The book is by Beth Benoliel and is titled, "My Daughter's Smile." It will be available for purchase in about three weeks at Booklocker.com and on Amazon. Here is the description from the book jacket:
At 39 years old and just having had my first child, I never imagined that I could be dealing with postpartum depression. None of the baby books that I read while I was pregnant could have ever prepared me for what was ahead.
After my baby was born, whenever I cried or felt sad everyone just kept telling me that I had the baby blues or that it was my hormones still out of sorts. I was not sleeping; I couldn't eat; I was anxious and nervous all the time. I suffered panic attacks, and then eventually I thought I was going to lose my mind and hurt my baby. I was living in fear.
It took four months before I was finally diagnosed with postpartum depression and put on medication. I sought out therapy and started doing my own research.
This book is to let whoever reads it know that postpartum depression shows itself in many different forms. There are [sic] an array of symptoms for this illness. However, with therapy and possibly medication you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and make it through. I have proved it. If you read my story you will know that you are not alone.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Who We Are
We are two moms of young boys who each struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. Between us we experienced insomnia, loss of appetite, over-concern about the baby, suicidal thoughts, escape fantasies, debilitating guilt, worthlessness, agitation, inability to concentrate, hospitalization, hopelessness, excessive crying, anger, confusion and other symptoms associated with postpartum mood disorders, and have made full recoveries.
Molly has a master of social work degree from Southern Connecticut State University, where she conducted research on peer support and also co-led psychoeducational groups.
Chris has been a phone volunteer through Depression After Delivery and The Postpartum Resource Center of NY since 2002 and is a postpartum doula with the Brooklyn-based Birth Day Presence.
What We Do
Postpartum Support International's Universal Message:
We established a peer support group in Brooklyn in 2006 as a place where pregnant and postpartum women can get support if they think they are at risk for PPD, are experiencing symptoms and need further help and resources, or are in the care of a therapist and want to attend the group as part of their treatment plan. The group is free, meets twice monthly, and babies are welcome to join us. Women are encouraged to attend for as many weeks as they feel the group is helpful, whether once for information or weekly for ongoing support. Please note that the function of this group is to provide a forum for the exchange of peer support. It does not replace care provided by a licensed mental health practitioner.
Emotional support from empathetic listeners is one key part of expediting a woman's recovery from PPD. A support group might be the only place a mom feels safe to share her feelings without being judged or gossiped about, as it is private and confidential. Women in the group share and validate each others experiences, and women further along in the recovery process set an example of wellness and hope to those moms in despair.
For more information about the symptoms of and recovery from postpartum depression please see our section titled "Helpful Websites". We are growing this site and will be adding more educational information, strategies for recovery, and resources for partners, family and friends in the near future.
You are not alone
This is not your fault
You will feel better
