Awe and Trepidation: The Role of Perinatal Care Providers in Black Fathers’ Experiences of Childbirth in the U.S

ABSTRACT

Care provider communication with Black birthing families is impactful. This cross-sectional study asked 216 Black fathers to recall treatment by birthing care providers and tested variables contributing to birth satisfaction and fathering identity salience. Most fathers reported that care providers were respectful resulting in a positive birthing experience; however, 15% reported negative experiences with care providers. Perceived social support was shown to be a mediator between disrespect, mistreatment, inclusive communication, trust, and positive emotion with birth satisfaction and fathering identity salience. Care provider disrespect served as a “spoiler” of the birthing experience and subsequently diminished positive fathering identity salience. Analysis of open-ended comments showed that contrary to stereotypes about absent, disengaged Black fathers, fathers in this study were caring toward their newborns, present for them, and engaged in fathering. More work needs to be done with care provider communication to make every birth a positive and inclusive experience for Black fathers and their partners.

Acknowledgements

Support for this project was received from the Michigan State University Trifecta Initiative for Interdisciplinary Health in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and from the MSU College of Nursing, Center for Nursing Research, Scholarship, and Innovation. We also express our appreciation to the 216 Black fathers who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Perinatal refers to the vulnerable period before onset of labor, during labor and birth, and for several weeks after birth when harms related to childbirth often occur. Cultural safety refers to the birthing family’s perception that they are receiving equitable, respectful treatment by birthing care providers (Curtis et al., 2019).

2. Fathers were directed to Facebook support groups for Black fathers including The Dad Gang (https://www.facebook.com/thedadgang/), Black Fathers (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/blackfathersgroup), Black Fathers Matter (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1522464948056440), Black Fathers and Co. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ blackfathersandco).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the TRIFECTA Grant Michigan State University College of Nursing MSU College of Nursing .