Black Fathers’ Involvement in Maternal and Child Health Services During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Black Fathers’ Perspectives

Previous research has shown that maternal and child health services often overlook fathers, even though evidence indicates that father involvement can reduce maternal and infant mortality. We examined the experiences of new and expectant Black fathers and how COVID-19 affected their participation in health services. Two focus groups, involving a total of 15 fathers, were conducted. Participants were asked about the communication they received regarding COVID-19 policies related to their involvement in maternal and child health services, their thoughts and feelings about these policies, and how these policies have influenced their relationships with their partners and children. Each two-hour focus group was facilitated via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed. Several fathers reported that they were unaware of COVID-19 policies or were not permitted to participate in maternal and child health services, such as prenatal appointments and labor/delivery. Fathers also reported how systemic racism and stereotypes impacted their experiences with these services. These findings highlight the need for improved communication and more father-inclusive practices in maternal and child health, even during emergency responses. Effective father-inclusive practices adopt a family systems approach that involves both mothers and fathers in education and services, ensures that clinical environments are welcoming to fathers, provides literature tailored to fathers, and utilizes mobile technology to engage fathers.