Don't Just Stand There: How to Be Helpful, Clued-In, Supportive, Engaged Relevant in the Delivery Room

by Jon Lichtenstein, Elissa Stein

Don't Just Stand There delivers! Written by a husband and wife team, this guidebook outlines everything an expectant father needs to know to navigate the big day. Dads get clear direction on what to bring, how to calm and soothe, what to say and, more important, what to definitely not say. A chapter on the stages of labor makes it easy to track what's happening when, while blank lists providespace for mom to fill in her personal preferences ahead of time. With witty illustrations and confidence-inspiring advice throughout, it's an essential for the expecting.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2007

Reviews

[Chris Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, little summary/overview of childbirth/labor intended for a birth partner. While not as detailed as some other books, this one is intended to be a small guidebook/handbook to be used in the delivery room. Seems like a quick, helpful little guide.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much appreciated advice, a thoughtful gift for an expectant dad.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read with some solid advice. Nothing like changing, but definitely gave me some things to ask my wife I wouldn't have by myself.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the respectable goal of preparing men to be useful during labor and delivery, but I didn’t learn much. It’s very short and somewhat repetitive, but at least it’s funny. It describes the stages of labor, what to bring, what to say, and how to comfort.

The end of the book summarizes its advice as follows:
1. Follow her cues. Listen to what she says, and respond to how she’s acting.
2. Always be close by.
3. Love her.

Notes
• Before you go to the hospital, she should have 8-12 consecutive contractions that last a minute each, are fewer than 5 minutes apart, and are intense.
• Give her sips of water after each contraction; she needs to stay hydrated.
• Pack snacks, water bottle, small plastic barf bags, mints, lollipops or hard candy, chapstick, music.
• In the delivery room, dim the lights and play music (if she wants).
• In the delivery room, don’t use the Internet, make phone calls, or pass out.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book that became part of my collection due to my desire to feel useful and supportive when I was with my sister as she gave birth. Written from both "his" and "her" perspectives, it is a fun little volume full of practical essentials for those with short attention spans. It wasn't quite what I was looking for (I wanted more in-depth information), but I gave it to my husband because someday he will need it. It was designed for husbands, and it seems like it would be the perfect handbook for them.

[Robin King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since there aren't many books for Daddy-to-be, I thought this one was concise and to the point. I already knew most the info, but I think it helped my husband. It is short and easy to read a bit at a time. It us a great book to get you and your spouse talking about what you want to happen before, during, and after birth.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good thought for a book, but really, like most pregnancy books geared toward men, it speaks to them like they're idiots. There are some good points on what to bring and how to take charge, but other than that, it's short and fluffy.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife gave me this book to read before our son was born. She highlighted her favorite parts and crossed out ideas she didn't like. The section about what to expect right after your baby is born was helpful.

[D'Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I suppose this is better than reading nothing, there really wasn't any info in here I didn't already know. Also it is marketed as if it is going to be funny, and it isn't. The tone is light, but the humor is all packaged in cliched jokes about how men relate (or don't) to women.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this for my husband in lieu of attending a birth class, this book made us both laugh out loud & had some good points but nothing really new. Good refresher & funny. Liked the his & her perspectives.

[Mr. George The Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it....love it...and I suggest it to any future dad.