Preterm births (PTB) are the largest obstetrical problem in America. An infant s preterm birth presents an extraordinary life situation for fathers, whose voices are rarely heard. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the experience of fathering preterm infants from fathers perspectives. A purposive sample of five fathers of infants born between 24 and 36 weeks gestation participated in three semi-structured interviews over four-months beginning within six months of the birth. Each father took photographs expressing their experience of fathering. Van Manen s phenomenological approach guided the analysis of interview transcripts and photos and Madison s nine principles were used to ensure rigor. Guided by van Manen s four existentials, the 10 emergent themes included anticipating a future of possibilities, worry, waiting and not knowing, running out of time, letting others in my world, living the space of fathering at home and work, fatherhood unleashed/ becoming closer, and man in the mirror. Findings will help inform nursing education, policy, and innovative practices of caring for fathers in the community and hospital settings.
