Postpartum experiences and concerns of first-time fathers in Ilala suburb, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A qualitative interview study.
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Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Midwifery
Abstract
Objectives: to explore postpartum experiences of first-time fathers in a multicultural, low-income,
suburban Tanzanian setting.
Design, setting and participants: individual qualitative interviews with ten first-time fathers, four to ten
weeks post partum in Ilala suburb, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Findings: these first-time fathers enjoyed fatherhood and revealed a sincere concern for the well-being
of the mother and infant during the postpartum period. They described themselves as active in mother
and infant care and household chores; however, they were limited by breadwinning responsibilities.
The families were supported by relatives or laypersons. The mothers’ and infants’ nutrition had high
priority but poverty was an obstacle. Timing of resumption of sex after childbirth was problematic as
traditions prescribed abstinence while the woman is breast feeding. The risk of contracting HIV to the
family was a concern. Reproductive and child health care often excluded fathers and gave unclear
information.
Conclusion: these new fathers struggled to gain confidence and experience while engaging in family
matters during post partum. Changing gender roles in the suburban Tanzanian society in general and
their personal experiences of transition to fatherhood both facilitated and made the postpartum period
problematic. The health sector does not respond with respect to fathers’ concerns for family health and
needs for support.
Recommendations: these findings call for programmes on gender relations, which are supporting
constructive masculinities and facilitate new fathers’ active participation and responsibilities in
parenting, family health and their relations with their partners. Such programmes should not only
target people in childbearing age but also their potential support persons. Health workers should
welcome fathers and discuss strategies for good family health during post partum. Counselling couples
together could facilitate their support for each other in optimising health post partum
Description
Keywords
Tanzania, Fathers, Postpartum
Citation
Mbekenga, C.K., Lugina, H.I., Christensson, K. and Olsson, P., 2011. Postpartum experiences of first-time fathers in a Tanzanian suburb: a qualitative interview study. Midwifery, 27(2), pp.174-180.