Drug Therapy and Postpartum Disorders

Everyone told Sandra she would be happy. People described in rapt detail the overwhelming feeling of love and purpose that would envelop her at her daughter's birth. Nothing prepared Sandra for the heavy fog of dread and loss that descended upon her in the delivery room on the day she gave birth. When the nurse handed her the crying, bruised, purple-pink bundle, Sandra had to fight the urge to hand the bundle back and run. She wanted to turn the clock back nine months before any of this had happened. When she did spend time with her daughter, instead of singing soothing lullabies, Sandra found herself whispering, "I hate you. I wish you had never been born."

Pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood is supposed to be a time filled with the joy and wonder of bringing a new life into the world. Unfortunately, some women find that the struggles of early motherhood are accompanied by multiple sorrows that clash with this picturesque ideal. As difficult as it may be for a person who has not experienced it to understand, Sandra's feelings are quite common among new mothers struggling with the physical, emotional, and social upheaval that follows giving birth. In this transitional period, some women become more vulnerable to depression and may experience psychiatric disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Drug Therapy and Postpartum Disorders will tell you more about these disorders, the experiences of women who have faced them, and the treatments that can help.

Describes the characteristics and drug treatment of postpartum depression and related psychiatric disorders.

Everyone told Sandra she would be happy. People described in rapt detail the overwhelming feeling of love and purpose that would envelop her at her daughter's birth. Nothing prepared Sandra for the heavy fog of dread and loss that descended upon her in the delivery room on the day she gave birth. When the nurse handed her the crying, bruised, purple-pink bundle, Sandra had to fight the urge to hand the bundle back and run. She wanted to turn the clock back nine months before any of this had happened. When she did spend time with her daughter, instead of singing soothing lullabies, Sandra found herself whispering, "I hate you. I wish you had never been born."

Pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood is supposed to be a time filled with the joy and wonder of bringing a new life into the world. Unfortunately, some women find that the struggles of early motherhood are accompanied by multiple sorrows that clash with this picturesque ideal. As difficult as it may be for a person who has not experienced it to understand, Sandra's feelings are quite common among new mothers struggling with the physical, emotional, and social upheaval that follows giving birth. In this transitional period, some women become more vulnerable to depression and may experience psychiatric disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Drug Therapy and Postpartum Disorders will tell you more about these disorders, the experiences of women who have faced them, and the treatments that can help.

Cathi I. White - Children's Literature

Everyone thinks that after having a baby the mother should be happy, exuberant, and full of joy. But for some women this is just not so. Some women fear taking care of their babies, some become depressed, and some are overwhelmed. Women who feel this way may be experiencing a postpartum disorder. Postpartum disorders may start from the time the baby is born up until a year later. Women go through a lot of changes after a baby is born- changes that are emotional, physical, and social. This time can be one of anxiety, confusion, irritability, and sadness. The new mother can experience feelings of inadequacy, anxiety about taking care of the baby, and negative feelings or thoughts about the child. Treatment for postpartum disorders can include medication, but not necessarily. Some mothers get help with group therapy, exercising with others, or psychotherapy. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are some other important ways to help the problem. Interesting and easily understood, this book is well written. Reading about women who have experienced this disorder, such as Marie Osmond, help the reader to get a better picture of what postpartum disorders are like. This book would be good for expectant mothers. This book is part of the series, "Psychiatric Disorders: Drugs and Psychology for the Mind and Body." 2004, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 12 up.