Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan HY(1), Wong HMR(1), Ho HL(1), Yip MY(1), Li OCA(1), Wong D(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 1: :
father cut cord
Keyword 2: :
father's involvement in childbirth
Keyword 3: :
Transformation of father's role
Keyword 4: :
Father-infant bonding
Keyword 5: :
Sense of responsibility for the family
Introduction :
The father’s presence during childbirth is increasingly recognized as a pivotal moment in the transition to fatherhood. Active involvement strengthens family relationships and enhances paternal–fetal attachment, which in turn influences the father–child bond. Midwives play a vital role in supporting fathers during labour and delivery by offering accurate information, encouragement, and guidance to create a positive birthing experience. In 2024, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital introduced the procedure “The anticipated moment: Cut cord by father” during spontaneous vaginal delivery. This initiative aimed to promote family centred care and allow both parents to share a meaningful milestone together.
Objectives :
To promote a positive childbirth experience To provide family centred maternity care in the labour ward To enhance father–infant bonding and support the transition to fatherhood
Methodology :
Fathers meeting the inclusion criteria—spontaneous vaginal delivery, normal singleton pregnancy, presence at birth, verbal consent, and ability to read English or Chinese were informed of the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord. Couples who consented received an information video and briefing. After father cut cord on mother's abdomen, both father and mother completed a 4 point Likert scale questionnaire. The father’s questionnaire items assessed emotional involvement in childbirth, perception of father–infant bonding, transformation of the father’s role and responsibility, emotional connection to the newborn, and belief that cord cutting should become routine practice. These items served as the dependent variables, while the act of cord cutting was considered the independent variable. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho in SPSS to explore correlations among paternal perceptions and the intervention.
Result & Outcome :
Data were collected from June to October 2024, with 30 couples participating. Fathers expressed high satisfaction with the procedure. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations: increasing fathers’ involvement in childbirth especially cord cutting was linked to greater participation and accomplishment (ρ = 0.604, p < 0.01), stronger bonding (ρ = 0.549, p = 0.02), and enhanced responsibility (ρ = 0.573, p < 0.01). Emotional connection to the newborn also correlated with role transformation (ρ = 0.598, p < 0.01). Mothers’ belief that cord cutting completes the birth process strongly aligned with the perception that it supports fathers’ transition into their role (ρ = 0.707, p < 0.01). The findings suggest that father involvement in childbirth, particularly cutting the cord, contributes to a more positive and meaningful birth experience. This practice enhances father–child bonding, strengthens family responsibility, and supports the transition into fatherhood, highlighting its value as a routine component of family centred maternity care.
