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First Time Dad: The Ultimate 42-Week Pregnancy Handbook for Expecting Fathers: Support Your Partner, Prepare for Baby, and Build Confidence as a New Dad

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If you want to effectively support your partner during pregnancy, and strengthen your relationship and mental health, keep reading...

If you're going to be a dad, congratulations, that's awesome!

That said, if you worry about this life-changing experience negatively affecting your mental health, you'd be right to. Recent statistics show that up to 50% of all new dads experience depression if their partner gets postnatal depression.



Are you concerned your little blessing might drive a baby-shaped wedge between you? Then your spidey senses are on the money because studies show that dads are three times more likely to die after a relationship breakdown than women.



Are you anxious that the general stress of family life might damage your mental health? This is a justified concern as suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. If any of these concerns resonate with you, don't worry; you're in safe, albeit slightly weathered, hands. James Macdonald is a happy and mostly calm dad of three.



In First Time Dad you’ll



Week-to-week explanations of what’s happening for your baby and inside your partnerHow to be a big help, not a major hindrance, during the deliveryHow to help your partner get physically fit and ready for birthWhat to expect at your 12 and 20-week scansHow to keep her & your sense of humour during those high-pressure momentsHow to mentally prepare for the birth if you're squeamishWhat to do when you need reassurance but don't want to burden herAdvice on having sex and maintaining intimacy throughout pregnancyHow to keep calm when all hell is breaking looseWhat a birth plan is and how to prepare oneWhat nesting is and how to use it to your advantageWhat you can do to develop, strengthen and prepare your mental health for the big day and beyond itWhat you need to do & say to ensure everyone’s mental health remains intactRoad-tested survival tips for dads to ensure you don't continue to put your foot in it

If you're ready to start the journey from knee-trembling novice to a contender for dad of the year and maybe prove your mother-in-law massively wrong, then scroll up and click "Buy Now With 1-Click”.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

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About the author

James Macdonald

2 books107 followers
Hello, my name's James and I'm a married father of 3 who lives on the south coast of the UK near Brighton.

I've struggled with OCD and depression for a long time and have found that the creative outlet of writing and creating Youtube content really helps me.

I worked on Brighton seafront as a seafront officer for about a decade. One of my roles was to help manage the beach lifeguard service and support the emergency services with any seafront incidents.

The mental health and suicide incidents I found myself involved in during that time plus my own personal struggles has made me committed to raising awareness around the importance of looking after your mental health.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
1 review
November 5, 2023
This book was fantastic! A great blend of hilarious observational humour and genuine insight into one of the world’s most fascinating and at times terrifying topics: pregnancy and being a dad. It made me laugh out loud and it also gave me a sense of calm to allay my own fears of being a father. Highly recommend this for any would-be or current dads trying to figure out what they’re going through and what they’re supposed to do. Loved it.
Author 3 books1 follower
June 10, 2023
helpful guidance for new daddies

The author in his book “First a time daddy” describes simply how it looks like to be a father for first time. From the very beginning, from even the expectation of being pregnant the author illustrates how to manage these small things with your partner. The beauty of this book that it is made for fathers not mothers which opposite the most available books in this subject.
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1 review
March 20, 2026
I became a first-time dad a few weeks ago and honestly I was feeling lost. This really helped me understand what to expect and made things feel less stressful. It doesn’t try to be perfect, it just feels real and honest, which is what I needed.
Profile Image for Edward D..
1 review
March 20, 2026
I bought this for my partner before our baby arrived and it actually made a big difference. He felt more confident and less nervous, and that helped both of us. It’s simple, supportive, and really easy to read.
Profile Image for Cynthia J..
1 review
March 20, 2026
I wasn’t really planning to read something like this, but I’m glad I did. It explains things in a very normal way without making you feel like you’re doing everything wrong. Definitely helpful for any first-time dad.
Profile Image for David M..
1 review
March 21, 2026
If you know someone who’s about to become a dad, this is definitely worth recommending. It feels genuine, supportive, and really easy to connect with. You can tell it was written from real experience.
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1 review
March 21, 2026
Becoming a dad for the first time is a lot to take in, and this really helped me process it better. It’s honest, easy to follow, and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. I found myself going back to it more than once.
Profile Image for Gina R..
1 review
March 24, 2026
A genuinely reassuring and practical guide for first-time dads. The week-by-week structure makes it easy to follow, and the tone strikes a perfect balance between humor and sincerity. It’s clear, relatable, and incredibly helpful for navigating the emotional and practical sides of pregnancy.
Profile Image for Marilyn C..
1 review
March 24, 2026
This book stands out from others in the same category because it speaks directly to fathers without overcomplicating things. The advice feels real, not clinical. I especially appreciated the focus on mental health and relationship dynamic, something many guides overlook.
Profile Image for John K..
1 review
March 24, 2026
An excellent companion for any expecting dad. It doesn’t just tell you what’s happening it explains how to show up and be supportive. The author’s voice is warm, experienced, and reassuring throughout
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for James J..
1 review
March 24, 2026
I found this book both informative and comforting. It breaks down a potentially overwhelming experience into manageable, understandable steps. The humor sprinkled throughout makes it an enjoyable read as well.
Profile Image for Silas M..
1 review
March 24, 2026
What I loved most about this book is how honest it is. It doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges but offers realistic solutions and encouragement. It feels like advice from a trusted friend who’s been through it before.
Profile Image for Esther J. Mayfield.
1 review
March 24, 2026
This guide does an excellent job of including fathers in the pregnancy journey. The sections on supporting your partner and maintaining a strong relationship are particularly insightful and well-written.
Profile Image for Nicholas M..
1 review
March 24, 2026
This book exceeded my expectations. It’s not just about preparing for a baby, it’s about becoming a better partner and building confidence as a dad. Highly recommended for anyone stepping into fatherhood for the first time.
Profile Image for Dennis N..
1 review
March 24, 2026
A refreshing take on pregnancy from a father’s perspective. The advice is practical, easy to follow, and grounded in real-life experience. It helped me feel more involved and prepared throughout the journey.
1 review
March 24, 2026
This book does a great job of simplifying what can feel like an overwhelming experience. It’s supportive without being preachy, and the guidance feels genuine and thoughtful. A solid resource for any expectant dad.
Profile Image for Kelsey P..
1 review
March 20, 2026
You can tell this was written from real experience. My husband kept saying how much easier it made things for him to understand what’s coming. It’s honest, practical, and not overwhelming
Profile Image for Frederick C..
1 review
March 20, 2026
What I liked most is that it’s not full of complicated advice. It’s simple, real, and actually useful in everyday situations. It made me feel more confident instead of more stressed.
Profile Image for Ruben G..
1 review
March 20, 2026
I got this as a gift for a friend who just became a dad and he said it was one of the most helpful things he received. It’s easy to read and very relatable, especially for someone new to fatherhood.
Profile Image for Leroy B..
1 review
March 20, 2026
Reading this during the first few weeks after my baby was born really helped me stay calm. It explains real situations that actually happen, not just general advice. That’s what makes it stand out.
Profile Image for Odell S..
1 review
March 20, 2026
This helped my partner feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. It’s not trying to be dramatic or complicated, just honest and supportive. I would definitely recommend it to any new dad.
Profile Image for Antonio A..
1 review
March 21, 2026
Honestly, this is the kind of thing every first-time dad should read. It’s simple, real, and actually makes you feel more confident instead of more nervous.
Profile Image for Terry L..
1 review
March 21, 2026
This is one of the few things I’ve read that actually felt real. No pressure, no unrealistic expectations, just solid advice for first-time dads.
Profile Image for Edgar E..
1 review
March 21, 2026
I recommended this to my partner and he actually enjoyed reading it, which says a lot. It made him feel more prepared and involved, and that made the whole experience better for both of us.
Profile Image for James P..
1 review
March 21, 2026
I started reading this after my baby arrived, and I wish I had it earlier. It covers real situations that you actually face, which made it super helpful.
Profile Image for Louis C..
1 review
March 21, 2026
Bought this for my brother when he was expecting his first baby. He told me it really helped him feel less nervous and more ready. Definitely a good gift idea.
1 review
March 23, 2026
What I liked most is that it keeps things real. It doesn’t try to be perfect, just helpful and honest, which is exactly what new dads need.
1 review
March 23, 2026
If you’re unsure about becoming a dad, this is worth reading. It gives you a better understanding without making things feel complicated.
Profile Image for Jerald S..
1 review
March 23, 2026
I didn’t realise how much I needed something like this until I read it. It breaks things down in a simple way and makes everything feel a bit more manageable.
Profile Image for Frederick S..
1 review
March 23, 2026
My partner isn’t usually into reading guides, but he actually stuck with this one. It helped him feel more confident, and I could see the difference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews