“Equally, but in our own way”: First-time parents’ prenatal expectations of coparenting

Figures & data

Table 1. Participantś characteristics during pregnancy.

Total N = 60	Expectant mothers (n =  30)	Expectant fathers (n = 30)
Mean Age	30.8 years	30.2 years
Educational level
Masteŕs degree or higher	20 (66.6%)	10 (33.3%)
Bachelor’s degree	6 (20%)	11 (36.7%)
High school or vocational school	4 (13.3%)	8 (26.7%)
Less than high school		1 (3.3%)
Life situation
Working	12 (40%)	29 (96.7%)
Maternal leave	16 (53.3%)
Other	2 (6.6%)	1 (3.3%)

Figure 1. Process of thematic analysis.

Table 2. The five components of coparenting expectations.

COMPONENT	CONTENT	ASPIRATIONS	CHALLENGE	IDEAL
DIVISION OF LABOUR ISSUES	-Alternation of baby-care vs. concurrent baby-care -Equal division of housework -Parental role orientations: fixed or flexible -Sharing of parental leave	*Attendance and active participation of both parents -Fairness, flexibility -Both parents have access to parental leave and working in their jobs	-Time- and resource- consuming work - Exhaustion	Equality
MANAGEMENT OF FAMILY DYNAMICS	-Interaction between parents -Discussion and negotiation -Shared plans and decisions -Family togetherness: family united by child	*Responsibility and commitment -Balance in cooperation -Closeness with family members -Team working	-Differences in temperament -Resolving disagreements	Cooperation as a value
CHILDREARING AGREEMENT	-Consensus childrearing issues -Mutual goals, values and behavioural patterns - Rules of the game similar -Trust in spouse	*Both parents' expertise in parenting -Meeting the child’s needs -Easygoing everyday life -Need to be able to cope alone with a baby	-Differences in family background - Sleep deprivation	Child as priority
COPARENTAL SUPPORT	-Listening and feeling sympathy -Encouragement and positive feedback -Sharing knowledge and giving each other advice -Helping and doing for another	*Consideration of the other -Mutuality -Sharing emotions on parenthood -Confidence in staying together -Being heard and understood	-Different needs - Daily resources	Mutual respect
LEARNING AND DEVELOPING (New component)	-Mutual project and site of growth’ -Parental relationship grows with the care of the child -Preparation: earlier skills and experiences pertaining to children	*Giving the other parent space -Good parent-child relationship -Finding your own ways as parents - Confidence as parents	-Mother as gatekeeper -Changes in the couple relationship	Growing as a parent and coparent

Figure 2. Model of components of coparenting identified by expectant couples.