When baby brings the blues: solutions for postpartum depression

Dedication

Introduction

Chapter 1. The Myths and Realities of Postpartum Mental Illness

"Feeling Badly Is a Normal Part of Being a New Mother"

"If I Tell Anyone How I'm Feeling, They Will Take My Baby Away"

"I Should Just Pull Myself Up by My Bootstraps"

"If I Feel This Badly I Am Not Meant to Be a Mother and I Am a Bad Mother"

"There Are No Safe Treatments, So Why Bother Getting Help?"

Chapter 2. Are You at Risk?

The First Layer of Risk

Biological Risk Factors

Psychological Risk Factors

Social Risk Factors

Breastfeeding Issues

Chapter 3. Do You have Postpartum Depression?

What's Normal?

When Baby Brings the Blues

The Big "D" Word: Postpartum Depression

Recognizing PPD: What to Watch out For

Postpartum Anxiety Disorders

Postpartum Mental Health Emergencies

Chapter 4. Start by Helping Yourself

Tuning into Your Thoughts

How to Combat Anxiety

Managing Your Expectations

Stop Trying to Please

Giving up Control to Gain Peace of Mind

Comparison Shopping: Every Mom and Every Baby Are Different!

Caring for Yourself

Sleep and PPD

If Breastfeeding Is an Issue

Eating Well

Just Do It: Get Active

Getting Out of the House

Taking Time for Yourself

Stabilize and Simplify Your Life

Chapter 5. Getting Professional Help

Who to Turn to For Help

How Do I Know If This Is the Right Person for Me?

What Will Happen When I Consult a Mental Health Care Provider?

Where Else Can I Find Help?

Chapter 6. Psychotherapy

What Exactly Is Psychotherapy?

Is Psychotherapy Like Venting to a Friend?

How Can Just Talking Make Me Feel Better?

How to Get the Most Out of Therapy

Types of Psychotherapy

Two's Company and Three or More Is a Group

Chapter 7. Medications

Medication Myth Busting

A Fine Balance

Commonly Asked Questions About Taking Medication

Which Medications Are Used to Treat PPD and PPA?

Other Medications that May be Needed

Medications and Breastfeeding

Treating Depression During Pregnancy

Treatment for Women with Bipolar Disorder

Finding the Truth Behind Scary News Stories

Other Treatments for PPD

Natural Treatments and Dietary Supplements

Chapter 8. Weaving Your Web of Support

You Really Do Need Support

Me, Ask for Help? No Way!

Figuring Out What You Need

Information and Advice

How to Ask for What You Need

Chapter 9. Just the Two of You: The Postpartum Partnership

A Letter to Your Partner

A Letter from Your Partner

A Team Approach: How You and Your Partner Can Get Through This

What Can I Say? Communicating With Your Partner

Chapter 10. Moving On

The Other Side: Recovering from PPD or PPA

Baby Love: Connecing With Your Baby

What to Expect on the Road to Recovery

Staying Well

Making It Easier the Next Time Around

Appendices

Acknowledgments

Postpartum Depression Screening Tool

Programs That Specialize in Treating Women With Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health Issues

Resources

The Big Picture: Making Large Scale Change

Bibliography

Index