Introduction.

Chapter 1: The Myths and Realities of Postpartum Mental Illness.

"Feeling Badly Is a Normal Part of Being a New Mother."

"If I Tell Anyone How I’m Feeling, They Will Take My Baby Away."

"I Should Just Pull Myself Up by My Bootstraps."

"If I Feel This Badly I Am Not Meant to Be a Mother and I Am a Bad Mother."

"There Are No Safe Treatments, So Why Bother Getting Help?"

Chapter 2: Are You at Risk?

The First Layer of Risk.

Biological Risk Factors.

Psychological Risk Factors.

Social Risk Factors.

Chapter 3: Do You have Postpartum Depression?

What's Normal?

When Baby Brings the Blues.

The Big "D" Word: Postpartum Depression.

Recognizing PPD: What to Watch out For.

Postpartum Anxiety Disorders.

Postpartum Mental Health Emergencies.

Chapter 4: Start by Helping Yourself.

Tuning into Your Thoughts.

How to Combat Anxiety.

Managing Your Expectations.

Stop Trying to Please.

Giving up Control to Gain Peace of Mind.

Comparison Shopping: Every Mom and Every Baby Are Different!

Easier Said Than Done.

Caring for Yourself.

Sleep and PPD.

If Breastfeeding Is an Issue.

Eating Well.

Just Do It: Get Active.

Getting Out of the House.

Take Time for Yourself.

Stabilize and Simplify Your Life.

Chapter 5: Getting Professional Help.

Who to Turn to For Help.

How Do I Know If This Is the Right Person for Me?

What Will Happen When I Consult a Mental Health Care Provider?

Where Else Can I Find Help?

Chapter 6: Psychotherapy.

What Exactly Is Psychotherapy?

Is Psychotherapy Like Venting to a Friend?

How Can Just Talking Make Me Feel Better?

How to Get the Most Out of Therapy.

Types of Psychotherapy.

Two's Company and Three or More Is a Group.

Chapter 7: Medication.

Medication Myth Busting.

A Fine Balance.

Commonly Asked Questions About Taking Medication.

Which Medications Are Used to Treat PPD and PPA?

Other Medications that Maybe Needed.

Medications and Breastfeeding.

Treating Depression During Pregnancy.

Treatment for Women with Bipolar Disorder.

Finding the Truth Behind Scary News Stories.

Other Treatments for PPD.

Natural Treatments and Dietary Supplements.

Chapter 8: Weaving Your Web of Support.

You Really Do Need Support.

Me, Ask for Help? No Way!

Figuring Out What You Need.

Where to Get Information and Advice.

How to Ask for What You Need.

Chapter 9: Just the Two of You: The Postpartum Partnership.

A Letter to Your Partner.

A Letter from Your Partner.

A Team Approach: How You and Your Partner Can Get Through This.

What Can I Say? Communicating With Your Partner.

Chapter 10: Moving On.

The Other Side: Recovering from PPD or PPA.

Baby Love: Connecing With Your Baby.

What to Expect on the Road to Recovery.

Staying Well.

Making It Easier the Next Time Around.

Appendices.

Acknowledgments.

Postpartum Screening Tool.

Programs That Specialize in Treating Women With Pregnancy and.

Postpartum Mental Health Issues.

Resources.

The Big Picture: Making Large Scale Change.

Bibliography.

Index.