Abstract
Fatherhood is a turning point in the life of many men, but for fathers from fragile backgrounds, the birth of a premature child may be the catalyst for a fresh start. This case study details the experience of a young black man from a high-risk background during the pregnancy, birth, and hospitalization of his premature son. Fathers from backgrounds marked by violence and chaos may find the stability they crave in a hospital environment that provides comfort, familial cohesion, and an empowering sense of purpose. Fathers who lack male role models in their lives may benefit from mentoring relationships formed with male nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit. Longstanding neglected needs for available presence and guidance can be met by caring healthcare professionals who take the time to listen to these fathers and share personal experiences. While the struggle to break patterns of the past is complicated by low self-worth, healthcare providers can reinforce a sense of personal value both by providing a specific role for fathers and by engaging them in meaningful conversation. Findings provide valuable information on the lifeworld of black fathers from socially compromised urban neighborhoods and implications for healthcare practitioners working with this population.