My Boys Can Swim!: The Official Guy's Guide to Pregnancy

My husband and I were ecstatic when we found out that we were pregnant with our first child. I of course wanted to read every book on pregnancy, childbirth and mothering I could, the bigger the better. My husband on the other hand is not a big fan of reading. He’s more of a bathroom reader and that’s about it kind of guy. I went online in search of a book that would help explain a few things in a way that he would not only understand but also actually want to read. I found that book in My Boys Can Swim! which brought me to tears I laughed so hard when I read it at just a few weeks pregnant. Now in the later stages of my pregnancy I can attest that Ian Davis really knows what he is talking about. The book is laid out perfectly from the moment of being made aware of the pregnancy, through the not so pretty side effects, to the big day of labor and even post partum. Davis is not afraid to broach any subject matter in his work either. The section Blazing Saddles was my husband’s favorite for a few weeks he would just die laughing every time he went into his ‘office’ to reread the section yet again (Davis, 1999). Though brought about in a humorous manner, Davis is spot on with the facts that he does provide. During his wife’s labor he communicated the contractions exactly how we were taught in our classes and I am sure that my husband will remember him saying it and not what was said in that boring class. My husband has already gone back and read certain sections as they occur in my own pregnancy so that he can brush up on what was said. Since the book is actually sectioned into trimesters this is helpful as well. Many of the horrific things that can happen during childbirth can be traumatic to men and the childbirth section of this book has really prepare my husband for what is to come. Since it is written so lightly, we have been able to discuss the most embarrassing moments already and this has put me at ease. Do not mistake me this is NOT an educational book that will detail the ins and outs of pregnancy like many other larger texts out there. This is meant to be humorous while still shedding a little light on pregnancy and the changes that happen during and after. If you are looking to learn and know facts about pregnancy I would suggest another read. If you are just trying to keep your husband’s interests peaked during this long process while he has a few laughs this is the book for you. If anything it is a great conversation starter for some of the uncomfortable things that are bound to come up during a pregnancy.

I ordered this for my fiance when we were expecting our first child. He was in Iraq so it was hard for him to really know what was going on. He knew I was pregnant but it didn't seem real to him until he got home. I sent him this book because it's made for guys and wrote by a guy. It's small enough that he could put it in his cargo pocket and take it with him on missions. He would read it when they were just waiting around being bored. It has a lot of jokes and the book is wrote truly from a man's perspective. My sister also ordered this book for her husband. He was home with her but this made him more aware of what might happen. Most men won't read pregnancy books but this one is just for men and keeps them turning the pages! Definitely recoommend to all expecting fathers!

My husband in a big reader. The novels that are about 4" wide type reader. I gave this to him when we first found out and he loves it. It doesn't give you medical details on what to expect but yet a simple guys perspective on how to support your wife during a pregnancy. It was written with wit and humor.My husband read through it pretty quick but its funny to hear him quoting it whenever something happens with the pregnancy that now he can relate to hahaha. Pregnancy is not just about the baby but its also about building a support system with your husband when expecting the baby. He wants to be as involved as you. I think this bok is a great buy to start off.

With this book, Ian Davis did a great job of relating material to his target audience with a humorous and informative delivery. It was never boring, and his insights were amusing and insightful.Bear in mind, this is not a reference book for expecting fathers. If you're looking to this book to thoroughly guide you through the rigors of pregnancy and parenthood, this isn't the right book. You might want to try The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition, which is a good thorough reference guide that helps to prepare you for the realistic responsibilities that lie ahead. Instead, this is a humorous glossy overview of some of the things you might expect over the next 9 months.My only gripes are that the book is VERY short, and that it's pricey for what it is. I finished the book in one day during my daily commute, which is a 35 minute bus ride each way. And considering it's basically about the size and length of a pocket pamphlet, it's somewhat overpriced at $10.However, these are the only things holding it back from being a 5-star review. It's a fun read, and it does accomplish what it sets out to do... to give expectant fathers some perspective on the rigors they are about to face during their introduction to fatherhood.

This is Carmen's satifeid fiance.Finally a book made for the men instead of the women. I'm sorry ladies but there is plenty of books out there for you but there is next to none for us guys. My fiance bought this book for me and didn't even tell me about it. When she handed it to me I was like what is this? But then I started reading it and I couldn't put it down i finished reading it in about half a day. This book is not a long but it has everything in it that a guy needs to know and it's just long enough for us to keep us into it. I would advise this to any male even if you don't like to read because of these facts. And it's a great little book to take with you when you need to go to the restroom or when your just sitting around with nothing to do. Females if your looking for a book to buy for your partner in this journey this is it and guys don't be afraid to buy this one you will not regret it.

This was a great purchase! The item was listed as used, but it was brand new! I couldn't see any damage or use on it! It arrived quickly!It beat my expectations. Thanks!

I bought this book for my husband just because of the title. I really LOVED the book because it really explains what happens and what to expect through out pregnancy. It was really good, because it goes through what happens in the US and what I really know (because I am from the US). It is making my husband really see the differences between Sewden and the US.The book is not long, it took me about 2-3 hours, but for DH who is not a big reader he loved that the book was not long. It is funny and has tons of sarcasm.

A friend recommended this book to me after hearing we were going to have a child. While it is not the best for learning about what to do with a child it is very funny. A nice quick read. =)

Funny and also quite re-assuring, the only thing that really lets this down is that it's by an American author, so as soon as the book refers to doctors or hospitals, it results in many pointless paragraphs from the European perspective. However, it's nice to hear as a father to be that all the stuff you're freaking out about is going to be fine and that all your worries (yes, even the ones you dare not speak of about) are reasonable - but everything's going to be fine. That's all the book sets out to do and that's what it achieves. Hardly earth shattering, but a good 15 minute read, nonetheless.And, Ian Davis (author) one star immediately removed for having your daughter's ears pierced at three months. You muppet.

Good book. My husband read only this leading up to birth of our first child.