Sky News reveals 'dad gap' in maternity care

A Sky News data investigation has uncovered what it terms the 'Dad Gap' in maternity services, revealing that many fathers and partners feel neglected, ignored, and isolated during the childbirth process. The investigation, which includes original data research and personal testimonies, highlights a systemic failure to support the emotional and practical needs of fathers, leaving them feeling helpless and excluded.

Three fathers shared their painful experiences. One father described the moment his daughter was placed on a broken life-saving machine, saying, 'How that happens is beyond all belief.' Another recalled a traumatic birth where he was left in a room without proper information, stating, 'It completely destroyed me as a partner, as a father.' A third father spoke of the constant fear that his daughter could pass away at any moment, adding, 'The general feeling as a father... is that you are helpless, useless.'

The report also features an interview with Scott Mayer, director of Fatherhood Solutions, who emphasized that these stories are widespread. He noted that men often need permission to be vulnerable and that the language used in maternity services can inadvertently imply fathers are inferior parents. 'Without using the word dads and fathers, we imply they're an inferior parent and they struggle to connect with the services from the beginning,' Mayer said. He called for better antenatal education, early intervention, and a shift in how healthcare professionals engage with fathers.

Mayer also shared his own experience of helplessness during the birth of his sixth child, which inspired his work. The investigation underscores a growing recognition that maternity care must address the whole family, not just the mother, and that fathers' mental health and involvement are critical to positive outcomes.