Protective and hindering factors of conjugality in the transition to parenthood

Abstract

Conjugality becomes a challenge in the transition to parenthood, especially when it comes to the birth of the first child, being of great importance for health to know the marital experience and the factors involved, to facilitate this transition. The family nurse can be this facilitator, due to the privileged role of proximity. However, the lack of studies in family nursing, does not allow the interventions in the evidence.

This study intended to analyze marital experiences during the transition to parenthood with regard to facilitating and hindering factors.

An exploratory and descriptive study with phenomenological orientation was performed. The intentional snowball sample consisted of 6 heterosexual couples, 6 to 12 months after the birth of the first child. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted to both spouses. Analysis performed by the Giorgi phenomenological method.

Protective and hindering factors of conjugality were found in the transition to parenthood. They are protective factors: pregnancy planning; understanding and mutual help in the couple; marital communication; support from the family of origin. Constituted hindering factors: the management of moments alone; restart and maintenance of sexuality; performance of the parental role; intrusion of the family of origin (lack of limits or unstructured relationship with the family of origin) and lack of support from health professionals.

Couples need personal and professional support in this transitional phase. The family nurse can play a privileged role of proximity, facilitating this transition process through anticipatory care for the couple and family at this stage of the family life cycle.