Books for Prep | |
 - Thank Goodness for this bookThank Goodness for this book. While PPD (Post Partum Depression) has gotten a lot of coverage in the media........I was totally unaware of "Perinatal Mood Disorders" (Mood Disorders that occur during pregnancy). I suffered from Panic Attacks during my fifth month of pregnancy, and the experience was very upsetting to have to deal with during what you think is supposed to be a happy time. My doctors seemed to confuse "Panic Attacks" and "Axiety Attacks". Everyone kept asking me if I was worried about the baby or my ability to be a parent. That was so not what this was about. My first attack literally woke me up from sleep and my heart was beating furiously and my mind was racing, and I couldn't go back to sleep. The continuation of these types or episodes, coupled with my OB/GYN treating me like some kind of "head case" only perpetuated my fear about what was going on. I was really scared about what was happening to me, and fearful about the advice I was getting (to start taking anti-depressants during my pregnancy). Thankfully, my panic attacks stopped as abruptly as they started and I did not require any medication for the duration of my pregnancy. This book, and knowing I was not alone or "crazy" was a huge comfort to me during a very troubling time. Rating:  - Helpful bookThis book is a quick and easy read. I read it after having suffered postpartum depression and was able to highlight several passages in the book of the exact things I thought, felt, or did. I only wish I had this book before I had the depression so I knew what to expect. It would have also been a valuable tool for my husband to have so he would have known what signs to look for. I would recommend it to anyone who has suffered, thinks they are suffering, or wants to know ahead of time what to look out for. Rating: - Joy Fullhardt, LCSW, ACSW and MomBeyond the Blues is an informative and educational tool for ALL interested in gaining or enhancing their knowledge of prenatal and postpartum depression. It's simplified and direct approach is truly appreciated. As a mom and Social Worker, I would highly recommend this book. As a matter of fact, I already do! Rating:  - Not worth the moneyThere is nothing in this "book" that you can't get online for free or in a 500-word magazine article. I was hoping for more in-depth discussion of treatment options and the underlying risk factors for PPD. This book offers nothing more than a cursory overview of the topic. Don't waste your money. Rating: - Beyond the BluesThe authors, Drs. Bennett and Indman, provide an excellent overview of perinatal mood disorders in this brief, easy-to-read but complete guide. This is a very helpful book and I recommend and share it regularly. I do wish the authors had included more information about the preventative effect of breastfeeding on women who are at risk for any degree of PPD, and wish they'd mentioned the importance of nursing for bonding with a baby even during the difficult postpartum illnesses they describe. Each woman comes into PPD and finds healing in her own time, and support and treatment are essential. For many mothers, breastfeeding through treatment is very helpful, and I felt as a nursing mom like this book really neglected that area. But overall, this book helped me a lot as a new mother, and as a peer support group facilitator as well. The Spanish version of this book is also helpful and useful in helping mothers who are "hispanoparlantes" or Spanish-speaking. In association with Amazon.com | |