Fathers' experiences during the first postnatal week at home after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit: A meta-synthesis

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe fathers' experiences during the first postnatal week after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit. Methods: A meta-synthesis. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed qualitative single studies of fathers' experiences during the first week after early discharge (defined as less than 72 hours postpartum) from hospital after the birth of a healthy singleton baby born between weeks 37 and 40. Databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Maternity and Infant Care, Joanna Briggs, SweMed+ and PsycInfo were searched in May 2015 and May 2018. Of the 940 titles scanned for eligibility, three articles met the inclusion criteria. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used. Findings: All included studies were conducted in Sweden during the period 2002-2012. The total sample of participants in the meta-synthesis comprised 35 fathers. Analysis of the included studies generated two themes: building confidence and coping with responsibility. Conclusions: The fathers' experiences were affected by the emotional support of midwives, which boosted their confidence. This seems to be a premise for taking and coping with responsibility during the first days at home. Good cooperation between hospitals and municipalities is vital, and midwives must be available and present in order to ensure continuity in maternity care.