Product Description

When his partner Kate discovered she was pregnant, Andrew Cullen decided to write the kind of book that he wanted to read but couldn't find anywhere, one that was truthful about the man's experience. His pregnancy diary, candidly recording the significant little details as well as the dramatic moments, is an ideal companion for anyone thinking about becoming a father...or a mother. "Pregnancy" is a story that embraces all genres: it is a romance, a comedy, a thriller, a suspense tale, a travel book about the most amazing journey of your life. This unique chronicle is an honest, witty, touching account about what a man really thinks about becoming a dad.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102330 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 282 pages

Publishing News, August 2006
"Readable, honest and, by turns, amusing, moving and terrifying in
all the right places."

About the Author
Andrew Cullen is a playwright. His play 'Self Catering (A Short
History of the World)' was made into a Channel 4 film and he was awarded a
Thames Television Award for his play 'Pig's Ear'. As well as plays and
films, he has written short stories and journalism. 'From Here To
Paternity' is his first non-fiction book.

Customer Reviews

pregnant? buy this book for your man, then borrow it
This is a wonderful book for new mums to read as well as new dads. It is completely honest about pregnancy from a man's point of view, detailing in diary form the wide array of thoughts and feelings, information and misinformation that assail prospective parents. It manages to be funny and entertaining while never being less than honest. The author admits to having some mixed feelings about becoming a parent (something my husband could identify with), but the book is ultimately uplifting and touching.

The diary format makes it an easy and enjoyable read, unlike all the dry emotionless textbooks. I bought it for my husband and it prompted us to discuss a few issues that we were overlooking or avoiding. It contains a lot of useful practical information without being dogmatic; it is candid about the conflicting advice and information that is given to pregnant couples by pregnancy experts & health professionals. That was certainly what I found throughout my pregnancy. As the book says, there comes a point when almost every piece of information contradicts something else you've been told.

As well as new dads and mums, anyone who works on a maternity ward in the NHS should read this book. The book says "Nine out of ten midwives are fantastic" but it is also honest about the occasional inconsistency of care. It will ring true with any woman who has given birth in an NHS hospital. It provides detailed and fair-minded criticism from a service user and should be part of the training course for midwives and obstetricians.

Honest and informative with warmth and humour too
This book is an account of one prospective father's experiences in the form of a diary from pregnancy test to the birth of a healthy baby. It's full of useful advice and insight into the practical and emotional challenges ahead. Andrew Cullen shares the reactions and experiences of his partner Kate, friends and family. Dads-to-be and their partners will find it really helpful because it doesn't create some soft-focused magazine image of pregnancy and childbirth but, instead, one that's more human with all the ups and downs, ambivalence, warmth and humour that that brings. Cullen writes honestly about his fears and hopes during this time and finds that the experience prompts him to go on a journey back to his own childhood, giving him a new perspective on himself and on parenthood.

Pregnancy with a male perspective
Looking down the binoculars the wrong way. There is very little out there for the pregnant man. This brutally honest diary tells the man (and woman) what to expect every step of the way.
Cullen deals with the washing machine of emotions you go through particularly when you are expecting your first child. Reach out for honest reassurance and that you are not alone.
Essential reading for the ignored partner in the procedings.