From Here to Paternity: The Diary of a Pregnant Man

by Andrew Cullen

Frank, funny, and insightful, this recollection of one man's experiences during his wife's pregnancy reveals the day-to-day reality and emotional turmoil of his journey into fatherhood. The male perspective on pregnancy, which is often overlooked, is revealed as the author reflects on the effects of the pregnancy on his relationship, his changing and often conflicting emotions, his declining sex life, and his insecurities about becoming a father. By sharing his joy, sense of wonder, fear, and anxiety, the author paints an illuminating portrait of what to expect when having a baby.

282 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[David Monteith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every father to be should read this book. The author keeps a diary of his partners pregnancy and it is by turns, touching, worrying and hilarious. This book was recommended to me by a friend who is a father when he found out my wife was pregnant. The best recommendationI can give this book is to say that I cannot count the amount of times I exclaimed out loud "I KNOW, I KNOW", in recognition of my own or my wifes behaviour. This is not an incredibly informative book, it's not meant to be, but you leave it reassured that every conflicted feeling you have is normal and that you are far from alone

[KAYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Za mě bohužel protrpěné čtení, asi to především bude kvůli hodně krkolomnému překladu.

[Vanda Kys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even I am not a man, a really great insight to a pregnant couple fighting the society, stigmas and nervous nurses at the hospital who can really damage you while giving birth.

[John Millikin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you going to be a dad in about 9 months? "From here to paternity" is a positive, informative, and light hearted book that can be read at a leisurely pace, say over 9 months or so. It is the journal of a writer battling his emotions about becoming a dad as he watches his wife* go through the many stages of pregnancy. I think most soon-to-be fathers will be able to relate to the roller coaster of experiences the author and his wife go through both together and as individuals. Two great things about this book are, 1) It calmly guides you in an entertaining way through the stages leading up to the big day, rather than freaking you out about how much your life is about to change, and 2) The subtle humour that the author uses keeps it light without be annoying. In previous fatherhood books I tried to read I found the humour contrived and predictable, like they were trying to force laughter into a serious topic. To be clear, this is not a "How to" book about fatherhood. It is more of a, "Hey, I've been there, and I came out the other side a better man, not a broken one" book. If you're looking down the barrel at your first kid, this book is worth a read, I found it quite consoling. Good luck!


*It's actually his long term girlfriend, they chose not to get married, but they might as well be married. It was a somewhat planned pregnancy.

[Terry Clague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the author comes across as being quite selfish at times, this is interesting reading for a reader in a similar situation. Almost certainly more useful than other books aimed at this audience.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very entertaining! Nice to read something realistic from a guy as he and his wife prepare to be parents.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful and amusing. Rating may go up as I reach the same situation.