Books Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
Digital Life Brooke Shields Average Rating:

Rating: - Thank you Brooke
No matter how many other women I speak with who have experienced PPD, I am still relieved to know that I wasn't the only one. I always want to hear their story. I was able to identify with so many aspects of Brooke's depression: guilt, confusion, exhaustion, delusions, but still her experience was uniquely hers. I appreciate the fact that although she is a celebrity, she appears approachable and normal and is a great spokesperson for this condition. I was happy to see that she came out her depression with promising results. This was a really good book.

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Rating: - Beautiful + Vital Material
This book is so well written, that I would suggest it to anyone who is thinking of having children, or anyone who suspects that they may be suffering from postpartum depression. At first, Brooke just WANTS a child so much. When she finally gets the child, she starts to go through the depression. To add to her sadness, her father dies soon after she has her daughter. She then starts to have divided feelings about her child. She also starts to resent having her freedom greatly compromised. (Even to the point of having a death wish.) Sadly, her mother and others threw 'generic advice' at her, and this nearly drove her to suicide. We can sympathize when she says: "I was a healthy minded and capable woman who simply shouldn't have had a child." It is interesting that when she started to work again, and when she was able to express her honest feelings to objective friends, she really started to sound much better. She also places demands on our sympathy when she points out her flaw: "I had put so much time, effort, and emotion into getting pregnant that I had not really considered how my life might change once I actually had the baby." She also raises a really important issue: "I know families are never perfect, and I am learning to let go of wishing they were." She underlines that 1 in 10 women go through postpartum depression, and that if you suspect you have it, you must seek help. She also says that it is: 'NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF.' She also points out that: "Above all, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU DON'T LOVE YOUR CHILD." Not only is this book beautifully written, but it is full of vital information. Also, Brooke shows that while we have weaknesses, it IS possible to rise above them.

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Rating: - A Must-read for Every Pregnant Woman
The subject of post-partum depression is not discussed as much as it should be discussed. I bought this book for my daughter after she suffered from post-partum depression after the birth of my grandson. She thought that she was the only to have these feelings and was very ashamed of how she felt. I was clueless to her feelings. Along with reading all the pregnancy books, this book and others on this subject should be read before giving birth.

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Rating: - Out came the sun!
My daughter is almost five now and this book finally allowed me the validation I didn't realize I needed!

It may sound "out there" yet once I completed this book (in like two days and I am NOT a reader) I felt so much peace deep inside where I had stuffed my emotions so I could "get it together" for the sake of those around me who could not begin to understand.

I am not a huge fan of medication (as Brooke also professed) yet while I did get a prescription for my ppd, it didn't work well. With being in the middle of a move and all the "Tom Cruise hype"; I didn't persue a different med. I believe if I had, I could have saved myself, family and friends many negative memories.

This book is a must read for any new mom (not to mention anyone who even knows a new mom!). I now realize all mom's have symptoms of this in some degree and it's important to know it's ok. We're not unfit mothers, we just need a little help. And for those who know a new mom, it's so important to know how to help; by coming along side.

Just loved it and am seeking other books Brooke has written; what a terrific author, who knew!? :))