Postpartum-Depression Books

This book is a must read for all young families. It is an incredibly valuable resource of information and inspiration for traversing what can be a very difficult life transition. Realistic and applicable advice is combined with important data. A straigth-forward and informative read!

This is by far the best book on PPD. I have recommended it to moms, dads, grandmas, OB's, nurses, behavior health specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists, med students, you name it. This is the resource to have on PPD.

This book has been more helpful than I expected. =) It does not only provide helpful information, but incorporates exercises which can really help one process and think through feelings, experiences, and ideas. I feel like I'm getting myself back little by little as I work through it.

This book really helped me and reasurred me that what I was feeling was normal and that I would overcome it.

Even if you aren't interested in the clinical side of PPD, this book is a must have for every pregnant woman/new mom. The assessment at the back of the book is worth every penny. I have purchased one for every pregnant woman I know.

This book is by far the most thorough, comprehensive, easy to understand and follow, helpful book available on the subject of PPD. From recognition of symptoms, understanding the different forms of PPD, seeking/receiving a diagnosis, treatment options (including conventional and complimentary) and much more, it lays out an easy to follow road map to recovery.

Since PPD has many different contributing factors and they vary from woman to woman, this book offers great advice on how to approach it from all sides, including how to improve nutrition, the importance of taking breaks, ways to change negative thought patterns, how to utilize the help of support people, and the importance of sleep. Dr. Shoshana Bennett is an expert in the field of PPD and has dedicated her life to helping other women. I started seeing an immediate improvement in my symptoms after putting some of her strategies to work, and I was suffering from very severe PPD/PPA.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they (or someone they love) may be suffering from PPD, and also any healthcare professional that may encounter patients who are dealing with PPD. This illness is so frequently unrecognized, undiagnosed, and misunderstood, and Dr. Bennett sheds a guiding light on what is such a dark, confusing time for so many mothers. I've read so many books on the subject of postpartum depression since my journey with this horrible disorder began, and I only wish I'd found this one sooner. If you only buy one book about PPD, make it this one!

This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.

Thank you to Dr. Shoshana Bennett for writing such a helpful and informative book. PPD is a very real and serious illness but most people don't know much about it. Brooke Shields thankfully brought it briefly into the public eye but unfortunately so many women have or will experience it. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from PPD, this book will absolutely help you in your recovery. It is packed with useful information, helpful, reassuring advice, and inspirational personal anecdotes. The book covers everything about the illness and also offers tons of relevant and important resources. This book helped me immensely and I recommend it for every mom to be!

I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels - the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.

Ginger Law
Registered Nurse, Speaker

I just finished reading "Postpartum Depression For Dummies". It is an absolute "must read" for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it's well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a "life saver". The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!

The book starts out with, "Don't read this book if you are pregnant" (or something like that). I was six months pregnant with my first child, yet steamed ahead anyway. I am glad that I did. The description of the insanity, temporary or otherwise, that can be brought on brought on by modern motherhood that Ingman paints is exactly what a parent-to-be like myself needed, because it prepared me for the worst, and let me off the hook from the overambitious expectations that I had (elaborate birth plan that did not go as planned? check. Dreams of cooking my own organic baby food now making way for Gerber jars? check). The writing had a way of taking me to the absolute depths of her experience while at the same time injecting humor and compassion that made me feel like everything was going to be all right. I didn't expect to laugh out loud, but I did many times while reading.

This book is WAY more complex than any review can possibly hope to convey. It's personal, and political; funny, and sad. While reading, you realize that a lot of the problems Ingman faces are not just parents' issues, but women's issues. Are the mothers crazy or is the world crazy? Read and decide for yourself.

I think pretty much everything that the author has to say can be (and is!) said in the first 30 pages or so. After that, it's bits and pieces, loosely strung together but without a goal in sight. Neither a great resource for those dealing with PPD nor a good comic relief.

"Inconsolable" is smart, funny, and heartbreaking. This book should be required reading for any woman considering motherhood--it rips off the layers of Hallmark sentimentality and reveals exactly how agonizing post-partum depression can be. Frankly, it made me want to send my mother a bouquet of three dozen long-stemmed red roses.

This is a brave book written by an astonishingly talented writer Whether or not you're considering having a child, this book will change the way you think about motherhood, pregnancy, and mental health long after you've put the book down. I will never play Nine Inch Nails without thinking of Marritt ever again, and man, I play a lot of NIN.

Thank you for this book, Marritt.

When I suffered from debilitating depression after the birth of my 2nd daughter, I searched everywhere for something to grasp onto. Anything to grasp onto. Somehow I found this book. All of a sudden, here was someone like me - someone else who wanted to drive off a bridge. I felt like I had finally made a connection and I wasn't alone in this anymore.
I can honestly say that this book was pivotal in my (LONG) recovery. It is what ultimately encouraged me to push through, connect with others and reclaim motherhood. Marrit's accounts of early motherhood are real, moving, poignant, and honest. I highly recommend this book to any new mother - if you aren't suffering from PPD yourself, you might be able to understand and reach out to someone who is.

If you are a mom and you think you are loosing your mind, read this book!! You'll find out that you are not alone. I think all moms feel this way at times but most are too worried about what people will think if they admit it. Props to Marrit for being brutally honest.

I love this book. Even two years after my own battle with postpartum depression I like to thumb through the pages and re-read the accounts of women who "have been there". It's comforting to know I was never truly alone. This book is a must for any women struggling with postpartum depression! It is easy to read, with no heavy clinical mumbo jumbo. Just heart felt personal accounts from women who suffered from postpartum depression and their triumphant recoveries that followed.

I think this is a great book for any woman who is struggling post partum. Part of the healing process is realizing you are not alone. Hearing first hand stories of women across the globe who struggled, but also recovered (and how), is powerful. Every woman experiences PPD differently...and this book covers the gamat of womens' experiences...from those who have high anxiety, depression, and suicide, and also covering special circumstances...single mothers, multiples, difficult births, etc. I don't think there is anyone with PPD who would not be able to relate to this compilation of stories. I'd highly recommend reading this book.

This book was a huge help. I didn't find it until after I recovered from PPD/Anxiety. Hearing other mother's stories was very comforting.

A friend of mine gave me this book and even though I am not a "big book reader" (it takes me forever to finish one), I could not put this one down.
I had talked to other mothers with PPD, but I always felt that they couldn't relate, that my Postpartum Depression was different. Needless to say I felt very lonely and isolated. I read the book and I found women that I could identify with. For the first time in a long, long time, I didn't feel so alone anymore, and even better I had HOPE again. The road to recovery was still long and hard, but I knew that there was light at the end of the tunnel and that I could beat this horrible disease.

I found this book very helpful when I was first diagnosed with PPD. Knowing there were other women out there that had experienced similar feelings made me feel not quite so alone.

As a devotional writer and mom, I read a lot of books marketed towards those two groups. This book combined the two in a delightful way. Grace for the Race compiles meditations for busy moms written by Dena Dyer. The writing is both humorous and heartwarming. Ms. Dyer makes herself vulnerable and displays a humility I find endearing. My favorite chapter tells "What Real Love Looks Like." I'd recommend this book for busy moms. Each chapter stands on its own, so the book can be read on the run. And how nice to find a fellow chocoholic mom writer!

No matter what season of mothering you're in, GRACE FOR THE RACE offers something to encourage you. If you're pregnant, maybe you can relate to Dena who says, "As I write this, I'm seven months pregnant with our second child, and I have a confession: I don't like it! I feel like a penguin in bicycle shorts!"

If you're a new mom struggling with keeping up and wondering why your emotions are all wacky, you'll be blessed by Dena's tender descriptions of her postpartem depression, when she was "low on sleep and high on anxiety." Dena says that her passion is to "help women see that we're in this race together."

GRACE FOR THE RACE is divided into nine sections that relate to the various stages and emotions of motherhood: training well, warming up and stretching out, the first lap, using proper equipment, hopping over the hurdles, handing it off, in the final stretch, crossing the finish line, and on the podium.

In the beginning of the book, she quotes a prayer from Saint Frances Cabrini, "Give me your grace, most loving Jesus, and I will run after You to the finish line, forever. Help me, Jesus, because I want to do this with burning fervor, speedily."

Each chapter is short, a few pages of hilarious stories from Dena's personal life. And she is such a great storyteller -- I can totally relate to everything she's describing. At the end of each section, she offers "Notes from the Coach," which are easy-to-read scriptures from modern versions of the Bible that speak right to the heart.

I'm going to get some copies of this book to have on hand for baby shower gifts and for mom friends who I want to encourage. It's so wonderful to read something where you feel loved and accepted for who you are, yet also challenged to be the best you can be for God.

Dena says, "If you're like me, you probably feel 'stuck' sometimes. Every day, I look toward the top of Mt. Laundry, having just tackled Mt. Dishes. Taking a deep breath, I start the climb...When I feel overwhelmed in the midst of the endurance test called parenthood, it helps me to remember that I'm not alone -- other climbers have gone before me."

Reading this book is like pausing a minute to sip a cool refreshing drink, then gearing back up for the climb, knowing that you're never, never in this parenting gig alone.

--Reviewed by Heather Lynn Ivester for Mind & Media

When I first sat down with Grace For The Race I figured I would read a couple of the devotions. I read half the book before I realized it. These meditations, geared towards busy moms, will make you forget just how busy you are. They are so delightful, humorous, and heartwarming. You will enjoy every carefree moment you spend reading it. And, it will definitely leave you feeling like those moments were truly carefree.

Dena Dyer divides her thought provoking meditations into nine sections designed to inspire and encourage. Each piece begins with an appetizer (a quote) and ends with desert (scripture) related to that particular meditation. The entree is stories and insights from Dena's own life. Each piece is filling and inspirational.

You not only get a peak into Dena's own life, but you realize that what Dena says is true--we are all fellow runners, in the same daily race, with the same Coach. As Dena would have it, Grace For The Race, cheers you on in your daily race and inspires you to look for the little miracles in your own life. It also encourages you to set aside time, even if it is just a few minutes here and there, to talk to your Coach and lean on Him.

I bought Dena's book for my mommy friends for Christmas. They really liked the family stories and personal tidbits Dena wrote about. After I started reading the book myself, I couldn't put it down. I am not a mommy yet, but I will refer back to the book when I need inspiration or motivation, or just a laugh to lighten up the marathon moms always run! Grace for the Race meditations are inspirational for future mommy situations, but also, for now, is inspirational to me, just as a woman. Thank you Dena! I look forward to your next book!

This is the perfect read for every busy mother. I have three small children, and had sworn off any parenting books for awhile to read only fiction. I couldn't put this book down. Divided into REALLY quick daily readings, her true-life stories of mothering made me laugh out loud, and each reading is coupled with great Scripture pertaining to the day's topic. Dena's light hearted and profound approach left me feeling like I really can tackle each day as a busy mom.

My sister suffered from undiagnosed postpartum depression after the births of both her children. She and her family would have been spared so much suffering if this book had been available. Thank you, Mrs. Indman and Dr. Bennett, for helping countless women and their loved ones with this invaluable manual.

I believe this book is very well written. As someone who has experienced postpartum depression. I believe this book would have been very beneficial to Obgyn's, Nurse Practitioners and all who care for childbearing women. I also believe that myself and my family did not have suffer if people were more aware. This book is very concise and easy to understand. Dr. Bennett and Mrs. Indman have done a outstanding job to help and bring Postpartum Depression to the forefront. Thank you to you both.

Beyond the Blues by Pec Indman and Shoshona Bettett is a very insightul, concise, informative manual that should be in the hands of all providers and new mothers dealing with postpartum depression. It is a fantastic book containing all the necessary questions and answers needed.
Shirley Halvorson,
NC Coordinator for Postpartum Support International
President of NC Depression After Delivery.

"Beyond the Blues" is a wonderful resource. After discovering the book, I immediately ordered several more copies to share with counseling and lactation colleagues and with families in my practice. Everyone loves it! It is clearly written and easy to read with helpful information readily accessible. It is also written with compassion and filled with practical wisdom.
This book is an invaluable resource for mothers experiencing prenatal or postpartum distress, family members and all the professionals that work with new families: OB's, midwives and pediatricians, childbirth educators, doulas and lactation consultants. Thank you Drs. Indman and Bennett for your valuable contribution.

I highly recommend this book to pregnant families and all professionals, not only those who specialize in treating postpartum reactions. All ob-gyn's, doctors, lactation consultants, birth teachers, doulas and pediatricians should own and keep referring to this very accessible and accurate book. Perhaps more women (and their infants and families) who suffer in confusion behind closed doors, would be identified early and referred to a skilled professional for something that is so treatable, but too seldom treated.
As a psychotherapist treating women presenting with postpartum reactions, I have referred to the information in this book over and over. Drs Indman and Bennett are two reliable sources who have checked all their facts while intelligently turning this very complex topic into something so clear and understandable.

Most useful to me, are the treatment protocols at the back of the book. A look of relief washes over a pregnant client's face when, together we have identified her risk factors, and chosen a course of treatment that follows these detailed protocols. For women who find it so difficult to be vulnerable, or accept help or care, there is something very reassuring and validating in knowing that the psychotherapy we embark on is necessarily "prescribed" for her, and will give her the best chance of preventing or working through her depression or/and anxiety.

Kim Richardson, M.A., LCPC...

I really appreciated this book. I read it in less than 24 hours! I suffered from Postpartum anxiety and depression after the birth of both my girls but much more seriously after my second. It's such an important topic for people to be made aware of. Sue did such a great job of explaining what she went through and what was helpful and clearly what was not helpful. No matter who you are or what phase of life you are in there is a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this book.

This is the first book about PPD authored by a Christian that I've read. While a few parts were a bit repetitious, overall I found it an enjoyable and informative book. I had a touch of PPD when my first child was born. Nothing as severe as the author experienced, but I sure wish I'd known at the time why I felt so awful. That was 15 years ago.

I loved some of the issues and emotions the author expressed, like how frustrating it is to have someone give you a pat answer when you are in such pain and how you want to self-isolate. She goes through a rendition of friendship types and who to avoid and who to lean on during PPD. She makes many valid points. The author also commented that it is a physical illness and not just a state of mind. Great information, because it's true. She also made a point about how it effects the whole family and how simply hoping it will go away only prolongs the symptoms. Great advice. In conclusion, the author provides a helpful does of Bible verses to encourage any reader in the throes of the illness who may feel trapped and hopeless. The verses address particular issues and are a perfect way to end the book.

I am a firm believer that you can never fully understand something unless you've lived through it. After reading this book, however, I feel like I understand PPD as much as I possibly can - having never suffered through it. I can't imagine anyone being more honest or open about their experience that Sue. My first thought after reading it was: There are so many people who need to read this so they know they're not alone. What amazing courage it takes to write the way she did! Thank you, Sue, for writing a book that could save lives.

The Lifter of My Head is the moving story of one young mother's walk through the murky waters of Post Partum Depression. In her book, Sue offers a candid and invaluable look at an illness many young mothers are ill-equipped to diagnose and handle. Through sharing vital medical information on PPD and her own spiritual journey and healing, the book will be a lifesaver for countless women. I wish I had had this resource years ago when a dear family member struggled with PPD.

A book about this topic has been desperately needed for such a long time, particularly as tragedies stemming from various postpartum mood disorders pervade the media more and more each day. Sue tells the story of her journey through postpartum depression by interweaving it with the voice of wisdom, the voice of knowledge, the voice of encouragement and the voice of God through His Word. That is one of the most inspiring and true aspects of this book. Sue shares so much Scripture that clearly tells us exactly where God is when we hurt - always by our sides and often carrying us.

What I often consider a sign of a great book such as this is the ability to apply the wisdom to any number of life circumstances. For example, reading a book about infertility and loss (Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake) after already giving birth to my son taught me so much about the journey I was now on, despite the fact that my infertile days had come to a close. The same can be said of Sue's book. I learned so much that can be so applicable to any dark valley that one may go through. Lean on Scripture and hold on with all your strength, even if by your very fingertips. I also learned much about friendships with Sue, again crying as I recalled how Christ worked through the many types of friends as He carried me through my depression. Sue is also always quick to remind the reader of the resulting growth that comes from walking through a dark valley such as postpartum depression.

I was greatly encouraged by this book and inspired by Sue's story and I highly recommend this book. It is a story of encouragement and most of all, a story of hope. There is always hope.

I was treated by Joyce Venis for postpartum depression and PMDD for several years. After seeing many other doctors who misdiagnosed my symptoms and made them worse, Joyce knew just what to do and led me on the path to mental wellness. Joyce is the the leading expert in the country on postpartum depression. Every pregnant woman, gynecologist, and psychiatrist ought to read her book and keep it close by as a reference. No mother should have to suffer with postpartum depression and its consequences. Doctors need to be educated on how to properly treat this disorder. I highly recommend this book. It deserves 4 stars. Review written by, C. Edwards, Pennington, NJ

For more than 20 years, Joyce Venis has been known nationally for her work with families affected by postpartum depression. This book shares her vast knowledge and expertise with the world and is a must read for anyone who has been affected by PPD--moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, cousins, neighbors, health care providers etc. With a book that brings this common condition out of the shadows, it is hoped that unrecognized PPD will be a thing of the past and the horrific tragedies that have left us asking 'why?' will be no more.

I haven't even read this book, yet I know it's going to be fantastic. As a first time mom who thought having PPD was the end of the world, Joyce showed me that isn't true. Now, I can say, I have PPD, PPD doesn't have me. She's always there when she's needed. She goes above and beyond for her patients. Not only is she an expert in her field, she's a good friend to alot of moms. Including this one. Emma and I love her.

This book truly demystifies postpartum depression. The authors describe the warning signs and provide coping mechanisms to deal with PPD. Thanks to Joyce Venis, PPD is less of a stigma and is becoming more understood. A must read for pregnant women and for new mothers!

Men, this book is a must read for you as well. This will give you the insight to a better understanding of what it is that our "Moms" are going through. Moms aren't the only ones who suffer, we do to. Through Joyce's extremely hard work and personal experience, this book helps us better understand an illness, that many do not know exists. No one knows better than me the personal sacrifice, pain, tears and most of all, care that Joyce has dedicated to Moms out there through phone calls, support groups and her practice. It makes me VERY proud that she has finally put her knowledge/experience into words for everyone to read. She has spent a lifetime helping Moms everywhere and making this book happen. It's long over due. Like I said, no one knows better than me. Not only am I a PPD survivor, I am her son!!!!!

Having benefitted from Kleiman's brilliance personally I feel obliged to entice everyone to learn from her. Kleiman's sincere and thoughtful way of treating her clients is brilliantly portrayed in this book. Any therapist treating postpartum women without reading this book is doing a disservice to her/his client.

book covers all areas I had questions and has helped me understand how one post partum one woman can be different from another post partum woman. This has helped me in my line of work

This book is a must have for any therapist or health care professional currently working with postpartum women or who plans to work with postpartum women in the future. Her writing is impeccable and she transcends the emotions that dance through the room during a therapy session.

Karen is an amazing professional and her dedication to the field can be seen throughout the book. For anyone seeking information for postpartum depression, this book provides a realistic view of the women who experience postpartum and the women who help them.

For those seeking support for postpartum depression, this book provides facts, information and resources, as well as demystifies the therapeutic process. I think women will appreciate her honesty and understand the importance of seeking appropriate support in order to feel better.

Thank you Karen for continuing to train professionals, educate women and share your wisdom.

Jennifer Atkinson, LCSW
Specializing in PPD
Richmond, VA

This book will not only prove invaluable for clinicians at all levels of experience, but it will also demystify postpartum depression and its treatment for the women and the families of those women who are suffering. While providing a thorough and informative overview of the condition, Karen speaks directly to the heart and emotion that surround this topic. Kleiman's gift for writing and expertise in the field is evident in her abilitly to mesh an abundance of research and critical statistics with her 20+ years of experience in this heartfelt and enjoyable read!

As a psychiatrist who specializes in working with pregnant and postpartum women, I found this book to be an invaluable resource. Karen Kleiman's expertise resounds brilliantly throughout this immensely useful book. It not only reflects well upon Karen's scholarly and academic pursuit of guiding how best to alleviate suffering for the postpartum woman but it also is written in a straightforward and thoughtful manner that parallels Karen's compassion and warmth for the affected new mother. I recommend this book highly to all clinicians working in this field.

After just having a baby and having very little time this was a great book to get into. I could relate to all the characters; their stories let me know I wasn't the only one feeling a certain way. I think it's great how Louise made these women so real. This a great mom read, I would recommend it to all moms. Its very humorous too so you'll get a good laugh! Enjoy

I loved the simple way the book guided the reader in to a deep topic. The story was so enjoyable and kept you searching for more!

I am so glad she talked about a condition that affects women after birth.

Our book club read this book, and had the privilege of having Louise come to our meeting. The book was a great read, and as a mother I could see so much of myself in the book. Some of the feelings of the characters in the book hit so close to home if was almost as if the author knew me. While it deals with some serious issues, there are parts of the book that are just laugh out loud funny. A very enjoyable read. I wished there was a sequel, because I wanted to know more.

In "Friends and Mother's" Limerick crafts a heartwarming story of five friends, all struggling to fill the many roles of being a mom without losing sight of living their own lives too. This book eloquently illustrates the many trials and tribulations of motherhood, and the challenges we all face as we strive to find our own successful parenting method. As the plot unravels, Limerick reminds us all that we must not take on this journey alone; yet through sharing our experiences, the celebrations,challenges, and triumphs, the joys of motherhood are vastly enhanced. A fresh take on the modern parenting book, this novel is both enjoyable and insightful, and I highly recommend it to any mother.

-Carolina Fernandez, author of "Rocket Mom"

I really lobed reading Friends and Mothers! It was a quick and enjoyable read. I felt a connection to the characters and didn't want the book to end. It's a perfect book club book!