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The Postpartum Husband
Practical Solutions for living with Postpartum Depression
by Karen R. Kleiman, M.S.W.
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The
impact postpartum depression (PPD) has on a new mother is tremendous,
necessitating understanding, support and patience from those who are
closest to her, in most cases her partner/husband. Until now, husbands
found themselves in darkness, hoping to navigate through this critical
area where he is needed most, but without knowledge, instructions
or necessary support for himself. Karen Kleiman, M.S.W. has written
The
Postpartum Husband, a hands-on guide with straightforward, supportive
information and specific recommendations to help partners deal with
the impact of depression after the birth of a baby!
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Symptoms
of PPD
If
your wife has PPD she is most likely feeling any or all of the
following:
irritable, weepy, sad, extremely anxious, scared, nervous, hopeless,
exhausted, inadequate as mother and wife, disinterested in sex,
unable to experience pleasure, worried about her negative, intrusive
thoughts, confused, unable to concentrate, unable to sleep,
unable to eat, worried she is going crazy, concerned this will
never get better, afraid you will leave her, guilty or ashamed
about how she is feeling.
Some
physical symptoms may include:
stomach problems/nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, lightheaded
or feeling "unreal," numbness/tingling, chills/hot
flashes, trembling, palpitations
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Written specifically
for husbands and partners, The
Postpartum Husband is a tool that speaks in the male language,
with bulleted facts, explanations, descriptions, falsehoods, truths,
suggestions, tips, hints, and resources. Most males I know would prefer
to thumb through a book that is concise, clearly labeled and practical.
Husbands dealing with the effects of PPD in their families want quick
information and answers to their worries and questions. They will
be able to thumb through short lists of helpful information rather
than weed slowly through paragraphs of technical jargon or extra fluff
that hangs around the periphery of their immediate needs. Author Karen
Kleiman has taken great care to provide a book that is easy to navigate
and use as a quick resource yet tackles all aspects of concern regarding
PPD from a husband's perspective.
Each chapter includes
a variety of related issues such as identifying and understanding
PPD, coping with underlying symptoms, choosing treatments and/or medication,
as well as discussion regarding the needs of the husband. The author
is quite frank about what to expect, what will help and what will
not. She is specific regarding what impact certain behaviors and messages
will have on the new mother. She tackles the impact PPD has on sexual
function, as well as how to handle that. Lastly, but very important,
Karen Kleiman reminds the husband of the importance of taking care
of himself. He may need support himself! She reminds him of the heavy
load he is carrying and how important his own well-being is to the
family unit.
StorkNet highly
recommends this book to expectant and new fathers. Whether your wife
experiences PPD or not, you will be prepared. You will be able to
share support during the changes and adjustments that come normally
during the first year of parenthood, but The
Postpartum Husband will take you further than that, if necessary.
StorkNet also
highly recommends This
Isn't What I Expected as a major resource in understanding of
and healing from PPD. Be
sure to read our interview
with Karen R. Kleiman, M.S.W.
Book review by Nancy Eggleston
To Purchase:
• The Postpartum Husband at Amazon.com
• The Postpartum Husband at Amazon UK
• The Postpartum Husband at Amazon Canada
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