Table 1.

Final coding structure with categories, themes and codes

Category	Themes	Codes
Nurse role and training	Direct care of mother, baby	Assessment Cord and circumcision care Diapering, bathing, swaddling Feeding Post-operative care
	Parent education	Mother relays info to father Repeat information for father Teach whomever is present Wait for father to arrive
	Focus on mothers	Training focuses on mothers Education directed to mothers
	Want, need additional training	Communication Fathers’ interests, concerns Providing education How to engage fathers
Interactions with fathers	Father presence or absence at hospital	Home with other children Incarcerated Not involved with the mother Out of country Transportation issues Work schedule, lack of leave
	Ways to engage fathers	Answer his questions Ask about his thoughts, feelings Demonstrate, show him things Directly acknowledge him Don’t push too hard Educate and inform him Encourage him to ask questions Tell him he needs to learn, do things
Perceptions of fathers’ level of engagement	Level of engagement	As engaged as mothers Less engaged than mothers
	Influences on level of involvement	Depends on the person First-time fathers more engaged Cultural influences
	Barriers to involvement	Afraid to touch or handle the baby Feels left out, ignored Lack of knowledge, confidence Maternal gatekeeping
Attitudes toward father involvement	Benefits of father involvement	Benefits to baby Benefits to mother Benefits to family
	Father role	Equal partner with mother Secondary caregiver