Postpartum Depression For Dummies
Shoshana S. Bennett
For Dummies
It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover.Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what’s going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. Postpartum Depression For Dummies reveals:Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPDHow to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPDThe difficulties of getting a proper diagnosisThe role and importance of a therapistThe benefits of medication for depressionAlternative treatments with  a successful track recordHow to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatmentWays you can help foster recoveryThe nutrition you need to care for yourself properlyHow to help your partner help youPostpartum Depression For Dummies also provides the additional resources you need—web sites, organizations, and further reading—to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom.