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Fatherhood
Many research studies show that the fathers have an important function in supporting women during both pregnancy and labour (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2004). Liamputton & Naksook (2002) state, for example, that the women in their study highly valued the men’s support and saw it as important for the transition to motherhood.
This support included the psychological support for the woman during pregnancy as well as the immediate help in the form of shared responsibility for the child after birth. Much of the research during the past 30 years states that prospective fathers can offer the pregnant woman important psychological, emotional and moral support. For example, Kroelinger & Oths (2000) showed that the increased involvement of men during pregnancy can positively affect the health of the woman and child.
Other research relating to pregnancy indicates a relationship between the man’s support and the woman’s health. Both Pagel et al. (1990) and Mutale et al. (1991) found, for example, that lack of social support, especially from the husband or family, has major negative effects on fetal growth.
Several studies show that the man’s presence in the labour
room shortens the labour and reduces the epidural rate (Berry, 1988).
The presence of a labour companion has also been shown to reduce the pain, panic and exhaustion of the woman (Kennell et al., 1991; Somers-Smith, 1999).
However, the most common reason why women want to have their husbands present in the labour room is that they simply want to share the experience with their partner. It gives a feeling of enhancing the relationship between the prospective parents (Bobdas-Salonen, 1998).
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