Tips and advice for enthusiastic dad to be

[Andysotones]

Hi all, I’ve just joined mumsnet today as I’m hoping there might be some good advice out there...

My wife is about 11 weeks pregnant and when I found out, I couldn’t have been more happy. I have felt emotionally ready and keen to be a father since I was 25 (over ten years ago) so this is a dream come true.

I’ve been looking for books to read, and I thought I would see if there is anything out there aimed at men. Most of the reviews or product descriptions for the books aimed at men suggest they are written with a “laddish” style and help men “feel involved”. I have already ordered and started reading 5 different commonly recommended books, I have an app on my iPad that tracks the baby’s growth and shows roughly what they look like at each stage in 3D and I’ve watched a ton of YouTube videos about pregnancy and becoming a dad etc.

Firstly I just don’t get this idea that men are on the fringes of pregnancy and could even let themselves be not involved. I’ve read more than my wife so far! Secondly, I’m just looking for as many recommendations for useful books and sources.

FYI I did buy one book for dads:
Dr Oscar Duke - How to Be a Dad
and I have:
New Pregnancy Bible
What to Expect When...
Expecting Better
First-Time Parent

Any tips would be really appreciated.

My DH is currently reading Pregnancy for Men by Mark Woods. It’s a little laddish which annoys both of us but he’s reading a few pages at a time relating to how far along I am currently. I’ve also read it and it’s quite good, a very honest account rather than making it all sunshine, rainbows and fairies which you read in other books.

In relation to baby books, I personally wouldn’t read too much. I’m a Health Visitor and speak to frustrated parents all the time who don’t understand why their baby isn’t doing what the books say. I always tell them that you can read every book on the planet but your baby hasn’t read any of them! Instead of books, maybe look into antenatal classes or NCT depending how far along she is.

I can't recommend hypnobirthing enough. If you can find some classes locally to you perhaps suggest it to your wife as a means of really learning how to be a team both before and during labour. We loved it! Congratulations

Congratulations!

Sounds like a good selection of books already.
As well as pregnancy books, I'd reach for the cookery books. Nausea and heartburn are common in pregnancy and there may be certain foods your DP is suddenly keen on/averse to that she wasn't before so you/she might find yourselves trying out more new dishes along the way.

Agree with previous posters that antenatal classes are useful (there are usually free ones through the hospital or children's centre or paid for ones through NCT, Daisy etc).

You could also try Facebook as there are usually groups for parents/carers (although usually named "Town X Mums Group" rather than "Town X Mums and Dads") These groups are useful as people often post details of local baby events, classes, nearly new sales etc. that you may find helpful).

Thanks for all the tips guys. We have our 12 week scan this Thursday, it's the day before my birthday, so I nice present!