The Partner’s Purpose During Pregnancy (PDF)

The Partner’s Purpose During Pregnancy is the book every partner wishes someone handed them after that first positive test. Written by Marine Corps veteran and new dad Matthew Morris, this honest, tactical, and refreshingly funny guide offers real-world advice on how to actually support your partner through pregnancy, from navigating doctor visits and weird cravings to knowing when to just hold her hand and shut up.

This isn’t your average pregnancy book. There are no frills, no fluffy theories, and definitely no fear-mongering. Instead, Matthew shares what he learned firsthand across 41 weeks, 15 countries, and one very real labor and birth at home, with a pole in the living room.

Whether you’re a husband, boyfriend, wife, co-parent, or supportive friend, this guide walks you through how to:

Be truly present (mentally, emotionally, and physically)

Understand your changing relationship dynamics

Take on household tasks with intention

Build your birth team and birth plan together

Advocate during appointments and labor

Prepare for life after baby (hint: bring snacks)

With chapters like “Make Her a Sandwich,” “Invest in Pillows,” and “Don’t Stop Being Intimate,” this book makes it easy to show up, step up, and grow into your role, not just as a parent, but as a partner with purpose.

Perfect for new dads, first-time parents, or anyone supporting a loved one through pregnancy.

Bonus: Includes practical partner pro-tips, birth team advice, and a foreword from Matthew’s wife, Shanon Morris, the editor-in-chief of Trimester Abroad.