Postpartum Depression for Dummies & Pregnant on Prozac, by Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, Ph.D.

Words To Mouth

I interviewed Dr. Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. longer ago than I'd like to admit. To be honest, I ran into some editing issues with the sound quality and some phone interference, so I put it on the back burner. After revisiting the interview and all the excellent info Dr. Shosh offers, I inquired some moms on their interest in the content. Many moms were interested in hearing about Postpartum Depression and the treatment. Though it's still not perfect, I re-edited the file and finally posted it. It was a bit of a pain, but I really think the information Dr. Shosh offers is priceless. I realize it won't be of interest to every Words To Mouth listener, but let's face it, we're all either parents at some time in our lives or know someone who is, so if you don't listen, just be mindful of people around you who may find this interview useful. Be aware the sound levels were a bit off, so you will hear some white noise and possibly a few phone key blurts--Hey, I tried. Description on POSTPARTUM FOR DUMMIES from the Dummies Website: It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover. Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what’s going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. POSTPARTUM FOR DUMMIES reveals: Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPD How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis The role and importance of a therapist The benefits of medication for depression Alternative treatments with a successful track record How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment Ways you can help foster recovery The nutrition you need to care for yourself properly How to help your partner help you POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION FOR DUMMIES also provides the additional resources you need—web sites, organizations, and further reading—to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom. PREGNANAT ON PROZAC from Dr. Shosh's website:Shoshana Bennett answers such questions as: Does the media exaggerate the risk? What of options such as tapering the dose? What alternatives are worth pursuing? Most importantly, Dr. Shosh empowers each woman with the knowledge to make the best decision for her. Pregnant on Prozac is a must-have for any prospective mother who has experienced depression or anxiety as well as anyone with a friend or loved one in this situation. Go to the Words To Mouth website for links To enter to win Pregnant on Prozac OR Postpartum Depression for Dummies: Make sure you are subscribed to the Words To Mouth e-newsletter (how winners announced) Leave a Comment Below sharing your own experience with postpartum depression or why this interview piqued your interest. Call 206-309-7318 and leave a voice mail message I can play on-air U.S. & Canada residents only; No P.O. Boxes, please Deadline: June 30th, 2009 ~ midnight, EDT Meet Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., "Dr. Shosh": She is the author of Postpartum Depression For Dummies and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression. Her latest book Pregnant on Prozac was released on January 10, 2009. She’s also created guided imagery audios that are specifically focused on helping moms take care of themselves. National TV shows including “20/20? and “The Doctors” feature Dr. Shosh as the postpartum expert and news stations consult her. Several publications including the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News have written articles on Dr. Shosh’s work. She’s interviewed regularly on national radio and television and has been quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines such as the Boston Globe, Glamour, Psychology Today, New York Post, Self, Cosmopolitan, USA Weekend and the Chicago Tribune. Dr. Shosh is a pioneer in the field and considered the “go-to” expert for postpartum depression. She is a survivor of two life-threatening, undiagnosed postpartum depressions. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, and is a former president of Postpartum Support International. She has helped over 18,000 women worldwide through individual consultations, support groups and wellness seminars. As a noted guest lecturer and keynote speaker, she travels throughout the US and abroad, training medical and mental health professionals to assess and treat postpartum depression and related mood disorders. She earned three teaching credentials, two masters degrees, a Ph.D. and is licensed as a clinical psychologist. She is working to pass legislation that helps reduce the incidence and impact of postpartum mood disorders.