Help for Postpartum Depression

B'SD


25 Tevet 5770


Postpartum Depression is more than a double-whammy. The woman already physically stressed out by birthing a baby must now tend to the helpless child while her mind is assaulted by a hormone surge she can't control. Feeding, bathing, diapering, cuddling and dressing the infant require clear-headed thinking, time and energy, the things poor mom seems to have in a frighteningly low supply.

If other children are in the home, and if the fathers are oblivious to the issues or unaware of how to be helpful, the mother's problems can add up unbearably.

Here's some good news about that scary scenario.

I've reviewed a marvelous book and despite its title, it serves the needs of women of any religion. The authors simply addressed some cultural realities within the Jewish world when they wrote:

Delivery from Darkness: A Jewish Guide

to Prevention and Treatment

of Postpartum Depression

A comprehensive look at the emotional, physical, psychological and medical realities of PPD, this book explains the hormonal cascade happening during pregnancy, birth and recovery. The effects of that cascade have nothing to do with willpower, evil or goodness. The chemical reality is all on its own.

The manuscript explains PPD's low to high levels of severity, how to recognize the symptoms and how to cope with them. The personal stories in the text can relieve PPD sufferers of their senses of undeserved guilt.

Prepared by mental and medical health professionals who've experienced PPD or are professionally familiar with it, this book is a must-read filled with solutions, preventatives and coping mechanisms. Published by Feldheim, Delivery from Darkness can literally save lives.

Cry if you need to. And learn to dry your tears. THAT can help you to EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge.

Yocheved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life