Shoshana S. Bennett - Postpartum Depression For Dummies

by Shoshana S. Bennett, PhD

Postpartum Depression For Dummies

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Copyright 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2006936818

ISBN-13: 978-0-470-07335-3

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Postpartum depression possibly more than any other mental illness is a very private pain. Private because you cant believe you feel so empty and depressed at a time when youre supposed to feel so happy and fulfilled. Youre afraid of appearing to be ungrateful, selfish, immature, or worse: A bad mother. So, you dont want to confide in anyone.

I thought I was all these things and more. I wasted a lot of time and energy on self-blame, believing my depression was caused by a personal failure or weakness or both.

Dont do this to yourself. No one should have to go through that kind of anguish and humiliation. Accept the reality of PPD as an illness and recovery will be easier. Trust me. PPD is a mental illness, and mental illnesses have nothing to do with blame.

PPD doesnt care how ready and willing you are to have a baby. It strikes without regard for age, race, education, or economic background. And it robs you and your family of what should be a joyful time. As a mother, you deserve to fully enjoy your new baby. Your baby deserves a healthy mother who can provide the love and care he or she needs.

Back in 1984, when I experienced the first of my two bouts with PPD, I had no idea what it was. It wasnt something people talked about. I frantically searched every book about pregnancy and childbirth I could get my hands on for information about depression after giving birth. All I could find on the subject was a single paragraph that basically said If your wife has postpartum depression, watch out! Shes likely to accuse you of having an affair!

Thankfully, the dark ages are over. Postpartum Depression For Dummies does the groundwork to help you get through this insidious illness. Think of it as a survival guide that arms you with practical, easy-to-understand information so you can avoid being trapped in your private pain the way I was.

Mary Jo Codey Former First Lady of New Jersey