.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Three central themes emerged: defining vulnerability, embracing vulnerability and the feeling of being stigmatized. Women perceived vulnerability as an inability to adequately care for themselves or their children, necessitating additional support alongside routine antenatal care. Acceptance of the ’vulnerable’ label came when it also acknowledged their proactive efforts and strengths to improve their situation. Conversely, if discussions surrounding vulnerability failed to recognize women’s agency – specifically, their personal journeys and the courage needed to seek support – the label was perceived as stigmatizing.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Addressing vulnerability effectively in maternity care requires a nuanced, patient-centered approach, acknowledging both the challenges and strengths of women facing psychosocial adversities. Emphasizing personal narratives and their courage in seeking support can mitigate the stigmatizing effects of the ’vulnerable’ label. Integrating these narratives into maternal healthcare practices can foster deeper connections with the women involved, enhancing the overall quality of care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000545/pdfft?md5=5f3d1f35b60cef7b218edf3b9845fcfa&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000545-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141499838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers in providing maternal health care services in a mountainous area","authors":"Phuong Anh Hoang ,&nbsp;Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen ,&nbsp;Thi Hoa Huyen Nguyen ,&nbsp;Ngoc Tran Tran ,&nbsp;Thi Thuy Hao Mai","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>While programs had been implemented by both the government and non-governmental organizations to address inequity in maternal health care in mountainous areas in Vietnam, the expected outcomes were not fully reached due to existing barriers from health workers mainly providing the health services. This study explores prominent issues faced by health workers in delivering maternal care in Cao Bang, focusing on their impact on the local population’s daily lives and overall development.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A qualitative study was conducted with 15 participants working as health managers, commune health workers, commune midwives, and village health workers in selected communes of a mountainous and border district located in the Northeast Cao Bang province.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Main barriers include the incompetent healthcare workforce, ineffective use of facility resources, lack of work commitment, and unscientific traditional beliefs.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Future community programs should implement strict policies, defined rights, and clear responsibilities for health workers handling these obstacles to optimize the quality of maternal health care services in these remote areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141429315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How do people story their experience of miscarriage? A systematic review of qualitative literature","authors":"Emma L.G. Wallis ,&nbsp;Jennifer Heath ,&nbsp;Amanda Spong","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Literature surrounding miscarriage is broad in scope, yet narrative constructions following miscarriage are significantly under-researched. Few studies have sought to understand sense-making processes following miscarriage, including how and why people story their experience. Consequently, the complexities and nuances of these processes have not been adequately explored. This review aimed to gain insight into what is already known about how people story their experience of miscarriage, as well as research gaps and limitations.</p><p>A systematic literature review of qualitative literature was conducted across four databases to identify relevant research related to miscarriage narratives and sense-making. Eligibility criteria was applied to a staged screening process to identify the highest quality, peer-reviewed research. Ten studies were included in the review and presented as a narrative synthesis. The literature was divided into five collective themes: women’s perspectives, male partner’s perspectives, couples’ perspectives, healthcare professional’s perspectives, and cultural perspectives.</p><p>The literature review summarises existing knowledge about narrative processes in relation to miscarriage, as well as highlighting research gaps, clinical implications, and directions for future research. When working with those who have experienced involuntary child loss and infertility, there is a need for professionals to have appropriate training to support the provision of compassionate, individualised care and decision-making. The role of language requires consideration as there is a need to address over-medicalised systems of knowledge, and it is important that there is understanding regarding the need for expression, and the various ways that individuals might express their feelings and loss.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000521/pdfft?md5=33c8e5d8f42545f2c13b72ba928750eb&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000521-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141390932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The association between gynecologic healthcare providers’ sexual health and their comfort discussing their patients’ sexual function","authors":"Matthew W. Lee,&nbsp;Kaily Cox,&nbsp;Stephanie D. Davis,&nbsp;Brian T. Nguyen","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100996","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Stigma surrounding discussions of sexuality can prevent patients from discussing sexual health issues with their healthcare providers. Clinicians may also experience similar stigma, compounding the problem if also reticent to assess their patients’ sexual health. We explored the association of healthcare providers’ personal sexual experience and health with their comfort with and frequency of optimizing their patients’ sexual function and satisfaction.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted an anonymous online survey of gynecologic care providers and their comfort with and frequency of addressing their patients’ sexual function. Covariates examined via bivariate analysis included: socio-demographics, training level, prior sexual experiences and education, history of sexual trauma, and current sexual problems and satisfaction.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Most respondents (N = 189) identified as sexually active (82.5 %), heterosexual (90.5 %), female (85.7 %) medical trainees (63.5 %). A quarter (23.8 %) reported currently having at least 1 sexual problem and 27.0 % reported a history of sexual trauma. Notably, 91.0 % of respondents had never been asked about their own sexual health by a healthcare provider. Less than half (43.9 %) reported frequently bringing up sexual health issues with their patients, while about half (50.8 %) reported being comfortable optimizing patients’ sexual function, which was significantly correlated (p &lt; 0.05) with practicing at the attending level, being comfortable talking about their own sexuality, the absence of sexual problems, reported sexual satisfaction, and prior education in a greater number of sexual healthcare topics.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Variation in how gynecologic healthcare providers manage their patients’ sexual function may be linked to their own sexual experiences and well-being.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141314415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlates of adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in Sidama region, Ethiopia. An unmatched case-control study","authors":"Rekiku Fikre ,&nbsp;Sanne Gerards ,&nbsp;Wondwosen Teklesilasie ,&nbsp;Jessica Gubbels","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Adolescent pregnancy has received little attention, despite being it is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Sidama regional state is one of the regions in Ethiopia that has high rates of adolescent pregnancy. This study aimed to identify factors related to adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy, in the Sidama region, Ethiopia.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 120 cases and 240 controls of pregnant adolescents. Structured interviews and patient record reviews were used to examine the potential correlates and adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy. Using binary logistic analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals, were computed to identify factors related to adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancies.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A monthly income below the poverty level (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI, 1.21–9.58), lack of antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 4.22; 95% CI, 1.97–9.04), experiencing gender-based violence (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI, 1.16–3.57), and referral to a specialized health facility (AOR: 2.79; 95% CI,1.39, 5.62) were associated with higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Several socio-economic and health care system-related determinants are associated with adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial to improve free and accessible maternal health care services for adolescents, focusing on education, challenging social norms that condone gender-based violence as well as enhancing the referral system to lessen the burden of adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000417/pdfft?md5=7aaaf58efcc39d5a5ba5f9fbb5086971&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000417-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141181461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nulliparous women’s lived experiences of the prolonged passive stage of labour: A thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology","authors":"Maria Bjelke ,&nbsp;Marie Oscarsson ,&nbsp;Lars Thurn ,&nbsp;Lina Palmér","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Prolonged progress can occur in the first and second stages of labour and may contribute to a negative birth experience. However, previous studies have mainly focused on quantitative aspects or overall birth experience, and little is known about women’s experiences of a prolonged passive second stage.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To describe the lived experiences of a prolonged passive second stage of labour in nulliparous women.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A qualitative study was conducted with 15 nulliparous women with a passive second stage lasting three hours or more. Data were analysed using thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The analysis resulted in four themes: “An unknown phase” that entailed remaining in a phase that the women lacked an awareness of. “Trust and mistrust in the body’s ability” represents the mindset for vaginal birth as well as feelings of powerlessness and self-guilt. The theme “Loss of control” included experiences of frustration, fatigue, and having to deny bodily instincts. “Support through presence and involvement” signifies support through the midwife’s presence in the birthing room, although there were also descriptions of emotional or physical absence.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The findings contribute to the understanding of prolonged labour based on women’s lived experiences and add to the body of knowledge about the prolonged passive second stage. This study highlights that women need support through information, presence, and encouragement to remain in control. It can be beneficial during birth preparation to include knowledge about the passive second stage together with unexpected or complicated situations during birth, such as prolonged labour.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141187163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproductive sex ending in failure affects sexual health – A qualitative study of men and women attending a fertility clinic","authors":"Lisa Lindgren ,&nbsp;Stavros I. Iliadis ,&nbsp;Helena Volgsten","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To explore men’s and women’s experiences regarding their history of sexual health when attending a fertility clinic.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A qualitative study with semi-structured individual interviews was conducted among heterosexual males and females seeking infertility care at a public fertility clinic in Sweden in 2022–2023. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Eight males and ten females were included. The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: A change from spontaneous to scheduled intercourse affects various aspects of sexual health. In the beginning of the relationship sex had been spontaneous, joyful and satisfying. However, sex was not always unproblematic, and there had been sexual changes. Sex with a reproductive purpose was scheduled according to ovulation, leading to changes in sexual behavior. Increased erectile problems in men and decreased frequency of orgasms in women, and a lack of sexual desire in both, were experienced. Men and women felt pressured to have sex when it became a requirement. Men’s sexual and women’s reproductive failures led to negative emotional reactions, including stress, frustration, disappointment, anxiety and guilt. Sexual and reproductive problems affected the relational well-being, leading to feelings of sharing the burden but also conflicts and sexual avoidance.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Experiencing reproductive failures, sexual problems and negative emotional reactions can affect men’s and women’s sexual health. Therefore, an implication for clinical practice among healthcare professionals during evaluation of infertility, is a need to be aware of and ask questions about sexual health after reproductive failures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000399/pdfft?md5=0ce76a8fb000768edb852a0f2f8e5adf&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000399-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141131034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Existential communication in maternity care – Mixed method evaluation of a postgraduate short course","authors":"Cæcilie Kongsgaard Balle ,&nbsp;Dorte Hvidtjørn ,&nbsp;Maria Louise Birkegård Brintow ,&nbsp;Chunsen Wu ,&nbsp;Christina Prinds","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The birth of a child is a significant life event, possibly accompanied by thoughts and feelings of existential turmoil, which some parents need to share. Maternity care professionals may be unprepared for this, as very few educational initiatives exist with a focus on existential communication. We evaluated the curriculum and delivery of a course in existential communication for midwives. The evaluation was based on participants’ experiences of self-reported self-efficacy and self-reflection before and after participation.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A parallel mixed methods design with pre- and post-course questionnaires and field observations. Quantitative data were evaluated using Mann-Whitney analyses, and open-ended questions and field observations were thematised for further analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Seventy-three maternity care professionals participated in the course. Of these, 69 (95%) completed a pre-course questionnaire, and 71 (97%) a post-course questionnaire. The quantitative data found a significant difference in various participant measures such as increase in self-efficacy in existential communication and understanding of existential communication. Qualitative data from the questionnaires and field observations led to six different themes including topics such as the need for reflection with peers and the presence of existential within maternity care.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The course evaluation suggested an increase in participants’ awareness of existential aspects of maternity care and improved self-reflection and existential awareness.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000387/pdfft?md5=834820a2655e78f08bfb46f60f0f4969&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000387-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141140524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thoughts and experiences of well-educated fathers about their role when breastfeeding difficulties arose","authors":"Barbro Ljungberg ,&nbsp;Panagiotis Papachristou ,&nbsp;Sofia Zwedberg","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To investigate how fathers or partners perceive their roles as new parents when confronted with early breastfeeding challenges, how they navigate these difficulties, and the specific type of support they seek from the Child Health Care Centre (CHCC).</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>In-depth, individual interviews conducted with 12 partners of women for whom breastfeeding was difficult. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied on the interview data.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Interviews resulted in three themes: 1) ‘It is a revolutionary time to be a new father’ represented a tumultuous time when fathers wanted to be involved in all decisions and part of a strong team with their partners. 2) ‘When a breastfeeding problem arose’; fathers questioned the sovereignty of breast milk and began to seek more knowledge. They experienced a strong social norm about breastfeeding that led to feelings of guilt for their partners. They felt helpless when their partners suffered and lacked support. 3) ‘Child Health Care Centre’s duty’; was instrumental, as knowledge and competence were found to be important for trust. The fathers wanted concrete solutions to breastfeeding problems and more conversations of support with the CHCC nurse.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Well-educated fathers desire to protect their partners as they experience suffering due to a robust social norm telling them that breastfeeding is best. This can result in them starting to question the sovereignty of breast milk. Fathers need support to help their partners successfully during breastfeeding. They want counselling to strengthen their role as parents and help them build trusting teams with their partners.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000375/pdfft?md5=b476a9e58715d9118db6555ca8c5c218&pid=1-s2.0-S1877575624000375-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141090604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}