Perceptions of Barriers to Paternal Presence and Contribution During Childbirth: An Exploratory Study from Syria

Background The barriers that face fathers during childbirth are an understudied phenomenon. The objective of our study was to explore S yrian parents' perceptions of barriers to paternal presence and contribution during childbirth. Methods A descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach based on C olaizzi's method was used with a purposive sample of 23 mothers and 14 fathers recruited from a major public maternity hospital in S yria. Results In our study, four themes on barriers to paternal presence and contribution during childbirth were found: 1) sociocultural influences and rigidity; 2) being unprepared; 3) unsupportive policies and attitudes; and 4) unfavorable reactions and circumstances. Conclusions Common and current sociocultural norms in S yria do not encourage fathers to be present or contribute during childbirth. Therefore, establishing culturally sensitive supportive policies and practices is a vital step toward overcoming these barriers. ( BIRTH 40:1 M arch 2013)