Awards success shines spotlight on the critical role of fathers in obstetrics

Associate Professor Alka Kothari (right) receiving her Women in Technology Award from QUT’s Dr Bernadette Hyland-Wood.

It’s often said it takes a village to raise a child, and for Associate Professor Kothari, this principle applies long before conception and extends through pregnancy and beyond.

Her PhD work, titled “Forgotten Fathers in Pregnancy and Childbirth,” has sparked positive change both in Australia and internationally, addressing this critical yet often overlooked subject.

“Co-design has been front and centre of my work in this area, as I engage with fathers, partners and families who’ve faced adverse obstetric events to develop a set of best practice principles,” Associate Professor Kothari said.

These principles aim to shape compassionate interventions that will better support families during challenging times.

“The experiences of fathers and partners during pregnancy and birth can profoundly affect their mental health,” Associate Professor Kothari said.

“Stillbirth, foetal death, and life-threatening complications don’t just impact mothers; they weigh heavily on fathers and partners too.”

“By engaging with fathers and partners to understand their experiences of the health system as an expectant parent, we can design interventions to reduce risks when they go home with the mum and newborn.”

While appreciative of being honoured at the recent National Women in Technology Awards, Associate Professor Kothari is keen to use this platform to shine a spotlight on the vital role of fathers and partners throughout the pregnancy journey.

“My goal is to give every child the best start in life,” she emphasises.

“Understanding the experiences and needs of fathers and partners, especially when things don’t go as planned, is an important part of that.”

The Redcliffe Hospital team celebrated Associate Professor Kothari for her contributions to this often-overlooked aspect of obstetric care.