Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Fathers' Experiences of Early Parenting: A Qualitative Study.

aimThis study aimed to explore culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) fathers' early parenting support needs in the perinatal period in Australia.

designA qualitative descriptive research study. Participant fathers were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling who self-identified as CALD.

methodsData were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 Australian fathers aged between 29 and 56 years in July-November 2022. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six stages of thematic analysis to code, categorise and identify themes from the data.

findingsFour major themes and six sub-themes emerged from the data, 'Under pressure', 'Slipping through the cracks', 'Gaining knowledge and support by health professionals', and 'Path ahead: changed roles and being supported by peers' that encompassed fathers' early parenting experiences and support needs in the perinatal period.

conclusionCulturally and linguistically diverse fathers experience challenges in navigating maternal health care settings and at times interactions with health professionals. However, findings from this study showed that fathers were determined to navigate resources, services and networks that supported their transition to fatherhood in the early postpartum weeks. There is a need for maternity settings to be a 'father-inclusive' environment where informational and practical support is readily available to them. Legislation reform is needed that recognises fathers as parents who require adequate 'paid' parental leave entitlements that foster family relationships and recognises the role fathers play in the development of their child. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study provides insights into the support needs of CALD fathers in the perinatal period. Findings from this study have the potential to shape and design culturally appropriate health services and interventions tailored to CALD fathers that meet their nuanced needs through the lens of cultural competence and trauma informed maternity care. IMPACT: What problem did the study address?: The study explored the support needs of CALD fathers in the perinatal period. What were the main findings?: The findings revealed CALD fathers feel a sense of responsibility and pressure to live up to socio-cultural expectations and support the family unit while engaging in paid employment to earn a living. At times fathers were not encouraged to be parenting partners by health professionals, and there was an expectation that they would be familiar and have knowledge about pregnancy, labour, birth and the transition to fatherhood. Some fathers struggled with their transition to parenthood either due to lack of paid parental support or limited to no family support. However, some fathers found alternatives to manage and adjust in the early weeks postpartum, which included peer support groups and online information. Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: The research has the potential to impact all fathers, as the findings may be transferrable across a number of communities. The research also has the potential to influence cultural competence training for health care professionals and inform policy development that employs a family centred model of maternity care inclusive of culturally diverse families. REPORTING

methodThe paper has adhered to the EQUATOR COREQ reporting guideline. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.