Short summary

Transition to parenthood awakes existential reflections in new and expectant parents. The center of this life-event is in the female pregnant body, as this is where the transition begins. Our aim is to explore the experience of expectant and new parents to this remarkable life-transition. We use focus gruops with expectant and new mother and fathers, and observational studies in ecclesiatical arenas. We hope to bring forth salutogenetic perspectives on pregnancy and parenthood.

Rationale

Pregnancy and parenthood transition is a pivotal and paradoxical event facilitating existential reflections among new mothers and fathers. Mothers are challenged when re-adapting to society after birth, and fathers find it complex to engage equally in childbirth, due to a unilateral attitude in health services, towards the pregnant women, and especially the female body. In Denmark, addressing existential aspects of parenthood transition is a rising phenomenon outside established health services - churches, libraries and private providers, but also in fictional literature. It ascribes a need among new parents for engaging in existential reflections. The aim of this study is, through a body-phenomenological approach, to explore existential aspects of pregnancy and parenthood transition. Three research questions are answered through qualitative research methods, including focus groups with expectant and new mothers and fathers, and observational studies in ecclesiastical arenas, e.g., reading groups at public libraries. To strengthen data analyses and encapsulate embodied meaning, we include theory and literature on mother- and fatherhood. The study is intertwined in a new wave of explorative and health promotive perspectives, rather than risk-oriented initiatives focusing on decreasing mental health in younger people. Such knowledge is relevant in clinical health settings, especially in pre- and postnatal care.

Description of the cohort

Participants are: 1) expectant first time mothers in third trimester, 2) expectant first time fathers with a pregnant partner in third trimester, 3) first time mothers with a child of 8-12 months, 4) first time fathers with a child of 8-12 months 5) expectant parents or parents participating inecclesiastical arenas. Participants are in focus groups recruited mainly from Region of Southern Denmark and The Central Region of Jutland. Participants in the observational study is recruited in a wider national context.

Data and biological material

Data are field notes and transscribed focus group interviews.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Women's Health, University Hospital of Southern Denmark and Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark Christina Prinds, RM, Ph.D., Senior lector

Department of Obstetrics and Gynechology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Dorte Hvidtjørn, RM, Ph.D., Senior lector

Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University Anne Marie Kragh Pahuus, vice dean

Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark Dorte Toudal Viftrup, Ph.D., senior lector