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BirthCONTROL: A Husband's Honest Account of Pregnancy

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More than four million blissfully ignorant American men are thrust into fatherhood every year, yet these men are rarely armed with an honest account of what to expect in the first nine months. This nine-month, non-fiction account details how one man learns to let go of control in the quest for the perfect pregnancy.

All accounts were documented when they happened, long before the blurred baby goggles of fatherhood were firmly affixed. This rare, honest, and unmoderated male perspective on pregnancy will be educational for any new couple thinking of starting a family. For those already pregnant, it is a funny, relatable, and often neurotic vision of the day to day struggles encountered during this profoundly hormonal time in a couple’s life. If you’ve ever had to settle on a baby’s name or the color of a nursery, be publicly humiliated during birthing classes, or run the obstacle course otherwise known as a grocery store with someone days away from delivery, you’ll understand.

The “Expecting” market is polluted with day-by-day pregnancy journals, medical texts, and non-fiction work overburdened with touching accounts of the mother’s journey throughout pregnancy. Yet in a time where the husband's role in pregnancy has increased, there is still a distinct lack of literature defining the paternal struggles that he may expect while sleeping dangerously close to a nine month long science experiment.

150 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

8 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read

About the author

James Vavasour

2 books18 followers

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5 stars
42 (33%)
4 stars
46 (36%)
3 stars
25 (19%)
2 stars
10 (7%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
453 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2014
I found this book, at various times, gut-wrenching-ly hilarious and supremely touching. I actually work in an OBGYN office and seeing the experience of pregnancy through a father’s point of view was fascinating. I see these guys come in with their wives or significant others all the time, and it was engaging as hell to maybe get a bit of a window into their mindset as they experience one of life’s many joys.

I gotta say that this author has a fantastic way with words when it comes to his hilarity. I found myself laughing out loud often as he goes into the micro-penis, referring to a kidney as a “dead sac of pee”, the changing definition of “The Butcher”, and a vaginal chiropractor. He’s got a natural way of writing that makes you feel like you’re in the same room as him, just holding a conversation, a bit hilarious and eyebrow-raising though it may be. I've also got to give him kudos for talking about the stuff he does and the way in which he does. He holds nothing back, and I actually found that very refreshing.

One thing I wish that may have been done differently was the about of subject meandering the author indulged in. We could be talking his wife, their midwife appointments, or nursery painting. The next thing we know, we’re talking about his sister-in-law and her uniqueness, taking a hike in the woods, childhood memories, or going to church. While the meandering would eventually get back on target, the reader is left scratching their heads wondering why we made these detours in the life of the author.

All in all, I found this a very pleasant diversion into a book genre I don’t visit that often. The subject matter of fatherhood and pregnancy was just icing on the cake, knowing where I work. The author is both hilarious and touching in his writing. Sometimes subject meandering struck, but eventually we always got back to the main subject of pregnancy and the inherent subjects connected with it. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a humorous and touching look at fatherhood and pregnancy through the other half’s eyes.

Note: Book received for free via Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Sara Egolf.
11 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2014
"magical sperm repository"
"Testeclese"
"pampers magnum"
"milk pimp"
"Hormone harpy"
"vaginass"

If these little sayings made you giggle, as they most certainly did me, I think you'll enjoy this book. Honest is an understatement when it comes to Mr. Vavasour's colorful accounts of the days leading up to, during, & after conception & delivery. This was the perfect size book. It was a quick read. Short entertaining chapters. Great for a long trip or time spent in a Dr's office waiting room. Whether you're thinking of having a baby, are already in the process, or have one of your own it's a sweet story told by a wonderful first time dad. Fortunately for the world this isn't the kind of story that will scare you into sterility. In fact it's heartfelt & real in a way that turns some the most nerve wrecking thoughts of pregnancy into a humorous & exciting adventure. It's exactly what having a baby should be. Fun, scary, gross, exciting, exhausting, loving, kind, & at times a little inappropriate. A beautifully woven tale.
1 review
February 24, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a copy for review through GoodReads First Reads.

My copy arrived in an envelope decorated by the author's daughter. It was pretty awesome!

This book is short and sweet. It describes one father's perspective on pregnancy and the birth of his first child. If you have ever wondered at what a man may be feeling, BirthCONTROL is enlightening and humorous. James Vavasour's worry and excitement come through very well. I have borrowed it to my brother who will be a first-time father soon.
Profile Image for Valerie.
443 reviews35 followers
February 5, 2015
I won this is in a goodreads giveaway. I thought it was a very funny husbands point of view of his wife's pregnancy. I just went through this myself over 4 months ago, so it's pretty fresh. I wonder if my husband felt similiar. In the back of the book he states he is working on a book 2 about fatherhood. I will read it, see how he handles that ;)
Profile Image for Sandi Widner.
104 reviews
March 16, 2013
5 out of 5 stars for "BirthCONTROL: A Husband's Honest Account of Pregnancy" by James Vavasour

More than four million blissfully ignorant American men are thrust into fatherhood every year, yet these men are rarely armed with an honest account of what to expect in the first nine months. This nine-month, non-fiction account details how one man learns to let go of control in the quest for the perfect pregnancy.

All accounts were documented when they happened, long before the blurred baby goggles of fatherhood were firmly affixed. This rare, honest male perspective on pregnancy will be educational for any new couple thinking of starting a family. For those already pregnant, it is a funny, and often neurotic vision of the day to day struggles encountered during this profoundly hormonal time in a couple’s life. If you've ever had to settle on a baby’s name or the color of a nursery, be publicly humiliated during birthing classes, or run the obstacle course otherwise known as a grocery store with someone days away from delivery, you’ll understand.

The “Expecting” market is polluted with day-by-day pregnancy journals, medical texts, and non-fiction work overburdened with touching accounts of the mother’s journey throughout pregnancy. Yet in a time where the husband's role in pregnancy has increased, there is still a distinct lack of literature defining the paternal struggles that he may expect while sleeping dangerously close to a nine month long science experiment.

Dear Readers: "BirthCONTROL" is a fantastically funny, laugh-out-loud viewpoint...scared thoughts, vivid imagery, and educational stepping stones... of the author's path to becoming a father! This book is a perfect read for parents-to-be...or anyone who just wants a good laugh!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
662 reviews40 followers
August 19, 2013
I won this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program. I've had my eye on it for a while, as it sounds really funny, so I'm glad I finally got it! Full review to come when it arrives.

UPDATE: So I just finished this book, and it definitely delivered (pun absolutely intended). "BirthCONTROL" is just a wee little book, so I was able to race through it pretty quickly, but the fact that I wanted to keep reading certainly helped.

As I predicted, this is a very funny book. James Vavasour has a real knack for writing, and seems to just be a genuinely funny person, as he was able to bring humour to pretty much every stage of the pregnancy/his description of it in the book. I was laughing out loud on a number of occasions. However, and I consider this to be almost more important, this book is also very honest and sincere. I felt this to be especially true in the chapter "Abby vs the Chicken Sandwich", when Vavasour discusses his wife contracting food poisoning. You can sense his feelings of helplessness and fear as he waits to find out whether everything will be okay. In a humour book, I think striking a balance is important, and I really feel like it was done well in this book.

As I am neither a man nor a parent, I maybe didn't get quite as much out of this book as some people would have, but I think the fact that I still really enjoyed it speaks to how well done it is. There are a few typos here and there which I would have liked to have seen edited out, but I'm sure that's only noticeable and/or distracting to the nerds out there like myself. Otherwise, a good read. Looking forward to the sequel!
Profile Image for Lori.
183 reviews
August 29, 2013
*I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*

I received an autographed copy. The envelope it came in had some crayon scribble in the back - I’m not sure if this was just a recycled envelope, but I like to think that Little Abby autographed it for me as well. Thanks, Abby :-D

I fell in love with the Vavasour couple - they seem to compliment each other very well. Vavasour’s account of his and his wife’s experiences during their 9 month journey into becoming first-time-parents was absolutely spot on. There were embarrassing moments, tender moments, overwhelming moments of choosing the right person to deliver the baby, what to avoid, frightening stories of women and their birthing experiences, awkward birthing class sessions (my favorite part of the book), etc.

Although this would make a great gift for dads-to-be, you don’t have to be one to appreciate it. Moms will benefit from the read as well. With that said, in the effort to inform couples researching the pros and cons of natural child birth vs. epidurals and Pitocin, I offer some info that the author suggests “every husband should know about Pitocin and epidurals. If natural delivery is not progressing as quickly as it should, an epidural can be used to help the mother relax. Pitocin can be used to stop the bleeding after the baby has been delivered and the placenta is passed. Both could be used in a last ditch effort to avoid a C-section after all other options have been exhausted; this was especially logical, considering an epidural would be in place once the decision to do a C-section was made anyway.”

Happy birthing!
Profile Image for The Book Girl.
780 reviews40 followers
November 2, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a copy for review through GoodReads First Reads. I received an autographed copy. Which was pretty awesome.

I have to admit that I was nervous about reading this book, due to the fact that I have no kids. My fear was that I really wouldn't be able to relate to it. This books was so interesting and even though I don't have kids I found it laugh out loud funny. This book is such a quick read and so sweet.I really enjoyed the perspective of the first time father. It was really nice seeing what a man's "take" on various things involving pregnancy and childbirth. It was such a nice break from the normal female perspective.

BirthCONTROL , did just that at points. I love that the author kept it real and brought his honest opinion into the story. It was nice to see something better out there than just "what to expect when your expecting" is out there on the market.

I also loved the relationship the author James Vavasour has with his wife. I feel like they compliment each other so well. I had such a great time reading this book. I read it all in one sitting. The whole book had me chuckling as I turned every page.

Since I am in my early tweenties, everyone I know is pretty much having childern, so I have been recommending this book constantly. I plan on keeping this book, just in case I decide to have childern someday.
Profile Image for Penney Knightly.
Author 4 books6 followers
July 11, 2014
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

Being able to read through a male viewpoint of pregnancy is invaluable. It's easy to get so caught-up in what the woman must be experiencing, but reading through this I connected with the male's feeling of complete helplessness, and his high anxiety levels. I kept thinking throughout the read, "calm down, dude. Just relax." Busting through the idealized myth of what "baby class" *should* be, ultrasound sessions, and virility test was also revealing to me — how Hollywood's versions of what an experience might be permeates our experience. But, I have to admit, I was practicing deep-breathing as I was reading along, on the behalf of the worrisome husband. Overall, I'd say this was well-written. It's clear and concise and does have some humorous insights, though I found a lot of the humor to be forced and some of it just plain snarky. It's not all that informative in terms of medical knowledge or advice for expecting couples, but it's definitely a book for men to turn to if they're feeling particularly anxious and need to hear a voice of someone who has felt all the same ways and came through the experience successfully — which I'm sure is the author's target audience and intent.
Profile Image for Jenny Castaway.
43 reviews
April 4, 2014
Birthcontrol: a husband's honest account to pregnancy is funny, entertaining and easy to follow as well as easy to relate to. Birthcontrol has short chapters which makes it nice for people that don't have much down time to read and worry about stopping in the middle of a chapter. Overall I give this fun, truthful story a four star only because sometime it feels like the author goes off topic a little but he always finds his way back. I would highly recommend this book to my friends and family as light read. I am happily looking forward to Birthcontrol 2: A husband's honest account to fatherhood. This is an adult book but if you are a young adult that is planning to have sex or thinking of sex this would be a good book to Read. There is a little bit of strong language and medical descriptions on what happens to a woman's lower regions but it's not often.

I also reviewed this book on youtube if you rather watch that the link is below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFoK2o...
Profile Image for Amanda White.
146 reviews
December 17, 2013
I won this book in a Good Reads contest. My very first thought after reading this book was this reminds me of The Bill Cosby Himself comedy. It had me laughing out loud several times while reading. The author is very good at describing his thoughts, fears and actions in a way that is easy to read and not boring. He had some wild paranoid thoughts about things that may or may not happen during the pregnancy which is normal for most first time parents . There is also a seriousness to the story and could help pregnant couples understand different birthing methods, medicines, procedures and other things that you need to know or do while pregnant. Most parents can either relate or learn something from this book. All and all this book is very entertaining. I definitely recommend this book to anyone with or without children and expecting parents. Actually I would recommend this book to people without children also just for the fact that it is funny, witty and a good read.
Profile Image for Emily.
22 reviews
September 5, 2013
My co-worker won a free copy of this book and lent it to me to read on my vacation. In the last 2 years a bunch of friends of mine have been popping out babies and with that comes all the stories you hear from your friends about what the pregnancy was like. This book does the same thing. Giving you personal insight into one couple's life during their first pregnancy.

But I especially like the fact that the perspective comes from the father-to-be. Most of the pregnancy stories you hear are always from the mothers.

My favorite thing about this book was the naming of the chapters. Loved how the author's journey of his wife's pregnancy was documented week by week. Also the hilarious subject's assigned to each week. The one that definitely made me LOL "Week 38 Perscription Sex"!
Profile Image for Diane.
256 reviews19 followers
November 17, 2014
So, it doesn't look like I'll be getting it back. My daughter says it is hilarious and she is sending it to her sister who just yesterday gave birth to a healthy little girl <3 I'm kinda disappointed but since the topic is so familiar/apropos to them I figure it's okay. Maybe later... My daughter says she will read the next one too (apparently about the first year of fatherhood.) Now, I asked my son-in-law if he read it and he said he got a few paragraphs in before she took it from him. I'm hoping he has another chance before she mails it to her sister. I will update if that happens. She is pregnant after all:) I'm going to say it's a hit based on what others close to me have reported and hopefully at some point it will find it's way back and I will actually get to read it.
Profile Image for Laura.
37 reviews
May 28, 2013
This book is a MUST read! I won this book from goodreads and was so pleased when i started laughing from page one. It is brilliantly funny and comically honest. Its not often you read about pregnancy from a male perspective but Vavasour's recollection of all the ups and downs of his own experience is eyeopening. Definatley makes you think about the reality behind the decision to start a family, showing you the truth of how stressful it can be and yet how rewarding the end result is. I have laughed so much when reading this book that members of my family have asked to read it now I've finished. A brilliant book. I cannot wait for "Birthcontrol 2".
Profile Image for Ann Welton.
164 reviews
October 13, 2014
This book was given to me by GoodReads in exchange for an honest review. It was a very quick read - and most enjoyable for anyone who is planning to be pregnant, was ever pregnant, or is just interested in the subject. The author has an excellent, light sense of humor about pregnancy and the 40 weeks it takes to get to the delivery. As a retired labor and delivery nurse and a mother myself, I found every chapter such a memorable review of everything that happens during pregnancy, decisions to be made, and all with such a laugh - and most of it is funny in retrospect! Thanks, James - job well done, very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Brogan.
24 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads!

I loved this book! I found it so much fun to read, it made me just want to keep turning the pages. I actually read it out loud with my boyfriends and he enjoyed it as much as I did (and he's not a reader at all). I really enjoyed the way that James described things and the way he compared them to different subjects (all very similar to my own boyfriend). It almost sounded as though it was the future voice of my boyfriend when we do eventually have a baby.
It was a super great read and I am actually pretty excited to read the next one!

Thank you James, for allowing me the opportunity to read your book!
11 reviews
December 21, 2012
James Vavasour is a real treat- It's clever and cutting and "knock you the f out" funny. We're talking laugh out loud, regardless of where I am and who can hear me funny. The raw and unfiltered humor reminds me a lot of Knocked Up. At times you feel like you are sitting next to the author at the bar as he tells the story and the punch line has you stitches with his wittiness. My highest recommendations, a great read for anyone interested in the man’s side of pregnancy and have authentic laugh come from the soul.
Profile Image for Liz Doyle.
211 reviews
March 17, 2013
A seriously laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind book that doesn't disappoint. The author's unique writing style--part dry wit, part charm, and slightly neurotic--will have you nodding your head and raising your eyebrows all at once. (Read it--then you'll understand what I'm trying to say!) Men will appreciate the author's unabashed honesty while women will be thoroughly entertained, laughing, and thinking, "Do those things REALLY go through a man's head?" Either way, it is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Rachel.
647 reviews
August 12, 2015
First, let me be clear that by reading this book I am NOT pregnant, nor do I want to be. However, I am fascinated by people who do want to be parents and the whole process. I advocate for honesty and truthtelling when you get into parenthood and pregnancy and humor is a great vehicle for it. Vavasour is definitely a funny guy and I really appreciated that this was short, readable, and yet still packed with tons of legitimate information. Overall, it had a good fun factor and was satisfying.
Profile Image for Joey P.
124 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2013
The book made me laugh out loud several times, it was really funny and some-what educational. This was my first book about pregnancy, so I don't know much about it.

How do you know the tear stain on your dog means it has food allergies? My dog has those too, but most people on the web say it's common for the breed.

I wonder how the mother-in-law likes this book.

Can't wait for the next book. Good Job!

Received a free copy through Goodreads First Reads.
Won 9/30, received copy on 10/7
Profile Image for Gerard.
117 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2016
This was quite an entertaining book with definitely some good educational insights here and there.
I would recommend this book to all those to-be-fathers out there wanting to get a better understand of what the heck is going on around them.
Usually stories about pregnancies are either written by women or through the perspective of women, this is all through the eyes of a man and written by a man.

I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.
Profile Image for Jeremiah Meeks.
7 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2015
I love the concept and insights. As the first time father of a 9 month old I can relate to a lot of his observations and jokes. The writing is okay and the story is choppy. But overall it is a great quick read and something I will be passing off to a friend that is expecting his first soon.



NOTE: I received my copy free from First Reads program so I should probably buy a above mentioned friend a copy when I have the cash.
Profile Image for Jenn.
74 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2014
*Received through first reads giveaway
I read this book in 3 hours and loved it! I recently had a baby and appreciated the point of view from a husband. The raw humour won me over, I found myself actually laughing out loud as I read some parts. The Author is so endearing, though he tried to make light and funny out of a serious situation you could empathize and imagine his anxieties, anticipation, love and pride. I would love to read more from James Vavasour; and would recommend this book!!
1 review
December 21, 2012
I just read this hilarious book. I could not stop laughing out load. I was going to read it on my flight during the holidays. I am glad I did not wait because I am sure I would have made several people angry with all the laughing. And to imagine that this guy really thought all this stuff while he was going through it. I am still laughing.
1 review1 follower
December 21, 2012
This book is hilarious! I could not stop laughing from start to finish. As a new mother I wonder if my husband had the same thoughts as the author. Pregnancy can be overwhelming to new parents but the author has a great knack at bringing humor to it all. I think this is a great book for an expecting family or parents that have already been though it.
Profile Image for Sarah Snyder.
59 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2013
This book was one I found very hard to put down. I really enjoyed this honest account of pregnancy from James Vavasour. Not only did it make me laugh, it also made me think about what goes through the minds of husbands as they experience their wives going through pregnancy. I cannot wait to read more from Mr. Vavasour and I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Kayte.
102 reviews
May 26, 2013
A really fun read. I enjoyed the honest humor of a very stressful 9 months. As a woman who has never given birth I tend to agree with the author when he poses the question how has the human race survived generation after generation knowing the pain of child birth.

Definitely passing this along to my newly married friends.
Profile Image for Keri.
233 reviews32 followers
December 13, 2013
Thank you for giving us a small insight to the minds of men. I thoroughly enjoyed this witty approach to pregnancy. At times I could not stop myself laughing with some of the side stories. I work at a bookstore and I will recommend this book for those expecting.

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Profile Image for Beca.
32 reviews35 followers
August 25, 2015
Read this book while on the train and embarrassingly laugh out loud at some sections of the book. A great read to all who are planning to have a baby, who already have kids or just need a laugh. I really felt for Ellen at times. I painfully remembered my 2 pregnancies and felt relieved I wasn't alone. My pillow fort served me well.
Profile Image for Alex.
96 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2013
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway just two days after the birth of my own daughter. Vavasour's honest yet hilarious account of his own pregnancy experience is eminently enjoyable and easier to read. He is a bit crass in spots but I believe most fathers can relate. I recommend this book for any new father-to-be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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