Blindsided by a Diaper: Over 30 Men and Women Reveal How Parenthood Changes a Relationship

by Dana Bedford Hilmer, Ann Pleshette Murphy (Foreword by)

It used to be just the two of you. Now you have a baby, or maybe even a few kids, and the luxury of time—to frolic, talk, romance, and simply hang out—is gone, replaced by a big dose of chaos and the demands of little people who rule your home with small, adorable iron fists.

Parenthood brings changes to your relationship, changes that are at once profound, beautiful, irrevocable, and scary. These changes knock you off balance, forcing even the most secure couples to go back to the basics in figuring out how to define a new version of “we.”

In Blindsided by a Diaper, some of today’s most popular writers dare to tell what it’s really like for couples in the trenches of the parenting experience. They boldly reveal intimate aspects of their relationships, sharing the choices they’ve made, the joy and frustrations they’ve experienced, the trials and tribulations of their sex lives, the lessons they have learned, and how their lives together as parents may or may not be what they were expecting. The writers have quite literally invited you inside their bedrooms, their minds, and their lives as parents.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kelliann Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in the sort-of-prepping-for-kids-but-not-really phase. It was absolutely perfect, and I'm excited to have it around for the future.

I loved the diverse perspectives from parents of different ages, different backgrounds, different relationship/marital statuses, etc... It was empowering to see that all of these people made do and terrifying to read from those who felt worse off with kids and/or lost relationships out of it. My heart bled for some of these parents and swelled with joy for others. It was quite a rollercoaster of emotions, and it was refreshing, real, and enlightening.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this collection of essays on parenthood hoping to get the inside scoop of what's in store. Touching and candid, the writers explored how having a child changes your life and redefines your relationship with your partner - for the good and the bad.

These shorts were good, and did give me a glimpse into the life of new parents, the challenges and the joys. Only I was left a little unsatisfied at the end. Not sure what is missing... perhaps I wanted the stories to be more comprehensive for each teller rather than a peak? And as another pointed out, all the contributors are writers, so the experiences seem to overlap and repeat a bit.

Getting the dad's view of things, though, is priceless.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blindsided is a collection of essays that discuss the ways in which parenthood changes the relationship of the parents. Some essays were poignant, some funny, some forgettable...I think i missed the critical window in which to enjoy this book. I had my first child 10 years ago, my last 5 years ago. I'm sure my relationship with my husband changed upon becoming a mom, but I can't for the life of me remember how. I enjoyed the reading, but I couldn't relate. I bet some new moms would find it worthwhile to read while breastfeeding.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tedious, slapstick anecdotes about the double-edged sword of parenthood. Could barely trip through 2-3 essays. Just unnecessary to read through this stuff unless you really relish wallowing in aspects of parenthood such dirty diapers and tantrums and challenges to intimacy (yawn). If these are some of your favorite topics you'll love this book!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a good balance of people who are happy and people who are not. It didn't scare me too much but it didn't make me feel like they were lying to me about how easy it is to have children or that the decision should be taken lightly.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be the gift I give pregnant women at baby showers but I don't want to diminish their happy glow. This book is raw and real...and hilarious. This book is for anyone who has a baby and suddenly looks at their partner as if to say, "Who the &*%$ are you?".

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fun. Lots of things to think about for when our baby is born. The only problem was that it got a little repetitive after a while, probably because everyone is talking about their own experiences and everyone is (duh) a writer.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfinished. Nothing fabulous.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent and very funny

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious. And validating.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good but too close to home at times.