Postpartum Progress

Two Great New Books for Clinicians on Treating Postpartum Depression & Related Disorders

Two great new books are being published for healthcare practitioners (and others!) by two amazing women in the field of postpartum mood disorders, Susan Dowd Stone and Karen Kleiman. 

The first, called "Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders: Perspectives and Treatment Guide for the Health Care Practitioner", was edited by Susan Dowd Stone and Alexis E. Menken and is being published this week.  It provides a wide foundation on these illnesses, and is intended for consumers and students/professionals in the following disciplines: psychiatry, social work, medicine, psychology, nursing, law, advocacy, social support, literacy (reaching consumers), pediatricians, obstetricians, administrators in health care facilities who are considering the issue and adding programs, legislators and health care policy advisors.  Contributors to the book, published by Springer, include Jane Honikman, Dr. Catherine Birndorf, Dr. Margaret Spinelli, Dr. Shaila Misri, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, George Parnham, Cheryl Beck and many others. This is a ground-breaking text on the issue in terms of its breadth and depth ... there is none other that provides such a comprehensive overview of the entire issue in a multidisciplinary format.

"The point of the book is that without educating our healthcare teams, we can raise awareness all we want but those who need to identify and help these women will still not be up to par," said Stone.  "Hopefully readers in various disciplines will be moved to more fully explore the issue after reading these 'perspectives' chapters."

The second, called "Therapy and the Postpartum Woman: Notes on Healing Postpartum Depression for Clinicians and the Women Who Seek Their Help", is written by Karen Kleiman.  It is currently available for pre-ordering here and will be published in September.

The book, published by Routledge, provides a comprehensive look at effective therapy for postpartum depression.  Using a blend of professional objectivity, evidence-based research and personal, straightforward suggestions gathered from years of experience, Kleiman's book brings the reader into the private world of therapy with the postpartum woman.   Based on Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioral theories, D.W. Winnicott's "good enough mother" and the holding environment, in particular, it was written by a therapist who has specialized in the treatment of postpartum depression for more than 20 years.

I haven't had a chance to read Susan's book yet (I'm sure it's amazing), but I have seen Karen's and I found it completely fascinating even though I'm not a clinician.  It was so interesting to see that my reactions are not unlike so many other women who go through these illnesses, and to learn how to get around all of my blocks and objections to being diagnosed and treated. 

Kleiman To Release New Book on Postpartum Therapy

A new book entitled "Therapy and the Postpartum Woman: Notes on Healing Postpartum Depression for Clinicians and the Women Who Seek Their Help" (Routledge) will be available in September 2008 (or for pre-order now either through Routledge or Amazon.) It will be a valuable resource for clinicians specializing in the treatment of PPD and as well as women who are in therapy or contemplating entering therapy for support.  The book was written by Karen Kleiman, author of "This Isn't What I Expected: Recognizing & Recovering from Depression & Anxiety After Childbirth" and "What Am I Thinking? Having A Baby After Postpartum Depression".

Postpartum Depression Resources Just For Dads

While it is crucial that women have as much information as possible when suffering a postpartum mood disorder, I think it is equally important for family members to understand the role they can play in supporting these women -- especially husbands.  Having a supportive husband who understands what you're going through and provides the right kind of help plays a big part in recovery.  I've been meaning to let all of you know about a great resource for new dads with wives/partners going through postpartum mood disorders -- Postpartum Dads.  You can go to the Postpartum Dads website by linking here.  This site features information to help dads understand what women with perinatal mood disorders are going through, what they themselves are going through and what can be done about it.  It also features personal stories of men who have made it through this experience and how they dealt with it.  I think this is a wonderful resource, because men are very much affected by their partners' illnesses, often unsure what to do and unsure about their own feelings and how to deal with them.  I also often point people to Karen Kleiman's book, The Postpartum Husband, which offers practical solutions for living with postpartum depression.  We can't forget that the men are going through this with us, and they need help too!

Barnes to Appear on CBS Monday June 11

Wendy Davis of PSI gave me a heads up that PSI's past president Diana Lynn Barnes will be interviewed on the CBS Early show on June 11.  She will be discussing her new book, "The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters."  CBS has a good history of positively covering the issue of postpartum mood disorders and the need for more research and treatment.

A Roundup of Major Stories & PPMD News

You should see my inbox these days!  I can't keep up!  There is a LOT going on.  First things first, below is a current list of support groups.  Please check it out if you're looking for one in your area.

Download ppd_support_groups_52207.doc

This is a link to a good article that just came out of the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association this week.  No real new news, but it's nice to see the recognition of perinatal mood disorders as a spectrum disorder, and the fact that onset can occur anytime throughout the first year postpartum. 

This is a link to a new book called "Crazy In America: The Hidden Tragedy of Our Criminalized Mentally Ill".  It sounds like it could be good, and similar to Pete Earley's book called "Crazy", which I absolutely loved. 

I've added another beautiful survivor mom to our Surviving & Thriving Mothers' Photo Album.  Thanks Shannon for sending me the picture. 

Here's a link to a great editorial from Newsday by Sandra Wolkoff.   One highlight that reminds us we just don't get over this in a day:

"Frequently, women convince themselves that any slight improvement is a sign that recovery is around the corner. When the black clouds of despair return hours or days later, or another medication seems to prove ineffective, they feel like failures."

Here's a link to a recent story that appeared on the NBC affiliate in San Diego about the Michael Spangler, husband of Annie who committed suicide three years ago after suffering from postpartum depression.  I'm so sorry for his and his little boy's loss, especially when we all know these tragedies are completely unnecessary.

Here's a link to a story from last week in Chicago about Tonya Vasilev, who was found mentally insane for the killing of her two children.  She had suffered depression since childhood, and had been diagnosed with postpartum depression.  The judge said he felt comfortable finding her insane because of the expert medical testimony, thus Tonya will now receive lifelong commitment to a mental health facility rather than prison or the death penalty.  (Trust me, this doesn't mean I'm comfortable with those sweet children being killed.  I can think of nothing more awful and tragic.  But we need to work harder to treat and protect the mentally ill so that things like this don't happen.)

Margaret Trudeau, the ex-wife of the late prime minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau, spoke up about mental health recently and the importance of mental health check-ups to all Canadians.  Trudeau herself suffered from postpartum depression.  Here is a link to the story.

3 New Books About Postpartum Depression

There are lots of new books coming out that are about postpartum mood disorders.  Here are three to look for:

1)  Wiped! by Rebecca Eckler.  Eckler is a parenting columnist for the Globe & Mail daily newspaper in Canada, and shares her experience with postpartum depression, as well as funny accounts of the highs and lows of being a new mom.

2) The Journey to Parenthood:  Myths, Reality and What Really Matters by Diana Lynn Barnes and Leigh Balber.  Barnes, a past president of Postpartum Support International, and Balber help couples run through a "psychological dress rehearsal" of what life will be like once the baby is born and address issues in advance of the baby's arrival.

3)  The Lifter of My Head by Susan McRoberts.  McRoberts writes about how God sustained her during her bout with postpartum depression, and she shares scriptures and prayers that were helpful during that time.

New Book Offers Advice & Comfort from Survivors Around the World

There is a new book out for women suffering from postpartum mood disorders.  Titled "The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book: Real Stories from Women Who Lived Through It and Recovered", it features stories from real women around the world who have recovered from postpartum mood disorders and share a passion to help other mothers get through it.  Author Sandra Poulin recovered from PPD herself and decided to write the kind of book that she herself had wanted to read when she was going through it - but could not find. 

As the press release explains, "Until now, virtually all postpartum depression books have been written from a clinical perspective by medical professionals. Here, in a first of its kind collection, are stories of women's battles with PPD, with intimate details about the symptoms, the struggles, and the strategies that helped them emerge victorious ... Mothers share their challenges with sleep deprivation, anxiety, colicky and ill babies, and other issues that sent them into a downward spiral. Offering hope and reassurance, readers will find support from 'everyday' mothers who've 'been there'."  (Note: In my opinion, I consider chemical brain imbalances to be the source of sending us into a downward spiral, not colicky babies and sleep deprivation as the press release seems to infer.  Those things just make the experience worse.  Anyway ...)

I think the book sounds good -- it is so helpful to see what others go through and realize you're not alone and you don't have to hide what's happening to you.  I haven't had the chance to read the book yet, but I can't imagine it could be anything other than reassuring to those who go through postpartum mood disorders.  If you're interesting in ordering it from Amazon.com, look to the right of your screen, scroll down to the "Read Up" list, and click the link to the book.

"Down Came the Rain" Now In Paperback

Brooke Shields's book "DOWN CAME THE RAIN: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression" is now available in paperback (ISBN: 1401308465).  If you don't already have a copy, now would be the time to get one!  It's a great book to help remind you that you're not alone and no different from all the other women who go through this!

Thinking of Having Another One??

Download PostpartumPactff.pdf 

Karen Kleiman, author of the book "This Isn't What I Expected," has shared with me a special tool that she provides to women who have gone through PPD and are considering having another child.  I thought you might find it useful.  You can download it using the link above.

Kleiman calls her checklist the "Postpartum Pact".  It also appears in her book "What Am I Thinking: Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression".  It is a four-page series of check-off points for couples to review together when preparing for a subsequent delivery after PPD.   For more info, you can also visit her website at www.postpartumstress.com.

Brooke Shield's Story Coming May 3

Brooke Shields' book "Down Came the Rain", about her experience with postpartum depression, will be released on May 3.  Amazon.com describes it this way:

In this compelling memoir, Brooke Shields talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provides millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery.

When Brooke Shields welcomed her newborn daughter, Rowan Francis, into the world, something unexpected followed -- a crippling depression. Now, for the first time ever, Brooke talks about the trials, tribulations, and finally the triumphs that occurred before, during, and after the birth of her daughter.

In what is sure to strike a chord with the millions of women who suffer from depression after childbirth, America's sweetheart Brooke Shields shares how she, too, battled this debilitating condition that is widely misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects many new mothers. She discusses the illness in the context of her life, including her struggle to get pregnant, the high expectations she had for herself and that others placed on her as a new mom, and the role of her husband, friends, and family as she struggled to attain her maternal footing in the midst of a disabling depression. And, ultimately, Brooke shares how she found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time.

Exhibiting an informed voice and a self-deprecating sense of humor, this first memoir from a woman who has grown up before the eyes of the world is certain to attract the attention and empathy of many new mothers and fans alike.

Order it here from the PSI bookstore.

Those of you living in the New York area or California can see her at the following book signings:
*  Saturday, May 7 at noon at the  Costco in West Lake Village
*  Saturday, May 7 at 7pm at Borders Books & Music in Torrance   
*  Monday, May 9 at 7pm at the Barnes & Noble at Union Square in NYC             
*  Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30pm at the Barnes & Noble in Princeton, NJ            
*  Wednesday, May 11 at 7pm at the RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT

New Book from Kleiman

Karen Kleiman, author of "This Isn't What I Was Expecting" has a new book coming out this month called "What Am I Thinking?"  It is a self-help book to prepare women for a subsequent pregnancy after a previous episode of PPD. As you know, so many women are terrified of going through PPD again and wonder if it will be worse the next time.  This book will help empower them with the information learned from their previous experience and arm them with the resources they need to forge forward through the journey of another pregnancy and postpartum period.  Sounds like a much-needed guide for anyone wanting to have another child!

Much to Do

I haven't been able to post for a while, with so much going on in my work and family life. But I'm back with a vengeance today, as you can hopefully see by the handful of postings I've made.

I heard from Shirley Halverson a while back. Her daughter died as a result of postpartum psychosis, and she wrote her daughter's story in a book called Beth: A Story of Postpartum Psychosis. It is available at www.authorhouse.com or www.Amazon.com.

Shirley says their experience with the medical field was indescribable, and that they knew nothing in 1986. Sadly enough, so many OB/GYNs, primary care physicians and others still know very little and seem unprepared to treat many of us in 2004.

I can't tell you how many women I've talked to who have been ignored, been told it's just the baby blues, been told they'll get better with exercise and rest, been told they can't be treated because they don't have the right kind of insurance to cover psychiatric care. The list goes on. I talked to a young woman last week (hey Pam!) who is a nurse working in a trauma unit of a hospital, and she said she was completely unprepared for her illness, and neither are any of her colleagues. She felt bad that she herself didn't get the best help available immediately, and she feels bad that other women who come to her hospital may not get the right help either. So she has begun to work to fix that situation.

We all need to work to fix that situation.

The Truth Doesn't Hurt

One of the problems with women getting hit so hard by postpartum depression and other related illnesses is that honest information about such issues is completely glossed over by most everyone who prepares women for childbirth and beyond. In my birth prep class, the nurse from my hospital mentioned the baby blues, maybe a sentence about PPD, and then said, "But none of my patients ever have that problem, and you won't either." The book What To Expect When You're Expecting devotes two-and-a-half pages to it (see pgs. 398-400) and includes information like "Probably the only good thing about postpartum depression is that it doesn't last very long -- about 48 hours for most women." Then the authors go on to talk about such remedies as getting help from others, unwinding with a cocktail, going out to dinner, and getting to know other new mothers. Finally, at the very end, there is one single paragraph that mentions seeking counseling if it lasts for more than two weeks accompanied by " ... sleeplessness, lack of appetite, a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness ..." Two pages, and only one paragraph that begins to get at the truth of this terrible illness. Yet this is the quintessential guide for pregnant women everywhere. I think it's important to get over the fear of upsetting mothers with uncomfortable information in pregnancy. I wish someone had told me what intrusive thoughts were before my son was born, so I wouldn't have sat alone in fear that I had lost my mind.