Book Review: "You're Going to Be a Dad"

You’re Going to be a Dad! is quite possibly one of the best modern day “soon to be dad” books. Full of practical information, it’s served with a side of humor and insight into all areas of becoming a dad. Where past books have put the burden primarily on the mother knowing what’s going on, making all the appointments, setting up the registry, and remembering all the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, this book takes the more modern approach of “…[focussing] on the two of you as a team,” and being present in the process alongside mom. It’s a breath of fresh air to read a book that encourages dads to be as involved as possible.

You’ll find that this book is easy for anyone to follow. It’s broken into trimesters, months, and weeks, making it easy to see what is going on with the pregnancy, what mom might physically be experiencing at any point in time, how you can best support her, and any practical tasks that might need to be taken care of during that week. This book will leave you feeling prepared, well-informed, and excited for your new role as dad.

Each chapter begins with a “Terms to Know” section, providing a list of technical and medical terms that might either be used throughout chapter or heard while at the doctor’s office, ensuring that you aren’t left having to google new or unfamiliar terms. This section is followed up by a portion dedicated to “Mother and Baby,” providing insight into the “science and psychology of gestation and motherhood.” Chapters wrap up with a “Weekly Checklist,” as well as a “Reflections From Our Dads,” section, bringing in real feedback on each topic from other dads. With over 50 new or soon-to-be dads interviewed for this book, you are bound to find a plethora of feedback and experience to help encourage, equip, and affirm you along in the process. 

This book is designed to be “your go-to guide for everything you need to know during pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life,” and it does just that! This book is the perfect gift for a soon-to-be-dad looking to be as understanding and involved in the pregnancy process as possible. Not only will you feel ready to navigate through pregnancy with your partner, but you will better be able to ease the burden that is so often placed on moms to take care of everything. This book offers insight into paternity leave, packing your own hospital bag (as well as a list of things to bring), reminders that you can “try out different places” until you find a provider that best fits your needs, gift ideas for mom at different stages of the pregnancy to help ease her discomforts, and big purchases you’ll need to consider for your budget. 

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a soon-to-be-dad wanting to be involved in the process of pregnancy, look no further that You’re Going to be a Dad. 

*Book was provided for me but all thoughts are my own. This is going to be my new go-to gift for new dads in my life!