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Postpartum Depression

Conquering Postpartum Depression A Proven Plan for Recovery Ronald Rosenberg, M.D., Deborah Greening, Ph.D., James Windell, M.A.

"The only word I could think of when reading this book was 'lifesaver.' "Women and their families will feel not only comforted by the up-to-date and practical information, but will feel that their lives will be saved by the knowledge that their symptoms can be so easily and successfully treated." -ALICE DOMAR, Ph.D., author of Healing Mind, Healthy Woman and Self Nurture "This is certainly a book that will be on my bookshelf, and I will strongly recommend it as reading to any patient and her family dealing with postpartum depression." -MARY JANE MINKIN, M.D. "Babies need happy mothers. This book will help this happen." -WILLIAM SEARS, M.D., co-author of The Baby Book

There is no way to "test" for PPD. and, as women have understood for years, there is no simple cure. In fact, historically most experts have offered reassurance that it's normal, but no real answers.

That is until now. The new book, Conquering Postpartum Depression ) Perseus Publishing; July 1, 2003; $25.00), is the first to propose a comprehensive screening system and a systematic treatment program that works.

This revolutionary treatment plan is the result of the unique and varied expertise that collaborated on the book - Ronald Rosenberg, a psychiatrist and an OB/GYN, Deborah Greening, a clinical psychologist, and James Windell, a parenting expert and therapist.

Finally, with the union of this team, women have a multidisciplinary answer that addresses all of the intricacies of PPD.

PPD is part medical condition. Readers will learn about the latest research on antidepressants and hormone treatments as well as alternative herbal remedies.

However, PPD goes beyond altering the brain chemistry through dugs, however; the psychological must also be addressed. Readers will discover the different types of psychotherapy that might work for them, everything from cognitive-behavioral treatment to family therapy to support groups.

In order to truly overcome PPD, the experts believe social support is crucial. Husband or partner, friends and family all need to come together with encouragement - understanding this is a health crisis like any other, and not something one can "snap out of."

Some women may choose alternative treatment to supplement the other measures, including massage, meditation, yoga, or exercise.

Lastly, the book argues the importance for mothers to be equipped with parenting skills at this difficult time. Mothers must be in tune with the baby's reactions,  calculate their responses and bond with the baby even in this time of depression. A depressed mother, even with an infant, can cause lasting effects - sometimes into later childhood and adolescence.

This is not merely a step program to curing PPD, readers will start to understand the condition as a whole - what causes PPD, how undiagnosed PPD can hurt the child, and genetic factors that can make women predisposed to PPD.

Also of not: this is the first book to explore genetic factors as well as "markers" or indicators that can predict who is prone to depression so preventative measures can be taken. The doctors substantiate this with original research that antidepressant medications are not harmful to the baby if taken while the mother is pregnant or breastfeeding.

This exceptional combination of authors, all of whom have worked with postpartum depression cases for several years in their respective capacities, finally offers a treatment specific to each woman's need.

Dr. Ronald Rosenberg, M.D., is a renowned expert on postpartum depression, psychiatric medications, and the treatment of depression and related mood disorders in women. On the faculty of Wayne State University School of Medicine, he is both a psychiatrist and an OB/GYN (one of the only doctors with this dual specialty in the entire country). He is a frequent speaker on postpartum depression to hospitals, medical societies, and health-related conferences. He lives in Birmingham, Michigan.

Deborah Greening, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who conducts group therapy with couples and families suffering from postpartum depression. She lives in Ferndale, Michigan.

James Windell, M.A., is a family therapist and author of several books including 8 Weeks to a Well-Behaved Child and Children Who Say No When You Want Them To Say Yes. He lives in Troy, Michigan.