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Your Pregnancy For The Father-To-Be: Everything You Need To Know About Pregnancy, Childbirth, And Getting Ready For Your New Baby: Everything Dads Need ... And Getting Ready For A New Baby
Pregnancy is a thrilling adventure for a couple. Although most of the attention is directed at moms-to-be, the nine months of pregnancy can be an exciting, moving experience for a man as he faces and deals with the many emotional and physical changes the time brings.Filled with sound advice and practical tips, Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be explores the important role a man plays over the course of this journey. Examining how pregnancy affects the expectant dad, it explains how being knowledgeable about pregnancy, birth, and the new baby will enable him to help and support his pregnant partner. Comprehensive and accessible, this wise guide includes information on:Physical changes a pregnant woman experiences and how an expectant dad can provide comfort and helpTests and medical procedures a mother-to-be may undergoLaws that may affect an expectant father or new dadBeing a labor coach and what labor and delivery are really likeCosts of having a baby, childcare expenses, and planning for the futureThe impact of pregnancy on a couple's relationship and how they can handle itA comprehensive glossary of pregnancy and childbirth terms and a complete resources section
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
15 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 20, 2015
So there are two possibilities for why this book is the way it is, but I can accept if it's a little of both:
1. The authors are regressive and sexist.
2. The authors have encountered so many unempathetic, useless, uninvolved men while dealing with pregnancies that it drove them to use condescension and sexist tropes merely to deal with these men who must surely have a permanent glazed-over expression anytime pregnancy is brought up.
It could be I'm just the wrong demographic for this, after all, they go through an entire chapter on financial advice that anyone with a steady job should probably know. Maybe it's written for the terrified idiot who knocked up his fiance at the age of 20?
But that still wouldn't explain the little Dummies-style vignettes entitled "Brownie Points in the Doghouse", which inform you of helpful things like not making fun of your pregnant wife for gaining weight, and warn you that she may be too hormonal to have dinner ready when you get home, or that she might be too tired to keep the house as clean as usual.
Since this is chiefly targeted at Americans, let me make a observation: The pregnant significant other in this situation probably also has a job, since very few people have the luxury of a single-income household in the United States. Therefore, there's no particular reason for her to have the burden of cooking, cleaning, and other forms of housework unless that division of labor was actually agreed upon.
So maybe while she's dealing with generating life in her guts, a life that basically leaches out her nutrients, perhaps you, the guy who seems to need this preachy-ass book, should consider picking up a broom, learning how to dust, and figuring out how to use a stove so you can follow a basic recipe.
I am depressed by the men who feel this book speaks to them.
1. The authors are regressive and sexist.
2. The authors have encountered so many unempathetic, useless, uninvolved men while dealing with pregnancies that it drove them to use condescension and sexist tropes merely to deal with these men who must surely have a permanent glazed-over expression anytime pregnancy is brought up.
It could be I'm just the wrong demographic for this, after all, they go through an entire chapter on financial advice that anyone with a steady job should probably know. Maybe it's written for the terrified idiot who knocked up his fiance at the age of 20?
But that still wouldn't explain the little Dummies-style vignettes entitled "Brownie Points in the Doghouse", which inform you of helpful things like not making fun of your pregnant wife for gaining weight, and warn you that she may be too hormonal to have dinner ready when you get home, or that she might be too tired to keep the house as clean as usual.
Since this is chiefly targeted at Americans, let me make a observation: The pregnant significant other in this situation probably also has a job, since very few people have the luxury of a single-income household in the United States. Therefore, there's no particular reason for her to have the burden of cooking, cleaning, and other forms of housework unless that division of labor was actually agreed upon.
So maybe while she's dealing with generating life in her guts, a life that basically leaches out her nutrients, perhaps you, the guy who seems to need this preachy-ass book, should consider picking up a broom, learning how to dust, and figuring out how to use a stove so you can follow a basic recipe.
I am depressed by the men who feel this book speaks to them.
August 17, 2015
This books solitary redeeming feature: it made me feel as if I was already an expert on pregnancy and fatherhood - who knew?
July 28, 2020
Of the half dozen pregnancy books given to me and my husband, this was the least impressive. Maybe it's just because it's older, but it really assumes dads are all super insecure, know absolutely nothing about human reproduction, and are basically insensitive jerks. There's actually a line in the first few chapters that says something like "Guys, understand that women are SUPPOSED TO gain weight during pregnancy. This isn't the time to criticize your wife's size! Tell her she looks as beautiful as ever, even with the extra pounds- and if this isn't exactly true, this is the right time for a little white lie!" There's also a line near the end (about caring for a newborn) that's basically, "Showing affection to your child is natural. Don't be concerned that a few snuggles will turn your son into a sissy. Teach him that affection isn't just for women." Yikes.
February 26, 2017
This was a good introduction to pregnancy when I was scared stiff at the idea of my wife having a baby! Designed for the male reader, takes into consideration that many guys are clueless about pregnancy, and in my case they were right. I have since graduated to a more comprehension manual on pregnancy which assumes that its audience is women. I like having both perspectives, even if the manual for women does frighten me at times!
February 21, 2008
More concise than the book for expectant mothers. Derek read it and found portions of it to be interesting. I read a dozen or so pregnancy books and this one got him up to speed so that he could understand me spewing forth what all I was reading.
October 25, 2012
Condescending. Not a great target for conscientious fathers-to-be or even semi-intellectual types. There has to be better options for new dads than this. Probably part of the issue is that I read this before child two, so it comes off really daftly.
August 18, 2008
Rather disappointing. Talks down to new dads, assumes I'm an idiot. My wife's books are better.
December 9, 2021
While not utterly useless, this book is not necessary reading. Other reviews tell the tale; the book is condescending and has some dated opinions on relationships (were we that different in 2009?). The book warns men that their partners might not be able to cook every meal for them while pregnant, and that men should consider their wives when managing finances because it "may affect them as well". That's the kind of cultural point of view you'll get from this book.
What I got from it: basic coverage of pregnancy terms and symptoms to be aware of, and a good base for a shopping list for pregnancy and the infant stage. As a Canadian, much of the financial advice isn't really useful to me as we have different health care/finance concerns.
What I got from it: basic coverage of pregnancy terms and symptoms to be aware of, and a good base for a shopping list for pregnancy and the infant stage. As a Canadian, much of the financial advice isn't really useful to me as we have different health care/finance concerns.
January 5, 2023
As a first-time father this book was very helpful. It did not go into nearly the details that some of the other books did. It was very specific about what a man can do to help his wife through the process. It also looks at some longer-term items, like saving for school, planning for the first few weeks after the birth and even packing a travel bag for you to take to the hospital. It is nice light reading in an easy-to-read format and style. This book will definitely be a benefit to you and your partner. The 5 sections are: the three trimesters, labor & delivery, and at home with the baby. These authors also wrote a number of supporting or complimentary books:
Bouncing Back From Your Pregnancy
Your Pregnancy Journal Week by Week
Your Pregnancy After 35
Your Pregnancy Questions and Answers
Your Pregnancy Every Woman’s Guide
Your Baby’s First Year Week by Week
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
Bouncing Back From Your Pregnancy
Your Pregnancy Journal Week by Week
Your Pregnancy After 35
Your Pregnancy Questions and Answers
Your Pregnancy Every Woman’s Guide
Your Baby’s First Year Week by Week
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
May 27, 2023
Of all the books I'm reading for preparing a new father, this one is middle-of-the-road. It's not the most informative, yet not the least. It's also somewhere in the middle on its target audience--some books I'm reading are VERY misogynistic (telling the reader/father-to-be to "start" helping out around the house, assuming he is not already and the woman is doing everything). While this one does not do it as much, it does insert "in the doghouse" little blurbs telling men what NOT to do. On the one hand, I read it and my reaction is "Really?", however I am sure there are still plenty of households like that and some men need to hear that, sadly.
Ultimately, I think there are better books, depending on what you are seeking.
Ultimately, I think there are better books, depending on what you are seeking.
March 15, 2021
Since other readers have already mentioned this book may come across as condescending toward men and include dated ideas about women's roles, I will agree and move on.
I think the value of the book lies not in the details (there is not a bibliography to show the author is using very dated data) but in the overall theme: fathers should be involved in their children's lives starting at the beginning. The author reassures the reader that fathers may be scared and that is okay because they will learn along the way as long as they try.
There are better more up to date books out there and this one can be passed.
I think the value of the book lies not in the details (there is not a bibliography to show the author is using very dated data) but in the overall theme: fathers should be involved in their children's lives starting at the beginning. The author reassures the reader that fathers may be scared and that is okay because they will learn along the way as long as they try.
There are better more up to date books out there and this one can be passed.
January 25, 2024
While the information is a little dated, it was still a very informative read as an expecting first-time father.
July 22, 2009
From my husband:
Organization makes sense. Good chronologically, do not have to read all at once.
Easy to read, not too much medical jargon. Explanations were in a understandable format.
Wording in general was easy to read, not like a text book.
Inserts of real life examples and humorous events keep the book interesting. Not just about the pregnant woman, but also things to think about when baby comes home.
Useful information, that as a male, he did not know about. Good explanations about the female body to the male reader in what to expect. And generally how to know that your wife is not just crazy.
Instructions and pointers it gives for possible situations were clearly laid out and easy to follow if needed; such as emergency delivery at home and transportation to get to the hospital and so on.
Overall it was worded in such a way that it did not drag on and on. It was a decent book to just sit down and read bits in an evening or so and gave good information.
This comes from a guy who would rather be out in the garage working or playing video games instead of reading. And when he does read it would be a sci/fi or adventure book.
Organization makes sense. Good chronologically, do not have to read all at once.
Easy to read, not too much medical jargon. Explanations were in a understandable format.
Wording in general was easy to read, not like a text book.
Inserts of real life examples and humorous events keep the book interesting. Not just about the pregnant woman, but also things to think about when baby comes home.
Useful information, that as a male, he did not know about. Good explanations about the female body to the male reader in what to expect. And generally how to know that your wife is not just crazy.
Instructions and pointers it gives for possible situations were clearly laid out and easy to follow if needed; such as emergency delivery at home and transportation to get to the hospital and so on.
Overall it was worded in such a way that it did not drag on and on. It was a decent book to just sit down and read bits in an evening or so and gave good information.
This comes from a guy who would rather be out in the garage working or playing video games instead of reading. And when he does read it would be a sci/fi or adventure book.
August 6, 2015
I love that this book came from the perspective of what the dad might be going through during pregnancy. We are in waiting for our first, and this is so comprehensively helpful. It discusses emotions, finances, labor and delivery techniques, preparing for the practical scheduling, as well as how to support the process of the mother. I've read several books now about being a parent, and this is certainly my favorite. I've read plenty from a Christian worldview, so it was refreshing to simply hear about the practical side of things, and not necessarily "spiritual duties" which are much needed, but already gained elsewhere.
February 28, 2014
Quite a good book about the basics. I started reading it soon after my wife's pregnancy was confirmed and since it was our first pregnancy well I had a lot to learn. The book was able to fill this basic gap of knowledge that I had. It is not too detailed on some topics where I wish more guidance were given and the challenges we faced were also unfortunately not in the book. Finally, it is a bit "touchy feely" with a lot of focus on "feelings" and though I understand they are important, I would have preferred more practical info and tips.
January 4, 2012
Unless you are a complete idiot you might be able to skip this book... My wife got this for me for $4 at the store and while there are some good things in it, there are a lot of things that are just common sense stuff. The most important stuff at least for me was learning about the college tuition set ups and those types of things that I should get in contact with my advisor right away. It is a good book to read though.
December 12, 2014
I'm a first time dad and haven't really been around a lot of pregnant women or newborn infants. This book was a huge help in understanding what my wife is going through and what I need to do to help get ready for our child. Not everything applied and some chapters were more "reference" that you can skip but go back to when things arise. Over all, I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to other soon-to-be dads.
October 31, 2010
My first full read of a pregnancy book. It gave a good overview of the process with things to keep in mind before and after the baby arrives. Potential complications and a brief description of the possible tests for the mom to be are covered as well. I would have liked some more details about the baby's development over the tri-semesters.
December 20, 2014
My wife bought this for me after telling me she was pregnant. It was a nice resource, but I agree with the reviews which say that it sorta talks down to new fathers. Many of the suggestions make you weep for humanity, in that anyone would need to be warned about some of these things.
That being said, as a new father-to-be, I appreciated some of the tips, so I gave it three stars.
That being said, as a new father-to-be, I appreciated some of the tips, so I gave it three stars.
January 19, 2016
This book was excellent. It gives enough information to make you feel confident about the topic at hand, but doesn't give so much detail that it overwhelms you. It does at times make dads seem incompetent, but I've always believed in not assuming someone knows something until they tell you otherwise. I'd definitely recommend newly pregnant dad's check this book out. It was very helpful for me.
January 14, 2010
While it offers up a good picture for the Dad to be and the roles he will have before, during, and after childbirth, I would have preferred it have a little more substance in terms of what the Mom to be experiences as well.
March 3, 2010
Overall, this was a higher level, concise pregnancy book for new fathers. There wasn't as much in this book specifically for fathers but more of an overview of what is happening, what she is going through and how you should be considerate.
November 10, 2009
The first of many books that I plan to read in preparation for my baby (coming in a little over a month)
October 30, 2012
A good read about what being a father will entail and how to plan for it.
December 27, 2013
Comprehensive guide
Appreciated the level of detail and approachable tone of this book. Some references seem a little dated, but the information remains useful.
Appreciated the level of detail and approachable tone of this book. Some references seem a little dated, but the information remains useful.
October 11, 2015
Not bad but a little long with a lot of obvious stuff I felt.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews