Placing myself in a new normalized life: the process of becoming a first-time father. A grounded theory study.

Becoming a first-time father is an important transition period in men's lives that is frequently accompanied by joy and happiness. Engaging fathers has a broader impact on family and community and on fathers' own well-being. This study explores the process of men becoming first-time fathers and the experiences and challenges involved. Seventeen interviews with men in different stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period were carried out. Through a grounded theory design, a novel four-stage theoretical model emerged that represents the journey into first-time fatherhood. These stages are beginning the journey, fatherhood in limbo, facing reality, and settling down. Participants suggested that achieving a new normality was the final stage wherein they finally felt located with a sense of mastering in their fatherhood journey. The novel theoretical approach of addressing the process of men allowed access to their perspectives in a more complete way. Men's needs are different at every phase of the transition to fatherhood, and the use of these findings can help care providers care for every man according to the stage he is facing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.