Postpartum Depression For Dummies

Name: Postpartum Depression For Dummies
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780470073353

Overview

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.

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.

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postpartum depression for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

When suffering from postpartum depression, the only thing you want to do is feel better — and you want it to be quick. Recovery does take time, but you can still be proactive about making your way through the day — one thought at a time. Repeating truths to yourself is quite powerful and can advance your postpartum depression recovery in a huge way (and likewise, repeating falsehoods can greatly slow it down).