When I became a father for the first time back in October of 2005, when our first daughter was born, I just knew I was prepared for the challenge of fatherhood. Fast forward 4 years and I’m just now finally realizing that I had no idea what I was getting into. Sure, I’ve stubbed my toes and stumbled down on many challenges of fatherhood but I’ve learned from those mistakes along the way. Too bad the DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood (Pregnancy and Year One) wasn’t around four years ago or my journey to fatherhood would have started off on a much better foot.
The two or three fatherhood books I actually read during my wife’s first pregnancy focused a lot on how to take care of the baby once everyone was home from the hospital. They were also based on the idea that dads played an insignificant role in a newborn’s life and that dads were more utilitarian than influential in a young child’s life. In the last 4 years the role of “father” has changed significantly. It’s easy to see this with the explosion of dad blogs as well as in the work that Clay Nichols, Brad Powell, Troy Lanier and Owen Egerton have put together over at DadLabs.com. Their new book is no different.
Known for their informative and humorous look at fatherhood through their weekly videos, the DadLabs crew, with decades of combined fatherhood experience across 9 pregnancies, has put together one complete manual for today’s involved and active father. The book is full of typical DadLabs personality with a healthy dose of humor along with down-to-earth advice on everything related to pregnancy and living with a baby for the first 12 months.
The DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood (Pregnancy and Year One) covers everything a dad needs to know in 11 easy to read chapters. This book isn’t just a repackaged version of a woman’s pregnancy book, it’s an honest look at how men can be more informed, therefore involved, in the miracle that is childbirth. You can tell that Clay, Brad, Troy and Owen have been through just about every thing that pregnancy could throw at a dad because the book is spot on about what to expect before and after childbirth.
I think a great deal of new fathers think they can just wing it through pregnancy and the first year after birth. I mean, you’re the dad…who’s going to tell me how to raise my own child? Why would I want to read a book about how to be a dad? Well, some things might come naturally to new dads but for everything else, let this book be your guide. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the delivery room, breast feeding, sex after pregnancy and even how to change a diaper. They cover subjects that dads need to understand in order to less overwhelmed and more confident in the changes occurring around him. I won’t mention the section called Poop: Your New Favorite Topic…you’ll have to check it out and the accompanying pictures yourself.
You’ll also find useful information on “Why She’s Pissed,” “Baby proofing Your Finances,” “Nesting for Men,” and how to survive the first 48 hours after birth. The book packs a ton of useful information that’s easy to digest for new and expecting fathers. The guys from DadLabs have consistently put out outstanding content for new and expecting fathers and this book will certainly not disappoint. Read the book – they screwed up so you don’t have to.
For more on DadLabs check out their site: DadLabs.com and join the DadLabs community to connect with over 800 like-minded dads. 
Images courtesy DadLabs.com.
Tyler Wainright is the author of the manly blog BuildingCamelot.com. Tyler lives with his wife and two daughters in Memphis, TN.
This really is a great book and I’m not saying that because I got a free copy to review. It’s an extremely honest look at what to expect during 9 months of pregnancy and the ensuing 12 months afterwards. Now, if they could only help me with my super dramatic almost 4 year old then I’d be all set!