The Expectant Dad's Handbook

by Dean Beaumont

A practical pregnancy and parenting guide for dads from a male antenatal educator Becoming a dad can be a daunting time, and most pregnancy and parenting information is targeted towards women. This exciting new book, from a leading expert in working with expectant dads, doesn't sideline or speak down to men. Instead it provides an array of targeted information to fully prepare men for their new roles as both birth partners and fathers. This is a one-stop guide for men on their path to fatherhood. It provides practical answers to all the questions on the mind of a dad-to-be, from what to expect at each stage of pregnancy to how to cope with any worries and fears about becoming a father. It also reveals unique insights into a dad's role during labor, showing key strategies for improving the birth. Both practical and accessible, this guide will provide all the information and advice fathers need for the journey ahead.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Childrens

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2013

Reviews

[Jesus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book when I was expecting my baby because I thought all the pregnant books were very traditional-mother focused and all the others 'you're gonna be a dad books' seemed laddish at best. This book is OK in the non-laddish sense, but it still feels patronising both towards the reader and towards the mother. Some of the advice given is OK but most of it is repetitive and you can probably find it in another book for mothers, anyway. The book could be shortened to 20 pages, in that respect. I think the book for the non-traditional gender roles new parents book is yet to be written. I give it two stars because giving it 1 would be unfair given all the other expectant dad books which deserve like negative stars.

[Stephen Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. I learned a lot and it meant I was more able to be useful and supportive.

[E Kummeneje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book really, full of vital information about becoming a dad. I mean, no bullshit here, just tips that actually work. Perhaps due to my slow pace of reading, but I ended up finding the postpartum info the best.

The only negative of any import I can say about this book, is that it's very much focused on the British man. It delightfully reinforces some of my British stereotypes, and is sometimes a bit unintentionally humorous in that light.
So, if you're outside the UK like me, be prepared that some parts are somewhat irrelevant (although I found it quite interesting to compare the UK health system practises to ours).

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good: Useful. Easy to read. Clear messages. Not patronising.

The bad: Sometimes the book mentions an important topic, but then just says 'look it up in another book' or 'do research online' - or the author could just take a couple of pages to tell me?

I thought the bit about the process of going into labour, and steps involved and what happens, was confusing. To me, it made it seem unnecessarily complicated.

[Henry Fosdike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good advice but a lot of it feels obvious. Having said that, it's in a tricky position because the people who are actually willing to pick up a book like this and read it, probably aren't the ones who need a lot of the advice (like 'try taking on extra chores'). Still, there are a few interesting pieces of information so when it's all required, I should be ready to go. Eek!

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips

First baby book I’ve read and was surprised how much I actually knew! Having said that, the book has great little tips for new dads and is quite an easy read, explaining in simplistic terms the majority of things you need to know.

[Sam Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written, easy going, tonnes of pointers and made life with little one that bit easier :)
Some good psychological aspects too. Was passed on by my brother and have a number of friends who are new dads too and had read this.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical, straightforward and informative guide to pregnancy and parenting for dads and dads-to-be, with useful resources and helpful tips.

[Ian Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

A good read, and lots of very helpful information. Very easy to jump in and out of different chapters as required.

[Wayne Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful little book for new dads to be.

[Leonard Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide to being fathers. Easy to read and covers many aspects from a male standpoint.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny.

[Jonatan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and positive way of learning about pregnancy and parenthood! Some suggestions differ from the Finnish recommendations

[Jonathon McClue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book that every expectant Dad should read. It is never too early to read, I wish I started it earlier!

[Richard Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler I’m going to be kings of the daddy’s

[Rob Fearnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dead set against reading any books in the run up to becoming a Dad, mostly because a lot of pregnancy and childcare literature seems to be based on opinion rather than fact. My partner bought me this book though and in all honesty it's been a huge help. A real emphasis is put on deciding what's right for your family which means it's a lot easier to read and soak up. If you're looking for tips and ideas when you're about to become a Dad then you could do a lot worse than having a look at this book.

[Franceska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because my partner couldn't be bothered so I read him out the sections I thought would be important for him to know when the time comes. It was easy to read and clear. Definitely a different perspective.