Brian W. Salmon - The Birth Guy’s Go-To Guide for New Dads: How to Support Your Partner Through Birth, Breastfeeding, and Beyond

Brians compassion, wisdom, sense of humor, and ability to put new parents at ease come through on every page of this book. As an advocate for new and working parents, Im thrilled to see such a practical, honest guide to make sure new dads are as informed and engaged as possible, every step of the way.

Jessica Shortall , author of Work. Pump. Repeat , and TED speaker on the case for paid family leave

Authored by one of the few male birth doulas in the US, this book is a one-of-a-kind resource for expectant dads and birth partners. Inclusive in tone, this gem of a book shares birth and breastfeeding advice that can be useful to ALL expectant parents regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The relationship and emotional wellness pointers provided throughout give much-needed support and guidance on labor and breastfeeding support, postpartum depression, and much more! The perfect baby shower gift for any dad-to-be, this book is the only resource fathers will need to be fully engaged birth partners and parents.

Robbie Davis-Floyd, PhD , author of Birth as an American Rite of Passage and Ways of Knowing about Birth

Have now read the book, and what can I say? Well, number one, wish I could say I wrote this. Often, I have felt dads were left on the sidelines either because they were passive or felt they were in the way. Of course, things have changed, and Brian has very succinctly described how partners can be both helpful and a participant in this most important experience in ones lifein order to build a healthy, lasting relationship for a family and marriage. I think this book is a must for all new parents-to-be. This should be an included part of every new OB packet. It will be for my patients.

Robert E. Schorlemer, MD, FACOG , clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology

It should be mandatory that every soon-to-be father has to read this. Brian made the biggest difference with my husband on our fourth child. My only regret is that I didnt know him sooner. I didnt know that the birthing process could be so easy, and for the first time ever, I didnt want to choke my husband in the delivery room! Brian changed my caveman into a caring partner that was so helpful and not annoying at all. Trust me, buy this for every man you know having a child soon, first born or not! Its a huge game changer.

Erica Rico , morning show host, KKBQ-FM 93Q Houston

As a pediatrician, I hear from fathers almost daily that they dont feel they have a role in their growing child. Brian the Birth Guy empowers dads through knowledge of what to expect, focus on bolstering relationships, and problem-solving techniques to help manage dads new responsibilities. Luckily, this guide is also really helpful for moms too!

Sky Izaddoost, MD, FAAP , pediatrician at the Childrens Hospital of San Antonio Primary Care-Stone Oak

If an expectant dad wants to be a champion in the delivery room, they should definitely read this book. It is the only comprehensive guide available in bookstores that covers all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding from a birth partners point of view. Brian Salmons many years of hands-on experience in the delivery and recovery room make him uniquely qualified to provide practical, time-tested pointers that you wont find anywhere else.

Stuart Dr. Stu Fischbein, OB-GYN , founder of Birthing Instincts, and coauthor of Fearless Pregnancy

Finally! A book for dads-to-be! This is a must-read for any partner about to jump into the perilous birth journey to parenthood. Evidence-based as well as anecdotal, Brian and Kirsten cover everything from how to get your relationship ready for a rocky labor ride, your important role in this messy but exciting process, how to cope with the postpartum reverberation, and beyond. I have worked with Brian through numerous births and he tells it like it isthis is the real stuff! Read this book and become her hero!

Kelly Morales, MD , obstetrician and gynecologist

This book should be read by every dad who truly desires to be a partner in this amazing journey of pregnancy.

David Ghozland, MD , obstetrician and gynecologist

This should be at the top of the baby shower list for any soon-to-be dad! I love Brians passion for equipping dads in this wild journey called Fatherhood. This book is loaded with useful information for those of us who want to be the best partner for our spouse and absolutely rock it as a dad!

Adam Busby , Star of TLCs Outdaughtered , and father to quintuplets

Finally, dads have their own What to Expect -style guide made just for them. From pregnancy, labor and delivery, and navigating the first few months with baby, Brians guide is fun and easy to read. Best, it helps dads feel empowered and included in the entire process, even nursing!

Rachel Pitzel, Esq , content creator and social media influencer @xo.rachelpitzel

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert medical assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2019 by Brian W. Salmon and Kirsten Brunner

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

JEDI and related trademarks incorporating the word JEDI are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC and are used in this book pursuant to the Fair Use Doctrine. No sponsorship or endorsement by, and no affiliation with, the trademark owner are claimed or implied by the author or publisher.

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Interior design by Michele Waters-Kermes

Acquired by Jess OBrien

Edited by James Lainsbury

Illustrations by Isabel Hillock Davidson

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file

This book is dedicated to the many phenomenal dads and birth partners weve worked with through the years. You inspire and motivate us daily with your commitment to your families and your enthusiasm for the birth adventure.

Brian and Kirsten

Contents

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

1. The Basics

2. Preparing Your Relationship and Yourself for Parenthood

3. Planning and Packing for the Birth

4. Navigating Early Labor at Home

5. Supporting Your Partner Through Active Labor

6. Pushing, Childbirth, and Beyond

7. Navigating C-Sections and Other Unusual Birth Circumstances

8. Your New Baby and Breastfeeding Basics

9. Bringing Baby Home

Acknowledgments

Birth Guys Glossary

References

Foreword

A little over eighteen years ago, I began the journey into fatherhood when my oldest was born a mere five pounds and fifteen ounces. I remember when our son entered this world like it was yesterday. A fierce shrill cry exited his lungs as the doctor assisted him into our universe, and my heart melted the moment he was placed in my arms. While this moment, forever emblazoned in my mind, was joyful, I was scared as hell about what was to come.

No one can fully prepare you for the new role you are about to experience as a dad. But there is one guy who can get you pretty close.

I first met Brian when he called my office more than four years ago. He was insistent about connecting with me to share his story of being a dad and a doula. I agreed to meet one day in LA over lunch and found that we had a lot in common. We are both dads, and we both have a mission to empower men to take on their new role of fatherhood with confidence. I had been building my company, Diaper Dude, for over fifteen years when we first met. Since then, his passion and commitment to fatherhood has continued to impress me. He has once again outdone himself with this guide to assist dads on their journey into fatherhood.