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Kendall-Tackett KA. Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, The Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press, 2005, paperback, 255 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7890-1839-X, $24.95.

Depression in New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Alternatives

	Introduction

The book is divided into 12 chapters, followed by a section titled "Final Thoughts," a reference section, and an index. The first 2 chapters create an excellent introductory format by looking at the myths versus the reality of postpartum depression, and why depression is harmful for both mothers and babies. Having established the facts, symptoms, and ramifications of postpartum depression, the next 5 chapters cover the influencing factors, characteristics, and risk factors that have been attributed to depression in new mothers. One chapter each is dedicated to physiological influences, negative childbirth experiences, infant characteristics, psychological risk factors, and social risk factors.

The next 4 chapters discuss assessment and treatments for postpartum depression. Chapter 8 looks at the assessment of postpartum depression, chapter 9 presents several alternative and complementary therapeutic methods, and chapter 10 covers community intervention and psychotherapy treatments. Chapter 11 focuses on psychoactive substances, such as herbs and antidepressants, that can be used to treat postpartum depression. Kendall-Tackett is very careful to emphasize the need for caution when introducing any of the medical or alternative therapies, particularly when the mother is still breastfeeding, and she also is careful in guiding the reader to quality sources for herbal products.

Chapter 12 is dedicated to one woman’s story, using quotes from the woman’s own diary and her medical records, to give the reader a unique and fascinating perspective into the world of depression in a new mother. In the concluding "Final Thoughts," Kendall-Tackett emphasizes the need for health care professionals to watch for depression in new mothers, to listen well, to know how to respond and help appropriately.

This book is definitely written for health care professionals working with women, particularly those of childbearing age. It is not a book intended for patients or clients. The style of the book is a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the current, worldwide research and how it can be used in the identification and treatment of those at increased risk for postpartum depression. The book contains systematic and comprehensive references to a great deal of research, which is supported by 19 pages of citations and followed by a comprehensive index. At times, this repeated referencing of the research disrupts the flow of the narrative, but clearly validates the material. Throughout the book the author uses quotes from people who have experienced postpartum depression, and these quotes provide the reader with an inside perspective and create a greater empathy for the patient/client.

There are several boxes, or "exhibits," throughout the book that are used to highlight specific material. These are easy to read, can be referred to quickly, and often contain Web site URLs for easy access to more information. An example of the box exhibits is in the supplements section of chapter 9, and lists Web resources for pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplements.

This is not a book that is specifically aimed at the physical therapist; however, it is intended for any health care professional working with new mothers or expectant mothers. Many of the risk factors for postnatal depression are centered on the pregnancy and birth experience, and all professionals working with this patient/client population should be aware of the significant and potentially negative impact these experiences could have.

This is a book that should be recommended as a good, solid, research-based, information source for any health care professional working with this potentially vulnerable population. It is also very thought provoking for the health care worker in its clear description of the often opposing expectations of the mother versus the professionals. It is interesting to note the differences between cultures that have "lying in" and that recognize the vulnerability of women in the postpartum period and those cultures where there is a relative lack of help and protection for the mother during the postpartum period. In the United States and other industrialized nations, the attention immediately turns from the mother to the baby. This book clearly demonstrates the need for a greater understanding of this population by health care professionals.

Christine Childers

University Health Care
North Salt Lake, Utah

	Footnotes

 
Ms Childers is currently the Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services at University Health Care. Prior to moving to the United States, she worked extensively in outpatient women’s health.

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