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Conceiving a first child: Fathers’ Perceptions of contributing elements to their decision

Objective

To describe the elements that contribute to men’s decision to have a first child.

Background

The factors contributing to women’s and couples’ decisions to conceive a first child are known. Less research has been carried out on men’s experiences with respect to such decisions.

Methods

Qualitative research was carried out in 2011.

Twelve Canadian first-time fathers were interviewed.

Results

The findings show that fathers consider a set of personal, socio-economic, interpersonal and temporal characteristics when making the decision to conceive a child.

Conclusions

Better knowledge of the elements influencing men’s decisions to have a child will make it possible to provide them with support during the transition to fatherhood.