Many commonalities were identified across the studies despite participants having experienced different types and degrees of birth complications.

Fathers had not expected complications to occur; they were unprepared for an unexpected event and were confused about their role during labour and birth.

Fathers were distressed that they were not able to advocate for and or protect their partners from these events.

Fathers wanted to be fully informed and to participate in decision-making yet most acknowledged that these decisions were out of their control.

Some men experienced ongoing distress following a complicated birth, some regularly reliving the event/s.

There is little informal or formal support available for men who may wish to talk about their experiences.