Presentation Information

Engaged and In Gear: Fathers in Maternal and Newborn Health

• Speaker: Debrah Lewis , CNM, MSc
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACM CPD, 1 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Traditionally, health care services target mothers – and engaging fathers has generally been overlooked. As a result fathers feel excluded and unsupported.
However, there has been growing recognition of the importance of parenting partnerships and fathers’ contribution to children’s development. As a result services are becoming more conscious of this. In a recent survey midwives agreed that including fathers is a part of their role but generally did not feel educated or well prepared to do this.
Individual providers and maternity care services must review the care they provide to assess their policies and resources, for example, and how they promote father and family inclusive care.