Research has shown that transition to parenthood influences women and men in different ways. The father often views the mother as the main parent, even though he thinks they take equal care of the infant. Mothers report more anxiety and poor adjustment than fathers and maternal stress seems to be higher in mothers who have a low level of social support. The child health care in Sweden exists to support mothers and fathers who wish to receive care. It is suggested that in the long run, support in early parenthood may be of benefit for the child and for the family.

The aim of this paper is to reflect upon findings from two studies of expectations of the child health nurse by mothers and fathers of infants.

The grounded theory method was used and qualitative interviews of 20 mothers and 20 fathers of infants were conducted. The verbatim transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method.

The mothers studied expected the child health nurse to be a supporter with faith in the mother's ability. Such a nurse was characterised by accessibility, approachability, knowledge, advice and support. The fathers studied expected a trustful relationship with the nurse. This was depending on his engagement in the child health care, his faith in the nurse and his need of support.

These distinctions between the mothers' and the fathers' expectations of the nurse are suggested to be related to their different experiences of parenthood. In the paper presentation this will be shown. The child health nurse ought to identify what the parents expect of the nurse. The mother and the father have probably different expectations.