Worried that you—or someone you love—might be 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 acupuncture to therapy and self-help groups—and create a comprehensive plan for recovery.
Price: $19.99 | Published January, 2009 | ISBN: 0470073357 | Read the Reviews »











I have read every word of this book and feel so strongly about it that I have wrapped it in a receiving blanket to give to New Mom’s at their Baby Showers!! This is a must to have in a household where there are kids. The humor, the tips, the resources, the written…easy to read quality are exceptional! Shoshanna does not preach, she tells it like it is. Where was this book when I gave birth to our first. Congratulations, Shoshonna on spreading the news that woman can take their life back during postpartum. Sallie Felton, Life Coach and International Talk Radio Host, salliefeltonlifecoach.com
I just finished reading “Postpartum Depression For Dummies”. It is an absolute “must read” for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it’s well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a “life saver”. The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!
I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels – the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.
Thank you to Dr. Shoshana Bennett for writing such a helpful and informative book. PPD is a very real and serious illness but most people don’t know much about it. Brooke Shields thankfully brought it briefly into the public eye but unfortunately so many women have or will experience it. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from PPD, this book will absolutely help you in your recovery. It is packed with useful information, helpful, reassuring advice, and inspirational personal anecdotes. The book covers everything about the illness and also offers tons of relevant and important resources. This book helped me immensely and I recommend it for every mom to be!
This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.
This book is by far the most thorough, comprehensive, easy to understand and follow, helpful book available on the subject of PPD. From recognition of symptoms, understanding the different forms of PPD, seeking/receiving a diagnosis, treatment options (including conventional and complimentary) and much more, it lays out an easy to follow road map to recovery.
Since PPD has many different contributing factors and they vary from woman to woman, this book offers great advice on how to approach it from all sides, including how to improve nutrition, the importance of taking breaks, ways to change negative thought patterns, how to utilize the help of support people, and the importance of sleep. Dr. Shoshana Bennett is an expert in the field of PPD and has dedicated her life to helping other women. I started seeing an immediate improvement in my symptoms after putting some of her strategies to work, and I was suffering from very severe PPD/PPA.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they (or someone they love) may be suffering from PPD, and also any healthcare professional that may encounter patients who are dealing with PPD. This illness is so frequently unrecognized, undiagnosed, and misunderstood, and Dr. Bennett sheds a guiding light on what is such a dark, confusing time for so many mothers. I’ve read so many books on the subject of postpartum depression since my journey with this horrible disorder began, and I only wish I’d found this one sooner. If you only buy one book about PPD, make it this one!
I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering with PPD, be it for the first time or a re-occurance. Dr. Bennett uses her own experience as well as those of her patients to connect with the reader. You’ll feel a sigh of relief when you realize you’re not alone and you’re not crazy!
I was able to heal and become the most amazing mom because of Dr. Bennett. I was suffering from the worst symptoms of PDD and it felt like the storm was never going to lift. My OB referred me to Dr. Bennett for counseling. I read this book before starting the sessions with her and knew I was on the right path. I found myself in her book, all my symptoms were explained and it helped me understand the feelings I was experiencing. The book provided such an understanding of my symptoms I was more aware of what I needed to focus on for each counseling session. Dr. Bennett is an uplifting counselor with such clarity I was able to leave each session with a renewed sense of self. Medication was my last resort and I am thankful I never reached that point.
I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son. As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I was suffering, as were those around me. After reading Dr. Shoshanna’s book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD. I stopped beating myself up for not being able to “do-it-all.” I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have “me” time, and asking for help with housework and childcare. By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time. And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me. I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna’s book before I had my first child. Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I’ve made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family. Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women. All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.
This book goes way beyond the typical book about post-partum depression. It covers so many ways to understand and treat PPD – holistic, traditional medicine, alternate therapies, resources online, and much much more. Presented in a no-nonsense way, with compassion and sensitivity, this book, written by a woman who has “been there done that” will provide wanna-be mothers, soon-to-be mothers, already mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, doulas etc. with viable ways to understand and deal with PPD. Preventative ideas as well! I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to read it or give it as a gift!
This incredibly written book has every angle of the illness covered at 110%. The author has done a wonderful job of incorporating knowledge, resources, humor, and wisdom in this all emcompassing informational guide. The reader can devour everything they ever wanted to know about PPD and more! Whether the reader is Dad, a partner, family, friends, or Mom herself, there is information galore to be shared with all.
A “must have” for anyone interested in the unexpected reality of PPD.
This book truly helped me “BIG TIME” I had OCD before I got pregnant and I really didn’t notice it being a big deal in my everyday life. But……When you have a baby everything intensifies by a 100%. This book helped me learn that I was not the only one that was going through this. It helped me do/take things in a different manner. Now I can leave the dirty dishes or the laundry or shoes on the floor to go play with my baby. Now Life is much better in our house for our whole family.