Overview:
Parental behaviors are shaped by life events, social pressures, and societal norms. Parenthood is a developmental process influenced by intrinsic psychological factors, personal experiences, and environmental conditions. When a man learns that his partner is pregnant, he often experiences a complex mix of emotions, including both euphoria and anxiety, stress, and concern. Critical periods, such as the preparation for childbirth and parenthood during pregnancy, as well as support during labor, give opportunities for the development of the paternal role. The Non-Profit Organization Fainareti aims to enhance perinatal care in Greece through specialized midwifery and psychosocial interventions. As part of this effort, it offers a prenatal/antenatal and postnatal -midwifery and psychological- support and education program designed to assist expectant and new fathers.

Aims and Objectives:
This presentation aims to describe an intervention that includes a childbirth preparation and parenthood program for expectant fathers during pregnancy, as well as a midwifery and psychological support and education program for expectant and new parents both pre- and postnatally.

Method:
The intervention is implemented at the Day Center for the Care of the Mental Health of Women (Perinatal Mental Health Disorders), a primary mental health care facility in Athens, Greece, established by the NGO Fainareti and funded by the Greek Ministry of Health.

Results:
After giving informed consent and a health history, each expectant father and his partner can participate in a childbirth and parenthood preparation program, beginning in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. This intervention consists of 13 three-hour sessions led by a midwife, during which fathers receive information on key aspects of the perinatal period (pregnancy, fetal development, labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, parent-infant mental health, newborn and infant development, parent-infant bonding). These sessions also provide opportunities for expectant parents to exchange perspectives, engage in discussions with healthcare professionals, and address any questions or concerns. Additionally, expectant fathers can participate in a dedicated support and education program that consists of three three-hour sessions during pregnancy and three additional sessions postnatally, exclusively for fathers, facilitated by a mental health professional and a midwife. Through this intervention, expectant and new fathers receive education and guidance on providing emotional and practical support to pregnant women and new mothers, newborn care, breastfeeding, and fostering the father-newborn/infant bond. At the same time, they are given the opportunity to express their feelings, concerns, doubts, and anxieties regarding their transition into fatherhood, their new responsibilities, and changes in their relationship with their partner.

Conclusion:
Expectant and new fathers undergo a range of new experiences and emotions, requiring emotional support during this transition. Midwifery care encompasses information, education, and emotional support tailored to fathers, aiming to promote public health and reduce gender inequalities in perinatal care.