Postpartum Depression For Dummies

Covers psychological, medical, and alternative treatments Identify PPD symptoms, get help, and get your life back Worried that you — or someone you love — are suffering from postpartum depression? This understanding, authoritative guide explains this sensitive disorder and how it differs from the "baby blues." You′ll see how to find the right doctors, evaluate the various treatments — from medication to therapy to self–help groups — and create a comprehensive plan for recovery. Discover how to Get an accurate diagnosis Find the proper treatments Break the cycle of negative thoughts Speed up the recovery process Get support from family and friends Plan for another baby after PPD

Foreword. Introduction. Part I: Bringing Postpartum Depression into the Light: What It’s All About. Chapter 1: The Big Adjustment:Welcome to Motherhood. Chapter 2: These Ain’t No Baby Blues: PPD, Up Close and Personal. Chapter 3: You Mean There’s More? Five Related Postpartum Disorders. Part II: The Three Little Letters: PPD and You. Chapter 4: Looking Within: Is PPD Your Big Bad Wolf? Chapter 5: A Professional Assessment: What’s Huffing and Puffing at Your Mind’s Door? Chapter 6: Seeking Out a Therapist to Keep Your Proverbial House Standing. Part III: Diagnosis Confirmed: Looking at the Treatment Options for PPD. Chapter 7: Venting Your Mind and Heart: Psychological Treatment. Chapter 8: Counteracting a Chemical Cause: Medical Treatments. Chapter 9: All Things Natural: Alternative Treatments. Chapter 10: Creating a Comprehensive Treatment Plan. Part IV: Traveling the Road to Recovery. Chapter 11: Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment. Chapter 12: Setting the Supermom Cape Aside: Caring For Yourself. Chapter 13: Coping with Your Feelings. Chapter 14: Finding Somebod(ies) to Lean On. Chapter 15: Helping Your Partner Help You. Chapter 16: Helping the One You Love: A Chapter for Family, Friends, and Partners. Part V: Moving Beyond PPD. Chapter 17: Delight at the End of the Tunnel: Emerging with a New Sense of Self. Chapter 18: Deciding Whether to Have Another Baby. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 19: Ten Common Fantasies about Motherhood. Chapter 20: Ten Thoughts to Focus on Throughout the Day. Appendix: Resources. Index.

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.