Experience of Fathers Raising Twins

Abstract

Purpose: To clarify the parenting experience of fathers with twins on how they felt and thought from the time of pregnancy to the present.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 10 fathers raising twins, and the obtained data were analyzed using a qualitative and inductive approach. This study was conducted with the approval of the ethics committee of Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine.

Results: As a result of analysis, 6 categories were obtained. When the fathers of twins found out that their wives were pregnant, they were both [happy that she was expecting twins and worried about raising twins]. As they began to raise twins, [support from their parents and information about raising twins made them feel secure]; however, looking at their wife struggling to take care of twins, they realized the importance of [showing appreciation to their wife for her hard work in raising twins], which made them determined to [cooperate in raising their twins]. While [struggling to manage work and childcare], they then started to wish to [raise twins as individuals] as they gradually understood the role of a father.

Discussion: The fathers raising twins tried to seek a work-life balance by sharing the hard task of raising twins with their wife, while at the same time envisioned an ideal family that values the individuality of each child in their own way.

Conclusion: The experience of fathers raising twins had an impact on the changes in their sense of values and perception of their role as the father of twins.