Describing her own experiences with traumatic birth and postpartum depression as well as those of other mothers, the author helps the reader understand the scientific and personal sides of this often-unanticipated problem. The stories represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives that underscore the prevalence of mood disorders after childbirth and serve as a balm to help heal and stir hope, offering solace to mothers who have experienced these mood disorders.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-262) and index.
Contents
Foreword / by Dr. Diana Lynn Barnes -- Nobody told me it wouldn't be perfect : my story of postpartum trauma -- part 1. The illnesses: A different kind of war : when childbirth leads to posttraumatic stress ; Postpartum depression and anxiety : worse than we think ; Over and over : the unsettling spiral of postpartum OCD ; Postpartum psychosis : a break with reality -- part 2. Fighting back: Shaking off the shame : how to confront stigma ; What about Dad? : help by and for men ; A struggle worth sharing : how women heal from PMADs -- part 3. Hope for the futue: Getting there : where we've been, and where we need to go ; Better for it : when postpartum pain is used for good.
