Tyriesa Howard, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO (USA)
Anthony Nixon, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO (USA)
Jordyn Wartts, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO (USA)
Ri'enna Boyd, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO (USA)
Jesse Davis, Saint Louis Integrated Health Network, Saint Louis, MO (USA)

The presentation focuses on enhancing postpartum mental health in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) settings by emphasizing the critical role fathers play in this context. The session aims to delineate innovative approaches to support fathers of NICU infants thereby moderated improved well-being of the entire family. Integrating theoretical frameworks with practical interventions, this presentation proposes groupwork as a strategic method to address the unique psychological needs of these fathers.

Presentation Description:

Subject Matter: The core subject matter concerns the psychological impact of NICU experiences on fathers and the broader implications for family dynamics and infant well-being. It highlights the often-overlooked stress and emotional turmoil fathers face in the NICU environment and proposes a structured groupwork intervention model to address these challenges. The presentation will cover key areas such as the psychological effects of preterm birth on fathers, the role of paternal support in the family's NICU journey, and the potential of group interventions in fostering resilience and mental health among these men.

Goals:

1. To illuminate the specific mental health needs of fathers with infants in NICU settings.
2. To explore the integration of theoretical perspectives with practical interventions aimed at supporting these fathers.
3. To demonstrate the effectiveness of groupwork in enhancing paternal well-being and, by extension, the health of the entire family.
4. To provide attendees with actionable strategies and tools to implement group-based support programs in their practice.

Integration of Theory and Practice: The presentation will interweave various theoretical perspectives, including attachment theory, stress and coping frameworks, social support theories, and the health belief model with empirical research and practice innovations. It will detail how groupwork can serve as a practical application of these theories, providing a supportive space for fathers to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build resilience. The session will showcase evidence-based practices and case studies illustrating the successful integration of theory and groupwork interventions in NICU settings.

Expected Outcomes for Attendees: Participants will leave the presentation with a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges fathers face in the NICU and the importance of addressing these challenges. They will gain knowledge about integrating theoretical frameworks with group interventions to create effective support programs. Attendees will acquire practical strategies and resources to initiate or enhance groupwork initiatives in their settings, aiming to optimize postpartum mental health outcomes for families in NICU environments.

Engagement of Participants: The presentation will actively engage participants through interactive discussions including a case study analysis. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences and insights, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Opportunities for Q&A sessions will ensure that participants can critically engage with the content and apply the concepts to their practice settings.

In conclusion, this presentation seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing postpartum mental health for fathers in NICU settings. Through a focus on groupwork, it aims to foster a supportive community that can significantly impact the well-being of families during challenging NICU journeys.

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