Depression After Childbirth: How to Recognise, Treat, and Prevent Postnatal Depression » (REV)

Dalton, Katharina; Holton, Wendy M.

Depression after Childbirth is the classic text on postnatal depression, one that countless women have found invaluable in helping them understand and cope with this devastating disorder. Now in print for over 20 years, and in its 4th edition, the text has been extensively updated and includes many new chapters drawing on the latest scientific findings.

Virginia Galloway

This book provides information regarding recognition of postnatal depression signs and symptoms, and includes a discussion of hormonal and psychosocial factors. It concludes with a persuasive argument for progesterone therapy to prevent postnatal illnesses, along with helpful hints for new mothers and their families. "With considerable maternal interest and involvement in the birth process, as well as heightened social awareness of postnatal illnesses, it is necessary and important for women, their families, and even the public to discuss preventative treatment of postnatal illnesses. The book is persuasive in urging women to investigate hormonal therapy, citing statistical support, personal anecdotes, and the author's clinical experience spanning 40 years. "According to the author, the book is targeted at the public with the goal of increasing awareness to further preventative treatment. In my opinion, the book should be accessible to the public. I think the main audience are those affected, namely women, their families, and the healthcare community, specifically community physicians and midwives. The author is from England and the book reflects a subtle English, as opposed to American, inclination. "In regard to the hormonal information, a few more illustrations would be useful. The references are pertinent and current, although a complete reference for some cited research other than the author's own would be appreciated. The table of contents is adequate, although it is questionable if the hormone section should be the first chapter after the introduction, because it is the most difficult to comprehend. The book contains a glossary, index, suggestions for further reading, usefuladdresses for women and their families, and a listing of original papers by the author. Readers will especially appreciate the section on useful addresses. "I think this book is informative and needed. The overall structure of the book could be more dynamic and assertive, but it is very supportive and informative for new mothers and their families as well as healthcare providers. For the U.S. population, more information concerning American postnatal associations would be useful. New mothers, their families, libraries, women's clinics, and healthcare centers should purchase this book as a guide and reference.