Abbeville Press The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

So as an overall resource for preparing for a kid this is good book but this basic content can be found in any book within this category. While I like this authors anecdotes I find them too personal. They reflect a bias towards women at times and other social movements. Some are bad takes on the problems with whole culture. Others give you the impression medical staff or family don’t value your contributions as a dad. These ideas tainted me in early stages and “got my back up”. I found this type of info unhelpful and more frustrating than anything. If I would go back in time I would choose a book more neutral to parenting > fatherhood. This pro male locker room talk style education is just not for me ..

Book arrived fast and in great condition

I read this book because people told me it was good and I felt like it was the right thing to do. I then read it feeling throughout like I needed to dramatically up my game and try to do all the things this man does. Then afterwards I thought about it, realized it probably isn't the right book for me (and perhaps many other people). Then got on with life.It's only right for a particular type of modern parent who is focused on child rearing above all else, and for a birth partner who is (in my opinion) desperate to have intense involvement and (in my opinion) an unhealthy level of control over every aspect of pregnancy and childbirth. It made me feel like there was something wrong with me for being a regular bloke who's not especially obsessed with children and childbirth. For example, it's a bit odd to adamantly reject the title "birth coach" because that UNDERplays your role in the process. There's too much male ego and desire for control in some sections of this.Maybe that's all ok for some people. But don't feel bad if you and your partner think it's better for you to just to support and help the person who is actually going through childbirth, rather than trying to insert yourself in every detail and (frankly) co-opt the experience. I'm sure mine is an outdated view but I don't care, this social pressure to be like every other modern, high-performing helicopter parent wannabe is nonsense. I turned out alright and didn't rob no banks or nothing.That said, well written and clearly well researched etc. If this is the kind of book you want, it's a wealth of information and superior to the jokey "you're gonna be a dad, dude" books that seem to be the only alternative.

I am a first time dad and have been able to keep up with my knowledgeable wife thanks to this book! It really breaks down what is going on with your partner and helps you understand what she is going through. It also gives advice for you to be a supportive partner through the pregnancy. It even goes as far as to help you deal with common "issues" fathers go through. Highly recommend this to anyone expecting a child.

I have read this book and my wife keeps getting shocked at how much I know and am able to tell her before she has to tell me something. The book really connects with you on multiple levels and that is what makes it such a great read.