The Postpartum Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Postpartum Depression

4 Comments

1. Sarah J. Bailey says:

   March 9, 2010 at 1:50 am

   I received The Postpartum Guide to Depression through Tyndale House Publishing blogger review program. Written by Dr. Paul Meier, Dr. Todd Clements and registered nurse Lynne Johnson, all three who work at the Meier Clinic, a Christian based treatment center for psychiatric disorders, including postpartum depression and psychosis.

   I enjoy reading books that center around birth and pregnancy and since I also worked at a mental health facility this book piqued my interest, especially since it was Christian based. I liked the fact that many Scriptures were given in reference points in regards to certain aspects of healing from depression. There were several first hand accounts from women who have suffered from postpartum depression and psychosis, which brought the issues home, so to speak.

   It did seem as if the authors were all for prescribing medications though instead of actively praying and seeking God’s healing. There was some talk of nutrition and supplements (two were mentioned to the point it felt like an infomercial for awhile – they are personally endorsed by Dr. Paul Meier) being used to help bring healing, but for the most part it seemed as if medications were highly recommended. There were a few instances where they agreed that an intensive day treatment and no medication but this also meant the women was away from her children until the evening. I know that depression is a problem with serotonin levels and there are times that medication is called for, but not in all instances. I myself am living proof of that. Also not everyone can afford the vitamins that are recommended to be used.

   Two other things that bothered me was the fact that while citing Scriptures we see that the authors don’t see that it is a Biblical mandate for women to be at home, going so far to say that men can be wonderful caretakers (this is true) and that sometimes it is financially better for the woman to work while the dad stays home. Saying that the Bible doesn’t have near the rules from God that we put upon ourselves. If this is true that we can decide that part of the Bible isn’t true, then the rest of it must be lying as well – this isn’t what God tells us in His Word. Also home birth, natural labor and no inductions was put down in a case study, these are valid options just as inducing, hospital birth and epidurals are (he does say this, although with the caveat that complications are more likely to arise in a home birth, I have not read of this proof and have read that the opposite is true). I also felt like those who choose to breastfeed past 6 to 8 months are foolish in their decision, maybe this is because all three of my children have nursed passed a year.

   I do believe that this book can be help when the good is taken and the bad discarded, like anything else that is read. The fact that it has Scripture makes it a better book than one from a purely secular viewpoint on depression. I also know that I don’t have a medical degree but I do have some background in mental health and social service, my opinion can not be taken as medical advice, but I would read this book with caution and discuss it with your Christian doctor or midwife and get their opinion.

   Rating: 3 / 5
2. Martha A. says:

   March 9, 2010 at 2:21 am

   This little book is just packed with info about PPD, which effects so many women in small ways to serious ways that will effect them the rest of their lives. I think this book is a great tool for those in the medical profession to have on hand as a reference guide for women to read and realize the feelings they have experienced are normal and if it gets bad, you can fix it. There was a few minor things that I think could have been better researched as there was a comment in one chapter about about how homebirth is statistically unsafe, which is not true at all, if attended by a properly trained midwife with low risk patients, the above reviewer stated it fairly well about that. It was simply not true what he stated, but it was minor.
   
   Over all though, this book was one of the best, inclusive short guides to PPD for a mom to read and be informed. I think even moms who simply have experienced the hormonal ups and downs after childbirth would benefit from it.
   
   I liked how it addressed how PPD can stem from a birth experience that did not go the way you planned for emergency reasons, such as stillbirth, handicaps, C-sections, and others.
   
   If you know a mom who is struggling, this would be a great one to have on hand to lend her as something that can help many women.
   Rating: 4 / 5
3. Margaret A. Chind says:

   March 9, 2010 at 5:02 am

   What an incredible resource. This book is written to pregnancy soon to be mothers, fathers, other friends and family of pregnant mothers and more. Coming from so many different angles this is a book that shows that some postpartum depression can be completely normal and it is how you handle it (and not ignore it) that really matters. In my opinion there are some things that I am hesitant to agree with in manners of breast feeding and such, but I can understand where the authors are coming from in making their point. I have also found that where some things I was adamant about my decision, from reading their psychological medical point of view, I can now see how a different decision or an open minded scenario might be preferable to every one’s health. I truly feel that reading this book has been a benefit to my pregnancy and suggest it to others to read as well.
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Jennifer Bogart says:

   March 9, 2010 at 5:22 am

   While 80% of all women experience some degree of postpartum depression after the birth of a child, this common mood disorder is still viewed with disdain amongst some sections of the Christian community as well as in the world at large. Many women are told to `buck up’, pray more, and get it together. The shame a woman feels when accused of spiritual shortcomings only compounds the problem when the cause is often biochemical.

   Thankfully Dr. Paul Meier is on a mission to change all of that for Christian women, and as a woman who has and does experience postpartum depression in spurts, his work has blessed me immensely. The writing team of The Postpartum Survival Guide approaches depression from a medically oriented perspective, though they include suggestions for nutritional and lifestyle changes as well. Meier is both a psychiatrist and ordained minister, Dr. Todd Clements is also a psychiatrist, and Lynne Johnson is a psychiatric nurse. The strongest voice is that of Dr. Meier; when personal illustrations are shared they are drawn from Meier’s experiences. Johnson’s touch can also be felt through some of the feminine touches, though her role was primarily the compilation of case studies and translating them into story form.

   This concise guide to postpartum depression is an excellent primer to the illness. The authors share both an introduction to the disorder, sections written specifically for husbands, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and suggestions for further treatment. Written from a Christian perspective, the presence of God at work in the lives of each patient is a given, but you’ll not find heavy theological musings here. Eminently practical suggestions are shared throughout, alongside true-life examples from depression survivors.

   Having suffered from postpartum depression following two of my three pregnancies, I deeply sympathized with the women who shared their stories of struggling through the darkness of depression. Dr. Meier’s work has equipped me to tackle afresh my symptoms, and I have already found much improvement through further research into the suggestions made in the Survival Guide. The authors are quick to suggest appropriate medications throughout, but those interested in trying a natural approach will also find many helpful suggestions within.

   However excellent the title is in general, I was disappointed to find the authors making some inaccurate statements concerning midwifery and breastfeeding. Midwifery is portrayed as dangerous, and nursing past six months as somewhat foolish. As a mother of three home-birthed babies I can attest to the safety of homebirths in most circumstances, and I’ve also been delighted to practice extended breastfeeding with my children.

   Despite these statements, I highly recommend The Postpartum Survival Guide to any mother struggling with sadness, lethargy, and moodiness following delivery. Just read it with a pinch of salt. Based on the symptoms and strategies shared within I’ve finally discovered a likely cause for my extensive hair-loss. By pointing out thyroid malfunction as a cause for hair loss amongst postpartum women, I’m now supplementing my diet with additional iodine, which has resulted in a miraculous improvement in mood and energy. With a more complete understanding of brain biochemistry I’m also now supplementing with vital amino acids as Dr. Meier recommends for all of his patients.

   While your symptoms may differ from mine, I’m confident that this work will touch upon your particular needs. While it is not the most comprehensive work dealing with the issue, it is certainly well-rounded, providing natural as well as medical interventions and explores all of the salient points. I feel extraordinarily blessed to have read this work, the lifting of unnecessary shame alone well worth it.
   Rating: 4 / 5