Commando Dad: New Recruits Book review
Commando Dad
Commando Dad: New Recruits
A Guide to Pregnancy and Birth for Dads-to-Be
By Neil Sinclair
Chronicle Books, 2015
$16.95; 192 pages
ISBN 978-1-4521-4552-5
I received this book for free from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
This book is a nice, quick overview of what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and immediately after. I enjoyed the style of the book, and I think it did exactly what it set out to do. All of the most common events you can expect to encounter are covered, and there is enough information here that if you want or need to know more, you should be able to find it pretty easily.
The author runs a website with a forum. I have no familiarity with the forum, but I would at least be willing to give it a go after reading this book.
I've been through the birth of two kids so far, and what I read in this book rings true, for the most part. I only say for the most part because I am contrary by nature, and a bit particular too. To the best of my knowledge, the information presented in this book conforms to the standard recommendations of OBs in the United States. The few quibbles I have are about things where I know better. For example, in the breakdown of trimesters, Sinclair says
Your CO [the mother] is considered to be two weeks into her pregnancy when fertilization occurs. As it is impossible to predict the moment of conception, it is counted from a date that is known; that is, the start of her last period.
It is possible to document conception, without any equipment more complicated than a thermometer, within a couple of days at least. Anyone who practices any of the various methods of NFP or FAM knows how. I can't complain too much however, this is a venerable lie in the medical community. I am also rather skeptical of the current recommendations about drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages during pregnancy. I would be willing to change my mind on this if I ever saw convincing data. Since I haven't made an exhaustive study of the field, this is possible. But from what I do know, it sure doesn't look likely.
Regardless, that has no bearing on the quality of the book. Only a contrarian like me with no need to generate book sales would venture out on those limbs. I like this book enough to give it to a friend who is going to be a father soon. I think that is the best endorsement I can make.
Commando Dad New Recruits: A Guide to Pregnancy and Birth for Dads-to-Be By Neil Sinclair
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