During a pregnancy affected by hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), as in any pregnancy, a father’s rights to make medical decisions related to the pregnancy are limited. Still, the role is an important one of advocacy, emotional and physical support, closely sharing the experience with their partner.
Once the baby has been born, the father has equal rights to medical decision-making. This leads to a joint approach in making decisions on the HDFN care and treatment of the newborn.
An advocacy role during pregnancy
Regardless of whether fathers have a recognized legal right to participate in medical decisions for the treatment of the baby during pregnancy, their active contribution is important to the well-being of their partner and developing baby. Fathers are responsible for caring for the mother during pregnancy and provide emotional support, advice, encouragement and a calm approach to stressful moments. They are also there to advocate for the best possible HDFN care and treatment, by being present, informed and fully involved in each stage of pregnancy.
Learn more about HDFN treatment and care
Studies have shown that pregnant mothers benefit from the involvement and support of the fathers during pregnancy, with a better uptake of prenatal services observed.
A joint approach to medical decision-making
The first hours and days of an HDFN infant’s life is critical in terms of receiving urgent medical care to treat HDFN symptoms, and potentially, complications.
Following delivery, the mother of a newborn affected by HDFN will need some time to rest and recover from labor, and in many HDFN cases, a cesarean. This gives the father the opportunity to share the burden of medical decision-making, while maintaining the emotionally supportive role from pregnancy.
The maternal-fetal specialists in the ICU will keep the parents apprised of the HDFN-affected baby’s condition, treatment and prognosis. They will explain the treatment protocol and available options to the parents. However, decisions on treatment options may need to be made urgently, and the baby’s parents will need to be in agreement on how to proceed. This joint approach to medical decision-making is a mutually supportive way of managing the challenges of having a sick newborn.
In cases where the mother may suffer from postpartum depression, anxiety or psychosis, which can affect medical decision-making, the father’s involvement will be vital.
The importance of a father’s involvement from birth
Research clearly shows that a father’s active involvement right from the birth of their baby is positive and necessary. It contributes to bonding between father and child, as well as developmental outcomes of the child. It is also valuable for facilitating the adoption of parenting responsibilities.
