Researchers
- Lorna Hibberd
- Martha Burlingham
- Dr Elizabeth Bailey
Research background
The first 1,001 days of childhood (from conception to age two) are recognised as crucial for lifelong wellbeing, as the brain grows and develops rapidly during this time (Leadsom et al., 2013; Leach, 2017). Supporting brain development during this time gives children the best possible life start and a nurturing relationship with a primary caregiver can facilitate this (Bowlby, 1969; Shonkoff and Phillips, 2000). These relationships impact upon children’s preparation to live in society, learn, work, and form relationships, protecting them from stress and disadvantage (UNICEF, 2023).
A father’s involvement in their children’s lives can positively impact family wellbeing and functioning (Cabrera et al., 2018; WHO, 2007). Notably, there is a lack of understanding about the father’s perspective through research (Burgess and Goldman, 2022), even more pronounced for multiple birth fathers (having more than one baby born at the same time). A recent rapid review on the needs of multiple birth families during the first 1,001 critical days found no studies in the United Kingdom (UK) focussed purely on the father’s perspective (Burlingham et al., 2023). One recent study from Finland explored multiple birth fathers’ experiences, providing insight into the complexity of their lived experience and professional support need (Heinonen, 2024). Against the backdrop of the complex emotional, financial and practical challenges multiple birth families face, demonstrated by our own research (Burlingham et al., 2023), it is important to explore UK multiple birth fathers’ needs and experiences to inform further research and support strategies, particularly due to the UK’s rising cost of living (ONS, 2022).
Research aims
In collaboration with Twin Trust’s Peer Support Service for fathers, we aim to explore multiple birth fathers’ experiences/needs during the early years of fatherhood and to review and report on the peer support service to inform its support and identify impact.
Research methods
This pilot study will be a qualitatively driven multiple methods design with two core qualitative projects that can respond inductively to issues raised and a quantitative component to add scope, depth, and description (Morse and Cheek, 2014):
- Interviews with the peer support volunteers, at Twins Trust multiple birth fathers peer support service, on their personal motivations for establishing the peer support service and experience of responding to multiple birth fathers’ needs.
- Conducting an anonymised open-ended survey distributed to the Twins Trust – Dads of Multiples Facebook group to explore their lived experiences of being multiple birth fathers, focussing on the early years.
- Analyse secondary data collected by Twins Trust via an existing registration form for their Twins Trust’s Peer Support Service for fathers.
Intended outcomes
This pilot project will set the foundations for understanding the experiences and needs of multiple birth fathers, informing important further research for our research centre and faculty, including international collaboration. Furthermore, it will inform Twins Trust and early years services for how they can best support fathers during the critical early years.