Working with young fathers – good practice update

A young father’s behaviour and attitudes a have a strong influence on the health of the young mother and the baby.

• The young father’s smoking/drinking/drug use is the greatest influence on the young mother’s smoking/drinking/drug use. Persuading him to cut down or quit smoking and to support his partner in also cutting down or quitting, significantly affects the likelihood of her success in doing so
• The young father’s attitude to breastfeeding has a significant impact on the mother’s choice of how to feed her baby. Where fathers are directly addressed on this topic by health professionals, mothers are more likely to initiate and to continue breastfeeding
• A good relationship with the baby’s father and supportive behaviour by him is a protective factor for postnatal depression in the young mother; conversely, his negative behaviour is a risk factor for postnatal depression
• Relationship-stress between the couple is a significant cause of maternal stress – which can affect the unborn baby

A good relationship between a young father and his teenage partner is strongly correlated with his involvement with his child in the early years, and with lower stress for the mother. Having a highly involved father -independently of whether the father and mother remain a couple - is associated with better emotional, behavioural and educational outcomes for the children.

The background of young fathers
Compared with older fathers, young fathers are more likely to have experienced the circumstances shown below:



Working inclusively with young fathers
Many young fathers feel that maternity practitioners either ignore them or treat them as irresponsible and incapable. They are often insecure and defensive about their role, and may appear reluctant to engage with health professionals.

Specific efforts are needed to reach out to young men and to give them the sense that they are respected and valued in their role, because they may easily disengage from the pregnancy and from parenting if they feel judged or excluded. Maternity professionals can also support the relationship between young mothers and fathers by encouraging and involving young fathers in antenatal care.

To show a young father that you value and welcome his involvement you could:

• enquire about his well-being and be friendly and encouraging;
• continue to address him as well as his partner, even if he does not initially make eye contact;
• ensure he has a place to sit next to his partner;
• give your contact details to him as well as to his partner;
• take down all his details with interest, and ask him if he has any questions of his own;
• make it clear that he is invited to any antenatal education that you offer;
• suggest he attend any scans and other appointments (although it is important to see the young woman on her own at least once, to allow her the opportunity to disclose confidential matters such as domestic abuse, including intimate partner violence);
• explain that, in late pregnancy, the baby is already aware of his voice;
• explain how his giving up smoking and drinking can help his partner stop or cut down – and the positive effect this will have on their baby;
• if you suspect relationship problems between the couple, refer them to help if you can, and explain how this will benefit their baby;
• ensure that he knows what to expect during labour;
• during labour help and encourage him to work with you to support his partner;
• show him how he can support his partner with breastfeeding and how to support her if she experiences postnatal depression;
• explain to both young parents how a skilled, competent father helps his baby be cleverer and happier – and that dads, like mums, need practice to become skilled;
• make sure he is included when you are helping the mother with breastfeeding or baby care;
• emphasise how important he is to his child, and will be throughout his or her life;
• offer him information about any relevant support services: these may include support for non-resident fathers.

The National Teenage Pregnancy Midwifery Network is open to all Midwives and Health Visitors with an interest in young parents. To join please email Jenny McLeish on tpmidwives@yahoo.co.uk