The Postpartum Survival Guide

This book is truly comprehehensive, covering traditional and alternative family situations, medication options, causes, symptoms, solutions, and the range of postpartum reactions (from "baby blues" to psychosis). It's got helpful references and resources at the back of the book. There's also a risk profile questionnaire, a chapter for dads/partners, and a number of case studies. The only thing I would fault this book on, and I consider this to be a major flaw, is that *it doesn't have an index*. That's why I give it four stars instead of five. Still, it's a very helpful manual for moms, their mates, and their care providers.

All ob's should read and recommend this book to their patients suffering from post-partum depression. When I when through post-partum depression, this was the only book we could find on the subject. In fact, I gave my doctor his own copy! It was very comforting to read about new moms feeling just like I did, especially when one can think they are going crazy. I was also fortunate enough that one of the authors, Dr. Diane Sanford, lived in St. Louis. My doctor got me in to see her. With her help and her book, it probably saved my life.