Constructing co-parenthood: first-time parents’ experiences and meanings of co-parental cooperation at four to six months postpartum

Abstract

In the reorganisation of the family that inevitably follows childbirth, parents need to develop strategies for co-parental cooperation. Drawing on the theoretical framework of family systems theory and co-parenting, this study explores how Finnish heterosexual first-time parental couples construct co-parental cooperation at four to six months postpartum. Qualitative survey and diary data were analysed using thematic analysis and typification. Seven areas that couples saw as promoting or hindering co-parental cooperation, and three different co-parenting family types (alternating parents, equal sharers and stressed searchers) were identified. Many couples experienced working together in an equal, supportive and mutually satisfying way. Parents’ daily communication and experiences of mutual support were perceived as necessary for well-functioning co-parental cooperation. However, couples’ daily lives were complicated by various challenges (for example, fathers’ overtime work and imbalance in parenting roles). Parents’ egalitarian aspirations should be considered in political decision making, the work culture and the services offered to families.