I'm so impressed with your clear and articulate, yet obviously passionate, writing. It's just the book we all need at the moment. I commend you and hope that it will soon be widely available here in the US where women & men need this information. Thank you for this book!
-- Karen Webster, CPM, LM, founder of WomanWise Midwifery and member of the Board of the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM)


I want to tell you how spectacular the information in this book is. You have addressed so many things that are overlooked and can make or break the birthing experience for the mother as well as the father. I suspect I will want all my dads to read this book.
--Jennifer West, LM,CPM,HBCE,TBMP,CST,CH, founder of Albuquerque Homebirth, preceptor for the National College of Midwifery, and a member of the New Mexico State Midwifery Advisory Board

Leah Hazard's exploration of what it's like for a father at a homebirth is well-referenced and provides answers to many of the questions a man might have about the homebirth choice. I love that she brings together the voices of men from all walks of life, and reveals how life changing the birth of their baby was for them, in the sanctity of their own home. Although primarily written for men, it's invaluable as a resource for birth professionals.
--The Mother magazine, January/February 2009


This handbook is essential reading.
--The Green Parent magazine, February 2009


The Father's Home Birth Handbook presents a concise, research-based discussion of the viability of home birth, specifically tailored to the questions and concerns of dads-to-be. Because the male experience of birth is undervalued in Western societies, the steady stream of birth stories and anecdotes from men around the globe is a gold mine in and of itself . . . The book is available only from the UK, but I think the subject matter makes it worth the extra cost.
--Melissa Chianta, Mothering magazine, May/June 2009


What makes this book so exciting is that not only is it written in a very accessible format, but the content relies on well researched high quality evidence. The evidence it presents is from "gold standard" and well documented sources that health information specialists and clinical staff use to make decisions on a day to day basis. You can be sure that this book is not just a collection of "googled information sources", but from authoratative sources and with that comes peace of mind for any user of this text. I am a freelance health information analyst (and a mother) and I have recommended this book to prospective parents, but also to clinical staff and health information specialists in the NHS and other health organisations.
--Joanna Ptolomey, Freelance Health Information Analyst and Consultant


Leah has written such a wonderful book. It has already been helpful to 2 fathers-to-be that I have supported recently as a doula. I heartily recommend Leah's informal, yet informative style of writing and her insistence on providing solid, evidence-based facts. Buy this book if your wife's pregnant - it really could make all the difference to the start of your parenting journey.
--Maddie McMahon, Doula, Cambridge, England


The Father’s Home Birth Handbook successfully bridges continents, cultures and even genders; yes, Leah Hazard is a woman. As a mother and a doula (birth supporter) she is uniquely placed to deliver this important and profound information, intended for both parents and childbirth professionals to consider.

While Ms. Hazard makes no secret of the fact that she is in favour of home birth, her style and evidence-based content allow ample space for the reader to make up his or her own mind. The handbook is also overflowing with real-life testimony from dozens of fathers. These men come from various countries and cultures and have contributed their own personal, poignant and often highly emotional stories which serve to illuminate the author’s theme extremely well.

This book is well written and enjoyable, thorough and highly relevant. It is an important read for all parents, no matter where they may think they want to give birth. Fathers make a world of difference, at birth and beyond.
--Patrick Houser, author of the Fathers-To-Be Handbook, director of Fathers-To-Be, www.fatherstobe.org


This is a fantastic resource, not just for home births and fathers, but for all expectant parents. The information about birth is clear, easy to read, and backed by lots of research, which is valid and helpful whether you're a mum or a dad, planning to have your baby at home or in hospital. The testimonials from the fathers who have prepared for home births are the corner stone of the book. The fathers speak in their own words, giving a diverse picture of how they felt, how they prepared for it, how it went, and how they feel about it today.

I know first hand what a difference a supportive partner can make to a new mother. Labour and birth take you to the end of yourself, your physical and mental strength. Knowing that your partner is fully supporting you, has let go of his own fear and 'has your back' is the most beautiful present you can ever give the woman you love and your new baby. Everyone should read this book.
-- Anne Dhir, mother of two children born at home, and founder of Calin Bleu baby slings


This brilliant book is what every father-to-be should read, no matter whether his partner is planning to give birth at home or in hospital. Nothing beats the words, in this book, of the many fathers who describe, with admiration and love, how their partners delivered their babies. It is rare that fathers speak so openly about the intimate details of birth and the ways in which watching and helping their loved ones has brought them closer together. If your partner is pregnant or if you know a man whose partner is pregnant, buy this book so that you or he can learn from other men what they experienced when their partners gave birth.
--Dr. Ann M. Altman, PhD