First time dad often faces the biggest role of their lives
without a roadmap. Many new dads feel unprepared for the journey that lies
ahead. J.Y. Hawkins, a retired registered nurse with more than four decades of
experience working with families, has stepped in with a refreshing and
compassionate new resource: The Ultimate First-Time Dad Guide: Doubts,
Diapers, and Dad Humor.
Unlike traditional parenting manuals that focus only on logistics, Hawkins’
book combines heartfelt guidance, humor, and practical wisdom designed
specifically for men stepping into fatherhood for the first time. With relatable
stories, real-life insight, and an empathetic voice, she reassures readers that
perfection is never the goal: presence, willingness, and love are what matter
most.
“The transition to fatherhood is not just about learning how to swaddle
or install a car seat,” says Hawkins. “It’s about showing up for your partner,
being prepared, and realizing that your presence is far more powerful than
perfection.”
Drawing on her experience of leading a new parent support
program, Hawkins highlights how deeply fathers shape the experience of
pregnancy, labor, and early parenting, not by having all the answers, but by
being engaged, attentive, and willing to learn.
“The
Ultimate First-Time Dad Guide” addresses
the emotional side of becoming a dad as much as the practical. Chapters explore
confidence-building, emotional intelligence, and empathy; skills often
overlooked but critical when supporting a partner through pregnancy and
connecting with a newborn. Hawkins also emphasizes the importance of bonding,
offering dads both pre-birth practices, such as talking to the baby bump, and
post-birth rituals, like skin-to-skin contact, to foster lifelong attachment.
What makes this book stand apart is Hawkins’s ability to
mix lighthearted humor with serious advice. From laughing at diaper disasters
to confronting doubts at 3 a.m., her words remind dads they’re not alone and
that every challenge brings growth. Whether it’s managing midnight cravings,
navigating prenatal appointments, or celebrating their baby’s first smile, she
guides men toward embracing the role with confidence and ease.
As Hawkins writes, becoming a dad isn’t a finish line; it’s a journey of
transformation. Her book offers both a roadmap and reassurance, preparing
first-time dads to support their partner, and build an unbreakable bond with
their child.
“The Ultimate First-Time
Dad Guide” is available now on Amazon and other
major platforms. For every dad-to-be looking to prepare with confidence, humor,
and heart, this guide is for you!