Introduction:
Pregnancy and childbirth are pivotal moments in a woman’s life, and the involvement of a supportive partner can significantly impact the physical and emotional well-being of both mother and child. However, in many societies, men have traditionally been excluded from the process, leading to missed opportunities for improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. A study conducted in Mulago Hospital, Uganda, shed light on men’s experiences and perceptions of male involvement in their partners’ healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. The findings reveal the need for targeted interventions to encourage male participation and engagement. This article explores the study’s recommendations and highlights the critical role key stakeholders can play in promoting male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth.
Understanding Men’s Experiences and Perceptions:
The study found that men hold varying descriptions of their relationships and responsibilities towards their partners’ healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. While some men saw it as their obligation to provide care and support, others considered it their privilege. Nevertheless, all the participants recognized the importance of being actively engaged in their partners’ healthcare journey. Ideal fathers were present during childbirth, providing emotional and practical support to their partners.
Obstacles to Male Involvement:
Despite recognizing the importance of being involved, men faced several barriers that limited their participation during pregnancy and childbirth. The health system itself was identified as a major hindrance, with men feeling excluded and alienated in the hospital environment. Lack of clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities during childbirth compounded this feeling of exclusion.
Recommendations for Promoting Male Involvement:
- Increase Awareness: To encourage greater male involvement, awareness campaigns need to be developed to emphasize the importance of fathers’ participation in pregnancy and childbirth. These campaigns should highlight the positive impacts of male engagement on maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- Male-Targeted Antenatal Education: Antenatal education programs should be tailored to specifically address men’s concerns and interests. Providing information about the benefits of active involvement, the role they can play during pregnancy and childbirth, and practical skills such as breastfeeding support can foster greater engagement.
- Address Provider Attitudes: Healthcare providers play a vital role in facilitating or impeding male involvement. Training programs should be implemented to enhance provider communication skills and promote gender-sensitive care. Providers must be sensitized to the importance of including fathers and made aware of the impact their behaviour and attitudes can have on male involvement.
- Creating Welcoming Hospital Environments: Hospitals and healthcare facilities should strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for men during pregnancy and childbirth. This can involve infrastructure improvements such as comfortable waiting areas for fathers, clear signage and information about their roles and rights, and policies that explicitly promote and encourage male involvement.
Key Role Players in Promoting Male Involvement:
- Ministry of Health: The Ministry of Health plays a crucial role in setting policies and guidelines related to maternal and neonatal health. They should prioritize promoting male involvement and allocate resources to support awareness campaigns, male-targeted antenatal education, and provider training.
- Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and midwives are on the front lines and interact directly with couples during pregnancy and childbirth. Provider training programs should be developed and implemented to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for gender-sensitive care and effective communication with both mothers and fathers.
- Community Leaders: Leaders at the community level, including religious and traditional leaders, can influence cultural norms and beliefs surrounding male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. Their support and endorsement of male participation can help change societal attitudes and practices.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs with expertise in reproductive health and gender equality can play a vital role in implementing interventions to promote male involvement. They can partner with healthcare facilities and community leaders to design and implement awareness campaigns, establish support programs, and advocate for policy changes.
Conclusion:
Promoting male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. By addressing the barriers that men face and implementing targeted interventions, we can create a healthcare system that not only recognizes the importance of fathers but actively engages and supports them. The recommendations outlined in the study provide a roadmap for key stakeholders to collaborate and work towards achieving this goal. With the collective effort of the Ministry of Health, healthcare providers, community leaders, and NGOs, we can build a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system that benefits women, men, and their children.
Based on the Following Publication
Male involvement during pregnancy and childbirth: Men’s perceptions, practices and experiences during the care for women who developed childbirth complications in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Volume 14, No. 1, Year 2014