Fathers' Perspectives During Pregnancy, Postperinatal Loss

Participants describe the need to be recognized by others. The orderly conduct of their daily lives is disrupted by preoccupation with the pregnancy. They feel unable to share their own anxiety and fear because they want to protect the mothers. Societal pressure to “be strong” and the belief that “men don't share” appear to inhibit fathers from getting support. Strategies to assess and support fathers emotionally at the time of loss and in the subsequent pregnancy need to be explored. JOGNN, 35, 78-86; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2006.00017.x