Table 7.

Synthesized finding 6: What new fathers want

Findings	Categories	Synthesized findings
“Formal” peer support and opportunities to meet other fathers [C] Preparation for fatherhood [C] Parents’ relationships [C] Acknowledging ones’ limitations [C] The need for guidance [C]	Need for guidance around preparing for fatherhood and relationship changes	What new fathers want: More guidance and support around the preparation for fatherhood, and relationship changes with their partner were identified as needs for first-time fathers. Having a variety of support mechanisms in place to include parenting groups involving others with similar experiences, father-friendly resources and father-inclusive services were useful strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing.
Pre-existing networks – friends, family and the wider community [C] Parental groups: the good and the bad [C] Internet as an asset or a worrier [C] Information: the when and how [C] Social support received [C] Suggestions for improvement to the current maternity care [C] Preferred sources of information and support [C] The role of primary care in mental health care for new parents: routine enquiry [C] The role of primary care in mental health care for new parents: screening questionnaires [C]	Preferred sources of information and support

C, credible