While the birth of a baby is clearly recognized as an extremely stressful life event, few people--either patients or professionals --are able to discern the point at which a woman's response to pregnancy becomes a separate, distinct condition. Postpartum Depression integrates scientific research with the personal stories of 22 survivors of this relatively unexplored illness to offer practical guidelines for its identification and treatment. Using a biopsychosocial model, the author also discusses and illustrates the development of nursing interventions for the prevention of postpartum depression. Information outlining ways in which the nursing professional can build a resource network, locate referral agencies, and assemble a resource guide to assist the new mother in finding community-based resources is adeptly presented. The volume also includes such helpful appendices as a list of national organizations providing information to professionals who work with new mothers, and a variety of depression assessment instruments. Comprehensive and thoughtfully written, Postpartum Depression will be essential reading for students and professionals of nursing, social work, clinical psychology, and the medical sciences. "Postpartum Depression, at once demystifying, clinically practical, and intensely moving, is a wisdom-packed treasure that shows how you can be pivotal to the well-being of new mothers." --The Nurses' Book Society "Kendall-Tackett and Kantor offer up-to-date research findings as the foundation of their work.

This book is a good overview of PPD. It is appropriate for childbirth educators, health providers, outreach workers, community support people, or anyone concerned about the health and well-being of women, children, and families during the postpartum period." --ICEA Bookmarks.