Parental Prenatal Expectations and Experiences of Parenthood—A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore expectant parents’ prenatal expectations of parenthood and experiences of parenthood 2 months after birth. Mixed methods were used. Data were collected with two questionnaires. The parents had mostly realistic expectations of parenthood. However, fathers had significantly lower enjoyment expectations than mothers, and first-time fathers had lower total expectations than fathers who already had children. Four main categories emerged in the parents’ experiences of parenthood: mixed emotions—a life-changing time, challenges in parenthood, development in the parental role, and bonding and interaction with the child. Accordingly, new parents’ experiences of parenthood seem to reflect their realistic expectations of parenting, that is, the parents experienced mixed feelings.