Books for Dads

candicek15 · November 2015

Sometimes I feel like DH is not very well informed about pregnancy and birth, etc. Does anyone have suggestions for books for new fathers about pregnancy? I've heard of "Dude, you're gonna be a Dad" but heard that it's a bit cheesy/condescending. DH isn't stupid, I just think there is a lot that he isn't even aware of and he doesn't always enjoy when I impart my knowledge. Hormones may play a role in the way I deliver said information, to be fair. :P

hockeyfan42 · November 2015

My DH really liked The Expectant Father. He even bought it for his best friend when they were expecting.

https://www.amazon.com/The-Expectant-Father-Dads-Be/dp/0789210770

chloe97 · November 2015

Dude, Your Gonna Be a Dad is actually pretty funny. The title is tongue in cheek and it's written in a way that makes it fun to read and educational. If you're like me and can't get your husband to put down his sports section to read something educational, it's a good fit. I skimmed through it and didn't find it condescending or cheesy.

meggyme · November 2015

chloe97 said:
Dude, Your Gonna Be a Dad is actually pretty funny. The title is tongue in cheek and it's written in a way that makes it fun to read and educational. If you're like me and can't get your husband to put down his sports section to read something educational, it's a good fit. I skimmed through it and didn't find it condescending or cheesy.

I agree. I like that there are "crib notes" or little summaries at the end of each chapter. I feel like even if DH only read those he'd have a good idea of what's going on.

Now, getting him to read it is another story. I'm in charge of finding/sending articles and other general info as I find it to him. He wouldn't pick up a book on his own. Haha. He wants me to send him book reports.

PressLove · November 2015

Although my DH reads technical books, religious books, and other things that tickle his fancy, pregnancy books weren't his thing. He did read the section for men in, What to Expect When You're Expecting . At first I was bothered, because it came off to me that he wasn't interested. As time progressed, I signed us up for a couple of classes. He was much better with the hands on activities.

We took a child birth class, so that he would know what to expect (and I wouldn't kill him). We also took an infant skills class so that he would know how to care for DD. He was a swaddling pro! Money well spent.

adiaz132003 · November 2015

DH has one called "how to make a pregnant woman happy". It's about home remedies for common symptoms and how to recognize the bad stuff.

izzyp25 · November 2015

My DH is reading The Expectant Father as well.

Kballew10 · November 2015

My DH actually downloaded the What to Expect when You're Expecting App and reads the little tidbits that they have everyday (he watches the weekly videos too). He also found a blog that a Dad writes about raising his daughter that starts when his wife is pregnant, so he started reading that too. I'm not sure that he would read a separate book. I think that he likes learning what I'm learning or learning stuff that he finds online - reading on his phone seems more casual, I guess?

NicknShan · November 2015

My DH read "Dude, You're Going to be a Dad" as well and said it was a good read and was glad he did it. Point for that one as well.

DeePaddy24 · November 2015

DH has been reading What to Expect When You're Expecting, & telling me all about it. It's actually pretty cute. He just planned on reading the Dad part of it, but now he's just interested. I bought myself Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy & decided to stay away from What to Expect. I think I might go get him "Dude, You're Going to be a Dad"...seems right up his alley!

Koalamomma3 · November 2015

This one is probably more suited for when labor gets a little closer but Husband Coached Childbirth was really helpful for my hubby to help him know how to be really supportive during labor. It also touches on pregnancy too a little bit. We read this one together, so glad we did!

Linsbins · November 2015

Expecting Bettet really calmed DH down. He was worried about caffeine and exercise and al those little things hurting the baby. He has also picked up What to Expect and rifled through a few. It helped just to leave them around the house.

meggyme · November 2015

@Kballew10 do you know what the blog is? That might be something my DH would be interested in.

Lilwatz · November 2015

I found a phenomenal book for my husband last time, but he was super into it and excited. It's called The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin. It might be for when he's more excited about things, but it's incredibly helpful for you both to read. It outlines every stage of delivery and how he can best support you (and what not to do). We both found it invaluable.

26pointrunningfor2 · November 2015

I bought my husband The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance, and he absolutely loves it. He's an engineer, so this sort of 'manual' is perfect for him.

Kballew10 · November 2015

@meggyme - DaddyFiles.com - I don't know how helpful it is, but DH liked it.

yavannah · November 2015

My mother got this book for my husband https://www.amazon.ca/Dads-Expecting-Too-Expectant-expectant/dp/1402280645

and so far he likes it. Its seem to have good info and is light and funny but not stupid.

arteduc8 · November 2015

My husband said that Dude Your Gonna be a Dad is good. He said it's definitely snarky and written for the male perspective, but it's informative enough. He said it's definitely not as information dense as What to Expect, but for the usual make audience, its good. My DH reads a lot and does a lot of internet reading and searching too.

NamelessAria · November 2015

I've been looking at getting Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads for DH. It's supposedly helpful but humorous. I know DH isn't going to read through a book that isn't at least somewhat funny.

NikiCochran · November 2015

I agree! I skimmed through it too and it gives really good advice. The only problem is DH read it and thinks he's an expert now.....

candicek15 · November 2015

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will check them out!

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