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Non-Pharmacologic Treatments for Depression in New Mothers
Book review
When PPD and postpartum psychosis made me delusional and unable to care for myself and my children, psychiatric drugs (an antipsychotic and a muscle relaxer) got me some sleep, but it was the subsequent months I spent researching and trying the natural treatments suggested by Dr. Kendall-Tackett that brought me complete healing.
Now I feel better than I'd felt in years. I learned how to care for my body, brain, and whole self (mind/body/spirit). I learned about the important role of social support, about supplements, and about the womanly art of setting healthy limits by saying "no" to too many undesirable volunteer commitments. Research has come a long way in helping women find treatments that prevent, reduce the severity of symptoms, and heal from potentially-devastating perinatal mood disorders.
This book is a must-read for pregnant and nursing mothers and those who care for them. As a postpartum support group facilitator and as a survivor of severe PPD, I highly recommend reading _NonPharmacologic Treatments for Depression in New Mothers_, along with Kendall-Tackett's other publications. During my pregnancy, Kendall-Tackett's resources formed the basis for writing my husband and I to write our own comprehensive postpartum care plan, which we shared with healthcare providers, the psychiatrist, midwife, doulas, and family. That planning made for an easier postpartum, with fewer symptoms and quicker healing, than either of the previous two.
PPD is too common and too severe to ignore. Babies, children, marriages, and women's health are at stake. Natural prevention and treatment goes a long way, and we have Kathleen Kendall-Tackett to thank for bringing the science to a layperson's level, while citing all the studies that the professionals need to access.
Sarah Fields, Chicago, IL
Book description
Pregnant and postpartum women are at increased risk for depression. As important as it is, however, to promptly treat depression, some are voicing concern over whether the risks of antidepressant medications outweigh the benefits. Fortunately, there are more treatment choices than ever before. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett describes the various non-drug treatment modalities being used to treat even major depression. In most cases, the non-drug treatments are as effective as medications with far fewer side effects. Dr. Kendall-Tackett summarizes current research and provides an evidence base for each treatment modality and how it impacts breastfeeding. Drawing on research from the field of psychoneuroimmunology, she describes why these treatments alleviate depression, and the specific clinical applications for each approach. These modalities are breastfeeding-friendly and offer mothers viable treatment alternatives that preserve the breastfeeding relationship.
ISBN-10: 0981525709
ISBN-13: 978-0981525709
Hale Publishing, 2008
By Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
