The aim of the study was to understand the impact of preterm birth on the father-infant relationship. Three fathers of preterm born children, aged 27-45 years, who live with the baby's mother, participated in the study. A collective-case study design was developed involving interviews about father-infant relationship in the context of preterm birth during pregnancy, hospitalization and the third month after discharge. The reports of the participants were examined through qualitative content analysis. There have been significant changes in father-infant interactions between pregnancy and third month after discharge. The results revealed the importance of frequent visits to the baby during hospitalization for the establishment of the father-infant relationship. Furthermore, it was noted that father-infant relationship was marked by fear of physical contact, particularly during the first weeks of hospitalization, which should be considered in parent-infant interventions during hospital stay.
Premature birth; Father-Child relations; Intensive Care Units