Nurul Aini, Ika Rizki Anggraini, Reni Ilmiasih, Aini Alifatin, Novita Toding, Elia Firda Mufidah
This Letter to the Editor responds to the article “Not forgetting the fathers: A qualitative narrative review exploring the involvement and psychological well-being of fathers in the neonatal intensive care unit.” The original review highlights fathers' emotional strain, marginalisation, and challenges in engagement within highly medicalised neonatal environments. Building on these findings, this commentary reflects on the relational processes underlying paternal experiences during neonatal hospitalisation, including coparenting adjustment, shared parental stress, and family communication patterns during the transition to parenthood. Rather than proposing new service models, the letter suggests that the challenges described in the target article may be further understood through a relational lens that complements existing family-centred neonatal care practices. Brief relationally oriented interactions—such as inclusive communication with both parents and collaborative caregiving discussions—may help reinforce fathers’ emotional inclusion and engagement within routine clinical encounters. The commentary aims to extend ongoing dialogue within neonatal nursing by highlighting how everyday relational practices may support father-inclusive care without requiring additional programmatic interventions. © 2026 Neonatal Nurses Association.
University Muhammadiyah of Malang Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan, Indonesia; Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Toraja, Indonesia; Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya, Indonesia
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