There are so many pregnancy books for moms to read, but what about soon-to-be dads? What books for partners will prepare dads for their baby’s birth and fatherhood? Yes, dads can also read many of the parenting books that moms are reading. But if he’s looking for something just for him, he’ll love these gems we’ve found.
Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby Books for Your Partner
Check out these helpful books for your partner on pregnancy, childbirth, and fatherhood.
1. “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin with Katie Rohs
This book is one of the best go-to guides for partners preparing to help a mother through childbirth. The updated fifth edition includes thorough information on topics like:
- How labor progresses and how long it lasts
- Comfort measures during labor, including techniques, aids, and devices
- Pain medications for labor, including epidurals
- The birth partner’s role during and after a Cesarean birth
- How to support a mother who’s breastfeeding
2. “The Expectant Father” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Rudick
“The Expectant Father” is another informative guide for new fathers. It takes readers month by month through pregnancy and provides advice and explanations for each stage, including how dads-to-be can support their partners. It also discusses labor, delivery, and the first few postpartum months. This new edition features updated information on everything from fertility and prenatal care to work-life balance and finances. And did we mention it features fun cartoons? 🙂
3. “Husband-Coached Childbirth” by Robert A Bradley, M.D., Marjie Hathaway, Jay Hathaway, and James Hathaway
This fifth edition of “Husband-Coached Childbirth” explains the Bradley Method of natural childbirth and the reasons to consider using it. It provides practical advice for fathers to help the laboring mother have the birth she desires. This book includes real stories of natural childbirth experiences and covers helpful topics for dads, such as:
- Medical explanations of the birthing process
- Tips for living with a pregnant wife
- The husband’s role in breastfeeding
- Coaching tips for dads to use during labor
4. “Raising Cole” by Marc Pittman with Mark Wangrin
This is an excellent read for dads who will be raising sons. “Raising Cole” shares Marc Pittman’s experiences with fatherhood and how he became the dad he always wanted and needed growing up. This moving book will provide new dads with sound advice from an experienced father with lots of wisdom to share, including how Pittman nurtured lasting relationships with his boys and how he dealt with losing his oldest son, Cole.
5. “The Circumcision Decision” by Susan Terkel and Lorna Greenberg
Are you trying to determine whether you will circumcise your son? “The Circumcision Decision” explores the pros and cons of both sides so you can make the best decision for your newborn son. Read about the medical issues of circumcision (such as the foreskin’s purpose and the potential benefits/risks of circumcision), the religious, cultural, and personal issues associated with it, and other issues (like whether the foreskin can be restored and the morality of making this decision).
6. “Men, Love & Birth” by Mark Harris
This is an excellent book on pregnancy and birth for fathers. Midwife Mark Harris shares how to support women through pregnancy, navigate intimacy during this time, and communicate effectively while women are in labor based on his decades of experience helping new parents. He discusses topics like:
- Childbirth physiology
- Pain relief during labor
- Breastfeeding
- Massage techniques
- How to be calm in the birthing room
7. “The Book of Dads” Edited by Ben George
“The Book of Dads” is a collection of 20 essays from various dads sharing their fatherhood experiences and advice for raising children. They discuss their trials, fears, and embarrassing moments — as well as the joys of fatherhood and what makes it all worthwhile. This book captures the complexity of modern fatherhood and provides many invaluable insights for any new father.
8. “We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook” by Adrian Kulp
This funny book is helpful for first-time dads who are nervous about parenthood. It prepares new fathers to become supportive partners and handle the process of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. It even includes charts with stats on mom and baby and important doctor’s appointments for different weeks. The book explores these topics and more:
- What to expect during each trimester
- Questions to ask the doctor
- Labor and delivery
- Sleep and tummy time
- Ideal bottle temperature for baby
- Setting family goals
9. “The Expectant Dad’s Handbook” by Dean Beaumont
Here’s another excellent handbook for expectant fathers that guides them through the pregnancy process and offers solid parenting advice. The author, Dean Beaumont, is an expert in preparing dads for childbirth and fatherhood. His book discusses topics like what to expect during pregnancy, the dad’s role during labor, strategies for improving birth, coping with fears about becoming a father, and more.
10. “Daddy Blues” by Mark Williams
In “Daddy Blues,” Mark Williams tells about his struggles with anxiety and depression after his baby was born. His wife experienced baby blues and postpartum depression, and Mark battled his own mental health issues. He felt stressed out and depressed, which led to him drowning his sorrows in alcohol. This book sheds light on a topic that is seldom discussed and that more soon-to-be fathers need to know about.
11. “You’re Going to be a Dad!” by DaddiLife Books
This guide from DaddiLife Books covers pregnancy up to the entire first year with a baby. It’s geared toward helping first-time dads overcome their fears and feel prepared for fatherhood. This book includes findings and advice from 50 interviews with expectant and new dads sharing their unique experiences. It also has a convenient weekly checklist and a new dad dictionary. These are some of the topics this book examines:
- Doctor visits
- Setting up the nursery
- What vernix is
- Financial planning
- Dad’s mental health
- Baby bonding
12. “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!” by John Pfeiffer
“Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!” coaches men on being the best partner during pregnancy. It encourages guys to support their ladies through this exciting and challenging time and help make the process easier. Read about topics like:
- Morning sickness
- Packing an overnight bag
- Choosing a health professional
- Deciding on a baby name
- Paternity leave
- Do’s and don’t for post-birth life
- Common baby myths
13. “Pregnancy For Men” by Mark Woods
Here’s another book that walks men through the nine months of pregnancy to prepare them for fatherhood. In “Pregnancy For Men,” father and news journalist Mark Woods provides month-by-month descriptions of how a baby develops to help new dads understand what their partner is going through. His book explores how future dads can best support their pregnant partner during this time.
14. “From Dude to Dad” by Chris Pegula with Frank Meyer
“From Dude to Dad” is perfect for dads-to-be who feel like they have no clue how to become a father. It explains all the fundamentals of pregnancy, childbirth, and fatherhood and assures readers that it’s okay to feel afraid of everything that’s to come. Here are some of the topics this book covers:
- Prepping for impregnating
- Coping with the mother’s mood swings, cravings, etc.
- The father’s role during labor
- Baby-proofing your home
- How to bond with your baby from the beginning
15. “The New Dad’s Playbook” by Benjamin Watson
Former NFL star Benjamin Watson shares his honest thoughts on fatherhood and advice for being a supportive dad and partner in “The New Dad’s Playbook.” Watson likens the family unit to a team and the pregnancy journey to a football season. He describes what women go through during and after pregnancy to help men be more empathetic to their partners and learn what to expect with a new baby at home.
16. “Pregnancy Guide for Men” by Francis Wells
“Pregnancy Guide for Men” walks men through each week of pregnancy and provides them with the knowledge they need for success in their roles as fathers. It also includes a first-, second-, and third-trimester checklist for dads. Readers will learn about subjects like:
- Announcing a pregnancy
- Taking birth prep courses and resources
- Dealing with unsolicited parenting advice
- Managing anxiety during childbirth
- Determining your values as a father
- Navigating your lack of sleep with a newborn
- Asking for help as a new parent
What were some books you read during your pregnancy — or even after your baby — that you found helpful? What would you add to this list? Let us know!
