Fathers’ experience of childbirth when non-progressive labour occurs and augmentation is established. A qualitative study

ObjectiveAugmentation with oxytocin during labour has increased in Western obstetrics over the last few decades. The aim of this study was to describe how fathers experienced childbirth when non-progressive labour occurred and augmentation was established.MethodA qualitative descriptive design. Ten fathers were interviewed 4–15 weeks post partum. The interviews were semi-structured and were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed three themes and four sub-themes. The themes were: (1) A rational approach to own role, (2) Labour and birth as uncontrollable processes and (3) Relief about the decision of augmentation. The fathers had a rational approach and felt powerless when the process of labour was uncontrollable. They felt they were not able to help their partners in pain when non-progressive labour occurred. They experienced relief when augmentation was established because of the subsequent progression of labour, and because it was then easier to find a role as a helper.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that fathers feel relieved when augumentation is established. In addition, the study underlines that fathers, in order to regain control after experiencing the non-progressive labour, need directions from the midwives to carry out appropriate and usefull tasks.