Postpartum Depression For Dummies [Paperback]

Shoshana S. Bennett Ph.D. (Author), Mary Jo Codey (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2007

It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover.

Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what’s going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. Postpartum Depression For Dummies reveals:

• Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPD
• How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD
• The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis
• The role and importance of a therapist
• The benefits of medication for depression
• Alternative treatments with  a successful track record
• How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment
• Ways you can help foster recovery
• The nutrition you need to care for yourself properly
• How to help your partner help you

Postpartum Depression For Dummies also provides the additional resources you need—web sites, organizations, and further reading—to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Covers psychological, medical, and alternative treatments

Identify PPD symptoms, get help, and get your life back

Worried that you — or someone you love — are suffering from postpartum depression? This understanding, authoritative guide explains this sensitive disorder and how it differs from the "baby blues." You'll see how to find the right doctors, evaluate the various treatments — from medication to therapy to self-help groups — and create a comprehensive plan for recovery.

Discover how to

• Get an accurate diagnosis
• Find the proper treatments
• Break the cycle of negative thoughts
• Speed up the recovery process
• Get support from family and friends
• Plan for another baby after PPD

About the Author

Shoshana S. Bennett, PhD, is a noted guest lecturer who has been featured on national television shows including ABC's 20/20. She is also host of the online talk show "Health Matters" at WorldTalkRadio.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (January 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470073357
• ISBN-13: 978-0470073353
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Postpartum Depression

More About the Author

Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. ("Dr. Shosh") from the popular DrShosh.com Radio Show is the author of Pregnant on Prozac, Postpartum Depression For Dummies, and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety. She is also the creator of the new mobile app PPD Gone (PPDGone.com). National TV shows including "20/20," "Discovery Channel," "The Doctors" and "The Ricki Lake Show" feature Dr. Shosh as the pregnancy and postpartum mood expert and news stations such as CNN consult her. Several publications including the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News have written articles on Dr. Shosh's work. She's interviewed regularly on national radio and has been quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines such as The Wall Street Journal, WebMD, Boston Globe, Fit Pregnancy, Glamour, Parenting, Psychology Today, New York Post, Self, Cosmopolitan, and the Chicago Tribune.

Dr. Shosh is a pioneer in the field. She is a survivor of two life-threatening postpartum depressions. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, and is a former president of Postpartum Support International. Dr. Shosh helped develop the official Postpartum Support International training curriculum for professionals which is now considered the gold standard in the field. She has helped over 19,000 women worldwide through individual consultations, support groups and wellness seminars. As a noted guest lecturer and keynote speaker, she travels throughout the US and abroad, training medical and mental health professionals to assess and treat postpartum depression and related mood and anxiety disorders. She earned three teaching credentials, two masters degrees, a Ph.D. and is licensed as a clinical psychologist.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life! January 17, 2008

By L. van Erp

Format:Paperback

I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son. As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I was suffering, as were those around me. After reading Dr. Shoshanna's book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD. I stopped beating myself up for not being able to "do-it-all." I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have "me" time, and asking for help with housework and childcare. By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time. And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me. I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna's book before I had my first child. Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I've made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family. Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women. All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic book, Incredibly helpful, sensible creative advice January 22, 2007

By Laura Strathman Hulka

Format:Paperback

This book goes way beyond the typical book about post-partum depression. It covers so many ways to understand and treat PPD - holistic, traditional medicine, alternate therapies, resources online, and much much more. Presented in a no-nonsense way, with compassion and sensitivity, this book, written by a woman who has "been there done that" will provide wanna-be mothers, soon-to-be mothers, already mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, doulas etc. with viable ways to understand and deal with PPD. Preventative ideas as well! I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to read it or give it as a gift!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars No PPD stone left unturned by the author!!! January 27, 2007

By Nancy J. Roberts

Format:Paperback

This incredibly written book has every angle of the illness covered at 110%. The author has done a wonderful job of incorporating knowledge, resources, humor, and wisdom in this all emcompassing informational guide. The reader can devour everything they ever wanted to know about PPD and more! Whether the reader is Dad, a partner, family, friends, or Mom herself, there is information galore to be shared with all.

A "must have" for anyone interested in the unexpected reality of PPD.