Supporting a double hospitalization during the pandemic: The experience of fathers whose infants were hospitalized while their mothers were also hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Abstract

Introduction. The hospitalization of a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit may be highly stressful for both mothers and fathers, and this was even more intense in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, no studies have been found that describe the experience of fathers who underwent the simultaneous hospitalization of their partner and newborn infant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives. To explore the experience of fathers who had their babies hospitalized in the Neonatal Unit while their partner were hospitalized due to worsening of COVID-19. Population and method. Four semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results. Four moments were identified when specific emotions arose: a) onset of infection, b) partner hospitalization, c) baby birth, and d) baby hospitalization. Guilt, fear, death anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty appear very early and are later combined with emotions such as happiness and empowerment, among others. The lack of physical contact with their partners and babies and failures in communication with the health care team stand out as factors that hinder the exercise of the paternal role, while an effective communication with the health care team and active participation in the baby's care are protective factors. Fathers fulfill multiple roles, the most important of which is their role as protectors. Conclusions. Family-centered communication and care and active involvement in baby care may potentially protect against the impact of this complex experience of double hospitalization.