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.
