"The Expectant Father," written by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash, and published by Abbeville Press, is a thoughtfully written chronicle of the first nine months of a child's life, as seen through the eyes of an expectant Dad.

Written in a no-nonsense style with a liberal dose of light heartedness, the book is divided into a chapter for each month of pregnancy. Starting right with the pregnancy test and moving through the months to labor and delivery, the book outlines all of the concerns facing expectant parents.

Changes in Mom's body and heart, as well as those experienced by her partner, are highlighted at the beginning of each chapter. The book is divided into chapters by month, going from the first to the last of the nine months of pregnancy, as well as chapters on the very first decisions, labor and delivery and fathering today.

Birthing methods are explored, including midwives, who are largely ignored when an expectant mother is choosing delivery options. A good piece on where to have the baby is important, as obstetricians normally assume that delivery should occur at a hospital, but some parents may be more comfortable at a birthing center or at home for delivery.

Financial matters are explained in a non-threatening, but factual manner. The money flow does not end with the hospital and the obstetrician, as couples would love to believe. Even the finances of adoption are outlined.

What the childbirth classes do NOT teach is an important read, as a Pollyanna approach tends to accompany most articles and books on the subject of how labor and delivery REALLY happens.

The book ends with an excellent bibliography of relevant books for parents, as well as a detailed resource section.

The resources include information about disabilities, twins, work and family and many other topics. Addresses, phone numbers and websites are provided for easy access to a variety of topics of interest to new and experienced parents.

While the book is geared toward fathers and would make an excellent Father's Day gift, it is equally relevant to moms-to-be.