Feelings, thoughts and experiences of fathers in the early postpartum period: a phenomenological study.

Aims/background: Transition to parenthood is a complex and challenging situation not only for mothers but also for fathers. In this process, fathers' feelings, thoughts and experiences are very important. This study aims to understand fathers' feelings, thoughts and experiences in the early postpartum period.

Design/methods: The descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Data were collected from 13 fathers through in-depth interviews. The content analysis method was used in data analysis.

Results: The following three themes were identified regarding the experiences of fathers in the early postpartum period: 'need for support', 'difficulties of being a father' and 'recommendations'. The fathers had more needs and inadequate support in their transition to the fatherhood role.

Conclusion: All these results suggest that they faced many challenges in the early postpartum period. Sleep deprivation, being tired, having a restricted social life and increased responsibilities, and experiencing postpartum psychological fluctuations were some of these difficulties. In order to overcome these difficulties, they needed financial and moral support. The fathers who participated in the present study stated that they did not receive enough training and support from healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should keep in mind that not only of mothers and babies but also of fathers have needs to be met.