Factors Affecting Paternal Involvement in Neonatal Care

The aim of the study: to investigate paternal involvement in neonatal care and which factors affect such involvement. Objectives of the study: 1. To discover what actions fathers take to take care of their newborns, and how fathers feel about it. 2. To discover which factors influence fathers to take care of their newborns. 3. To discover which factors influence fathers to not take care of their newborns. Methodology: Object of the research – fathers of neonates who are in the department of Neonates Diseases. Method of the study: written survey of fathers. Statistical analysis of the records was made with SPSS 23,0 statistical package. Results and conclusions: 1. Fathers carry their newborns in their arms, talk to them, change diapers, bathe neonates, help mothers with nursing. 2. Looking after their neonates, fathers felt joy, a sense of responsibility, pride, felt important in their newborn‘s life, were worried about harming the baby, felt that mother is better at seeing to the baby‘s needs. 3. Fathers with higher education are more likely to help with bathing. First time fathers, fathers of planned children are more likely to help mother nurse. Fathers who are present during childbirth are more likely to bathe the baby and help mother nurse. Fathers with short working hours are more likely to bathe their newborns. Fathers who have good relationship with their baby‘s mother are more likely to help her nurse and to hold the baby in their arms. 4. Fathers without higher education are less likely to help with bathing. Fathers who previously had children, fathers of unplanned children are less likely to help mother nurse. Fathers who are not present during childbirth are less likely to bathe the baby and help mother nurse. Fathers who work long hours are less likely to bathe their newborns. Fathers who have average or poor relationship with their baby‘s mother are less likely to help her nurse and to hold the baby in their arms