Fathers' experiences of a vacuum extraction delivery – a qualitative study

•Fathers wished to be more involved even when there is a need for a vacuum extraction.•Vacuum extraction has a strong emotional impact on fathers.•The father's role changes to be merely an observer when childbirth terminates with vacuum extraction.•Fathers wished to be helped by professionals to support the woman.

ObjectiveTo explore fathers' experiences of a birth by vacuum extraction (VE).MethodA qualitative interview study with 10 fathers analysed with qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe theme ‘affected but helpless’ refers to the father's role changing when childbirth terminates with a VE. From initially being involved in the delivery, his role switches to being merely an observer at the mercy of the professionals' knowledge and guidance. The VE procedure evoked concerns over the mother's and the child's safety and wellbeing, even if the fathers wanted the birth process to be over. The fathers considered the choice of conducting a VE as an adequate alternative, but they expressed concerns about consequences on future decisions. The theme encompasses all the main categories: wish to be involved, anxious observer, turbulent feelings and thoughts about consequences.ConclusionsVE delivery has a strong emotional impact on fathers and the procedure is often experienced as a dramatic way to end a birth and an ultimate way to terminate a long birth process. The results indicate that a lack of support and of a genuine opportunity to participate, as well as the mother's pain impair their experience, not the VE delivery, per se.