When he speaks, it's easy to see why Dr. Glade B. Curtis has become a best-selling author of pregnancy books.
He's warm and articulate and doesn't appear easily rattled. Ask a question and the Utah-based doctor responds with ease.
The same is true for his books, including the recently updated "Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-be." It was written by both Dr. Curtis and Judith Schuler and seems to reach the right balance between being informative and not delving too much into the scary complications that can arise with pregnancy.
For Curtis, the book is an easy-to-use resource for men to learn about pregnancy and it can also help them formulate questions to ask health-care providers.
"Pregnancy really changes a relationship and, for most people, it is a terrific thing, but it is an adjustment and a change," said Curtis, who practiced obstetrics and gynecology for nearly 20 years in Utah. "If a man is going to be helpful, I think it is by being a support and by being a part of the pregnancy."
In the updated version of "Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-be," Curtis has added information about how a family can prepare financially for a baby in addition to tips for helping a pregnant partner feel better during pregnancy and ways to ready a house for the new arrival.
Each chapter also includes a lot of at-a-glance information that is easy to digest. There is also a reference guide that outlines the different stages of pregnancy and one chapter includes a glossary of words for expectant parents.
"Pregnancy does not have to be this scary, confusing time," Curtis said. "It's an exciting, wonderful time, and this book has been a very fun thing for me because I get to figure out ways to explain it to moms and dads."
In addition to his book for dads-to-be, Curtis has written 17 other titles, including the best-selling "Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week." After 20 years of active practice, he is now working for the state Department of Health.
Curtis is the father of five and has nine grandkids. During his career, he assisted in an estimated 5,000 deliveries. Copies of his books are available online and in major bookstores.
For any couple that's expecting a child, his advice would be to draw closer together and enjoy the process of birth.
"Use this as an experience to grow as a couple and realize you're both important in the process and enjoy the miracle," he said.
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com