DNP Projects

Date of Award

7-28-2025

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Mary Pesch

Second Advisor

Carrie Hoover

Third Advisor

Sarah Stevens

Subject Categories

Nursing

Abstract

Background:
During the postpartum period there are multiple resources available to address maternal postpartum depression. However, there are limited resources available to help fathers during this transition period. Currently, limited data is available for best practice to decrease postnatal paternal depression, and increase paternal bonding and comfortability when caring for the infant.

Method:
Fathers were recruited from a Midwestern Public Health Department. After recruitment, fathers were provided with in-home education on how to perform a light touch intervention. Pre-intervention qualitative and quantitative surveys were provided at this time. Fathers were then asked to record their emotions as well as infant response to the intervention that took place for 10 minutes a day over two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, a post-survey and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were collected.

Results:
The intervention had mixed results, depending on the temperament of the infant. When the infants were distracted, fussy or resistant, fathers felt frustrated and disappointed while doing the light touch. When the infant was relaxed, fathers reported positive emotions such as calm, happy and appreciative. There was no effect on depression scores from pre and post surveys. Although there were different successes between fathers, they stated that they would continue to do the light touch intervention after the two weeks and recommend it to their friends and family.

Discussion:
The primary outcome of the intervention was to have fathers use a light touch intervention to decrease paternal depression scores, however, this did not occur. There was a small sample size as well as a limited time frame of two weeks for intervention. Both of these may play a role in lack of supportive data. Fathers did report that they felt more comfortable holding and interacting with their infant and also that they would recommend it to friends and family. Further investigation would include a greater sample size as well as a longer duration of intervention.

Keywords: postpartum, depression, fathers, infants, massage, bonding

Highlights:
● Fathers using light touch with their infants can increase paternal bonding and comfortability
● No decrease in depression scores were noted during two week intervention
● Fathers would recommend light touch intervention to family and friends

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