Reddit mentions of The Dad's Playbook to Labor and Birth: A Practical and Strategic Guide to Preparing for the Big Day

My husband and I took the labor and childbirth class offers by the hospital and it was really helpful. He got to learn/practice swaddling and diapering hands on and learned all about what to expect throughout labor. We aren't going to have a doula and he'll be my support person, so it was very important to me that he knew what to do and expect. I'm not sure he would've enjoyed doing a dad boot camp solo, I think doing the generic class together was our best option, and that way we were both getting the same information.

I also got him this book from the library. He said its been an ok and easy read, but I think the class already covered most of it. The pregnancy/labor stuff can be learned through a book, but the more hands on, after-the-baby-arrives stuff might be more helpful to look up YouTube videos.

My husband did not read any books when i was pregnant with our first. He did enjoy me telling him what sized fruit the baby was, though, and interested in tidbits about development. However, when we were deciding about circumcision, I sent him a bunch of articles and told him to research it and he did, so we could have a discussion. The nastier aspects of pregnancy, I was happy to let remain a mystery, as was he. We did do a birth class, though, and that was more helpful for HIM than it was for me, because I don't think he knew much of anything about childbirth.

A few people gave him pregnancy books for dads, but he did not really read those much. But this time around, I found a great book on support during labor and delivery which we both read: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dads-Playbook-Labor-Birth/dp/1558326723/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371492764&sr=8-1&keywords=dad%27s+playbook+labor+and+delivery. I have been recommending it to everyone under the sun.

You are not very far along, and maybe he does feel disconnected. Although stating that pregnancy is "your thing" sounds kinda harsh to me, give him the benefit of the doubt, anyway. It is early days yet, and as your body starts to change, the pregnancy will be more real for him.

First. Congratulations! This is amazing news and an exciting chapter in your life. Second. You’ve got this. I moved my wife to another country while she was pregnant with our first. He’s almost 5 months old now. And we were able to make it all work.

There’s a lot that’s going to change over the next year, but it’s still early. Enjoy your one on one time, you’ll still get it, but in smaller doses and often with less energy.

She is going to go through a lot of changes and will struggle with it all emotionally. Be understanding and active in helping her. Don’t ask her what she needs for help, or what you can do. Find out the things that will help without asking. You’ll catch on quick. The fact you’re reaching out to such an audience is a great sign you take this seriously.

Quickly looking through this, there are a lot of great tips for the pregnancy and start of fatherhood, but I didn’t see a lot about the birth itself. Which is the most overwhelming and incredible part of the whole thing. Your birthing experience, and more importantly your wife’s birthing experience, is a lot of personal choices that are right for you.

I was gifted this book: The Dad's Playbook to Labor and Birth: A Practical and Strategic Guide to Preparing for the Big Day https://www.amazon.com/dp/1558326723/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x59VCbPGK4R5T

It was super helpful for me. It lays out the different stages, the possible outcomes and or choices, and how you can be a huge positive influence in it all. It uses humor and simple language, tying together this overwhelming process to sports analogies. It’s pretty short and well organized. It has a slight bias to the more “natural” birthing experience, but does not omit or overly put down the other more traditional options. I think they take that approach since you’ll be heavily exposed to those options by the hospital. Those options were also the right choice for my wife and family. Focus is truly on asking yourself and your partner what is right for you. You won’t have time to figure it out when it’s happening.

Take your time with it all, and be patient with yourself and your wife. You both have a lot of learning, a lot of information coming your way, a lot of doubt, and a lot of improvising ahead of you. It has been the greatest thing to happen to me and greatly strengthened our relationship. Good luck on your journey. I believe you’re already taking the right steps.