A must-have baby shower gift for expectant dads! In this one-of-a-kind guide, dad, doula, and certified lactation counselorBrian Salmon and perinatal mental health and relationship expert Kirsten Brunner offer practical, modern-day survival tips for expectant dads and birth partners.

Gone are the days when fathers would nervously pace the waiting room while their partners gave birth. Dads are participating in childbirth now more than ever before. However, if youre like many men, you may feel unprepared, uncomfortable, or even unwelcome in the birth room. For you, this book offers battle-tested tips to help you get in the game and prepare for one of the most incredible adventures of your life.

Based on the authorsRocking Dadschildbirth course, this book will teach you everything you need to know about supporting your partner through birth, breastfeeding, and beyond. In this guide, youll discover pointers and advice you wont find in any other childbirth or breastfeeding guide, including:

• A list ofitems to pack for the hospitalthat will help moms labor go more smoothly
• Stealthcommunication skillsthat you can utilize during early labor to support mom and keep her in a positive state of mind
• How towrite a birth planthat the labor and delivery nurses will actually pay attention to
• What to say and doandwhatnotto say and dowhen mom is in active labor and feelingallthe feelings
• A detailed account ofwhat to expect in the delivery roomas a birth partner, and how to navigate the unknown terrains when things dont go as planned
• How to help momachieve proper nipple latchwhen she attempts breastfeeding for the first time

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, youll find tips for maintaining a strong relationship with your partner before, during, and after the birth so that you feel closer than ever when you launch into the wild yet wonderful world of parenthood.