The New Dad's Survival Guide

January 3, 2005
Mactavish presents a useful-though by no means comprehensive-guide for any dad-to-be who doesn't care about details and just wants to learn what's going to happen when his partner gives birth and how he should go about changing a diaper. The author is no doctor; he's "just a dude who's been through it twice," and his lingo-"BCF" means "be cool, fool" (borrowed from Mr. T.); "FPP" is your "female parenting partner"; an "NFU" is a "new family unit"-is appropriately casual. The book covers the most basic of parenting skills from birth through three months, with a few toddler tips thrown in. It's humorous (or insensitive, depending on one's point of view) in its approach. For example, on postpartum depression, Mactavish warns "PPD is a beaucoup serious condition that can have a devastating effect on the FPP." Although most of the book's advice seems quite obvious, tips on assisting a partner in labor ("offer backrubs on a consistent basis"), helping a baby pass gas (or "dislodge an air biscuit") and preventing diaper rash ("keep the butt dry after bathing") will be of use to any new father.

February 28, 2005
Mactavish presents a useful-though by no means comprehensive-guide for any dad-to-be who doesn't care about details and just wants to learn what's going to happen when his partner gives birth and how he should go about changing a diaper. The author is no doctor; he's "just a dude who's been through it twice," and his lingo-"BCF" means "be cool, fool" (borrowed from Mr. T.); "FPP" is your "female parenting partner"; an "NFU" is a "new family unit"-is appropriately casual. The book covers the most basic of parenting skills from birth through three months, with a few toddler tips thrown in. It's humorous (or insensitive, depending on one's point of view) in its approach. For example, on postpartum depression, Mactavish warns "PPD is a beaucoup serious condition that can have a devastating effect on the FPP." Although most of the book's advice seems quite obvious, tips on assisting a partner in labor ("offer backrubs on a consistent basis"), helping a baby pass gas (or "dislodge an air biscuit") and preventing diaper rash ("keep the butt dry after bathing") will be of use to any new father.

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