PRENATAL INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME FATHERS

The focus of this study was to determine the effectiveness of prenatal intervention with low socioeconomic, first‐time fathers whose partners were experiencing a high‐ or low‐risk pregnancy. Of the 67 men, who were recruited by their partners, half were randomly assigned to participate in an intervention program designed to acquaint fathers‐to‐be with information, insights, and clinically appropriate techniques in responsive care for infants. Intervention group fathers received two intensive 11/2‐hour sessions emphasizing the nature and capabilities of the prebornhewborn and sensitive responsiveness to preborn/newborn cues and to partner cues. Postnatally, fathers were videotaped with their infants during two feeding interactions. At Time 1, intervention fathers were rated from videotapes as significantly more sensitive during feeding interactions with their newborn infants. At Time 2, 1 month later, differences between father groups approached significance. Copyright © 1991 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health