Review of The Thirteen Months of Pregnancy
- Diana Lowery
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Review of The Thirteen Months of Pregnancy
My credentials for reviewing this book do not include being a father or a father-to-be. I have, however, birthed nine healthy children. In addition, I have been around for the pregnancies of 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. I have witnessed many birthing trends and heard advice from professionals and amateurs. It seems everyone is an expert in this field. I was curious to see if Bill M. Atalla had any new insights in his book, The Thirteen Months of Pregnancy: A Guide for the Pregnant Father.
Originally published in 1992, the book has been fully updated to make it current for dads-to-be. Atalla states, "It's designed for men who understand the value in working with their wives as equal partners on the road to parenthood." When this book was first published in the nineties, the trend for the male to be an active participant was fairly new and Atalla's views were revolutionary. Because the importance of the role fathers play during pregnancy and beyond has become more evident, the information in this book is even more valuable.
I enjoyed the writer's humor and honesty. One obvious example is found in the cover illustration. The title also displays some humor. The male's responsibility does not end after a normal nine-month gestation period. The four months following that birth are also vital. Other examples of humor are the illustrations by Marduk Sayad. They are unique and appropriate. The chapter that deals with pain relief has a drawing of a needle tied up with a pink bow. Attala points out that some women consider an epidural to be a wonderful gift. He stresses how important it is to discuss medication options with your partner before labor begins and what to do if she changes her mind.
My rating for this book is five out of five. I found no negatives or errors in its 104 pages. The glossary and reference pages at the end are thoughtful and helpful. I plan to purchase a copy of this book for the next male who announces another addition to our family tree. I am confident the mother of his child will appreciate the helpful advice.
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The Thirteen Months of Pregnancy
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- Kyle Sutheran
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