Existential aspects in the transition to parenthood based on interviews and a theatre workshop

Objectives
There are multitudes of existential feelings and considerations around childbirth, with both positive and negative sources of existential meaning; often they are mixed up, but they impact parents’ ideas of meaning and purpose in life. The aim of this study was to explore existential aspects of parenthood transition among new fathers and mothers in view of a potential training programme for professionals in maternity services.

Study design
Data were generated through a user-involving two-phase process inspired by action research consisting of first, four focus group-interviews (n = 10); and second, a theatre workshop for parents, health professionals, and researchers (n = 40). Between the two phases, case-narratives were constructed based on the interviews and, in collaboration with a dramatist, dramatized and then played at the workshop by professional actors. Data from interviews and the workshop were thematised for further analysis.

Results
We identified five themes: 1. A turning point of what to hold sacred; 2. Changed relationships – guilt and overwhelming love; 3. Awareness of death; 4. Religiousness embodied; 5. What we talk about.

Conclusions
Existential aspects of parenthood transition were closely related to meaning in life, changes in relationships, awareness of death and relation to a transcendent belief. Existential aspects were explicated and discussed in nuanced ways expressing existential vulnerability. It is therefore important to both acknowledge and address existential aspects in maternity care, for the simple reason (among others) that they matter to parents. Moreover, this might enhance a coherent and authentic parenthood transition embedding the paradoxicalities.