Fathers of premature babies feel forgotten, new study shows

Ahead of World Prematurity Day on 17 November, new research has revealed that Australian fathers and non-birthing partners caring for preterm infants often feel invisible, stressed and unsupported, leaving many struggling to care for their partner and baby in the critical early days.

The study, led by Federation University’s Associate Professor of Nursing Esther Adama, shows that non-birth parents receive significantly less emotional and practical support during the perinatal period, leaving many feeling helpless, excluded and isolated.

The study found this experience was felt by both male and female non-birthing partners, with many participants reporting being regarded as ‘secondary parents’.

“I know that everyone knew (my partner's) name… and everyone knew (baby's) name. But no one knew my name, I was always 'the partner'. I just think they took the birth mother as the main carer, the main person, but sometimes, it is not the case,” described one non-birth partner.

Another relayed a similar experience: “Early on, when he (baby) was ready to have kangaroo care and my wife was still unable to get out of bed because she had an emergency caesarean, they basically wouldn't let me be the first one to hold him. They were like, 'Oh no, we like the mother to do it', and my wife was saying 'no, no, no' and I found that quite hard…”

Critically, Dr Adama says, this treatment significantly impacted fathers and non-birthing partners’ ability to help care for and support new mums and their babies.

“In those early days of a premature baby’s life – they need both parents to be as present and supported as possible,” she said.

“Healthcare professionals feel the responsibility to be there for the mum and the baby, but they forget to check in with non-birth partners and make sure they are coping with the situation.”

The study also found that many fathers of preterm babies relied on informal networks – like family and friends – rather than accessing professional support.

“Society expects fathers to be the strong ones. Yet our research shows fathers and non-birth partners experience high-levels of stress, helplessness and fear – but they often receive little to no support,” Dr Adama said.

“Most of the time, they rely on friends or family who’ve been through a similar situation. They don’t realise that this support exists for them, as they were never properly informed”.

The study was based on 14 non-birth partners, encompassing both heterosexual and same-sex relationships, whose preterm infant was admitted to Australian neonatal units.

While the research lays bare several critical issues, Dr Adama says there are still gaps, particularly concerning LGBTQAI+ and culturally and linguistically diverse couples.

“I think there is more to uncover in this space and more to add to the narrative of diversity and inclusion in infant mental health,” she said.