Dads in Pakistan: The Untold Journey of First-Time Fathers

In Pakistan, the journey of becoming a father for the first time is often overlooked. Many people focus on the mother's experience, but what about the dads? This study aimed to fill that gap by talking to eight first-time fathers. Half of them were in the prenatal phase, and the other half were in the postnatal phase, up to six months after the baby was born. The study found that religion played a big role in shaping these fathers' experiences. It influenced their thoughts and actions during both the prenatal and postnatal phases. Economic conditions also added stress. Fathers worried about providing for their families and their child's future. Hospital and government policies were another major concern, especially for those in the postnatal phase. All the fathers felt a strong sense of responsibility once they found out they were going to be dads. This study used a unique approach, combining critical realism and the socioecological model. This helped to reveal new insights about the experiences of first-time fathers in Pakistan. The findings suggest that understanding the experiences of first-time fathers can help improve their journey. It can also assist policymakers and researchers in developing strategies to support new dads. This study is a step towards acknowledging and addressing the needs of first-time fathers in Pakistan.