The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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Covering topics from buying newborn essentials to cutting the umbilical cord, The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide offers a funny, no-nonsense approach to impending fatherhood and although it's over ten years old now, remains one of the most popular parenting books for dads on the market. It’s a tad dated now but still full of gems to reassure any Mum that as long as you do a good enough job that’s fine."(Rated by Mumsnet user Majorcollywobble) The Birth Partner is a valuable resource for dads-to-be who want to be actively involved in their partner’s childbirth experience. With its comprehensive coverage of the birth process, practical advice, and emphasis on the vital role of the birth partner, this guide is an indispensable tool for expectant fathers and other labor companions. #5. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook For New Dads by Gary Greenberg And Jeannie Hayden

This heartwarming book offers a collection of life lessons and wisdom for raising a son, providing expectant fathers with valuable guidance on nurturing and supporting their child’s growth. Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood by Michael Lewis The tone of the book throughout tries to recreate a conversation at the pub with a mate and for the most part it does this successfully. However, there are times when this appears to be aimed at younger dads (19-22) and assumes that most father's would rather be spending time with friends or want to keep their pre-baby routines. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry. Not a parenting book exactly but I found it nothing short of life changing. It actually massively improved my own relationships. I can't recommend it enough."(Recommended by Mumsnet user Ihaveoflate) When the moment arrives, all might go according to the plan. Circumstances could also trash the plan utterly. Woods says that in his experience, having attended the birth of several hundred babies, it's usually the latter.

Best Books For Expectant Fathers

Things will be different in the bedroom, too. The bed you share may seem less cozy as they become more uncomfortable and sleeps fitfully, making frequent trips to the bathroom in the night. You can help by accommodating them graciously -- for example, by making room for their gigantic body pillow. You may even lose your bedmate for a while, because some pregnant women prefer to sleep in a reclining chair. Sex during pregnancy is a whole other matter on which plenty has been written. Assuming that all goes well, there will be about 15 routine prenatal visits scheduled with varying frequency: once a month until 28 weeks, three or four times up to week 36, and once a week for the last month. The Birth Partner, written by renowned childbirth educator and doula Penny Simkin, is a comprehensive guide for expectant fathers, doulas, and other labor companions. The book covers various stages of labor, equipping dads-to-be with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support their partner during childbirth. By understanding the birth process and learning how to provide emotional and physical support, expectant fathers can play an active role in ensuring a positive birth experience for both mother and baby. Afterward, don't be surprised if they need you to "spend half an hour drying tears over the weight gain and explaining that, 'no, you don't look like a cow,'" Woods says. Another thing that could catch you off guard is the internal pelvic exam, which may be done in front of you. It's a standard obstetric procedure, but to the guy standing there while their wife has one -- even a guy who happens to be a medical doctor -- "no matter what, it just seems weird," Woods says. In this essential guide for new dads, Rob Kemp - the bestselling author of The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide - reveals what to expect in the first 18 months, arming you with the tools you need to be a fantastic dad. Covering everything from how to bond with your baby and support his development to practical issues, such as how to manage your working arrangements and finances, this book gives new dads the confidence, skills and knowledge to enjoy fatherhood - and do a brilliant job of it.

From buying buggies and cutting the cord to dealing with your wife's breastfeeding in public - the life of a first-time father will throw up new experiences every day.

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You read the pregnancy books, the nine months flew by without a hitch, the birth was brilliant and your healthy baby arrived on schedule. Job done, right? Often, the birth of your baby can feel like the end of the journey but really the adventure has only just begun. If you look down at you-junior, heart swelling with pride, then think 'What now?', this book is for you. In addition to explaining the physiological changes happening to both the mother and the baby, the book delves into the emotional roller coaster that comes with pregnancy. It offers tips on how to support your partner, bond with your unborn child, and manage the stresses that can arise during this time. The authors also share insights on navigating relationship changes and balancing work and family life.

There's no way you can predict it, but on average, for a woman having their first baby, labor lasts 12-24 hours from their first contractions to delivery. Your partner may be in the early phase of labor for many hours before the hospital will admit them. If at all possible, spend this time together and help to keep them feeling at ease. When it's time, proceed calmly to the hospital.

Once the baby arrives, The New Dad’s Survival Guide dives into the practical aspects of caring for a newborn. Mactavish covers topics like mastering the art of diaper changing, swaddling techniques, and soothing a crying baby. He also discusses important safety concerns, such as safe sleep practices and car seat installation. We researched the pros and cons of each parenting book, including its format, the complexity of the information and the reputations of the authors. Finally we looked at which parenting books worked best for each scenario to bring you our final list of recommendations. About the author