One out of every five women will suffer from postpartum depression after the arrival of a new baby (by birth or adoption). It can be their first, second or sixth baby and the depression may arrive in a few days or several months later.

These women feel a range of emotions from numbness and sadness to irritability, confusion and anxiety. Frightening fantasies, panic attacks, overwhelming shame and feelings of guilt are also components. These feelings do not go away and are often accompanied by tearfulness, despondency, feelings of inadequacy and an inability to cope.

Postpartum depression is not a bad mood, nor is it the "Baby Blues", that transitory tearfulness that is experienced by many women a few days after birth. Postpartum depression is profound and extremely distressing to both the woman and her family.

This excellent book explores the symptoms and offers explanations for the "why". There is no quick fix for an experience with causes as multidimensional as postpartum depression, but understanding the contributing factors does point the way to recovery.

Produced by the Pacific Post Partum Support Society, this book is based on fifteen years of counselling thousands of women through this experience.

As stated in the foreword by Sue Penfold, MB, FRCP(C), "Instead of leaning on a medical or psychiatric formulation, thus putting the women in a sick role, this book empowers the depressed woman and helps her to engineer her recovery. Instead of thinking that she is inadequate, neurotic, or even crazy, she gains understanding of her symptoms and is given strategies to begin to alleviate them. She learns to take time and space for herself, focus on her own needs, assert herself within the family and forge bonds with other women."

The strategies for recovery are time and experience-tested, practical and do-able. They work.

Other excellent chapters cover the effects of commonly-prescribed medications, "Getting Help from the Professional Helpers", "Relationships", "The Motherhood Myth" and "Resources".

The Resources chapter provides an excellent list of phone numbers and addresses for British Columbia agencies and organizations that can help.

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety is available on loan to Council members from the BC Council for the Family Resource Center. It is available for purchase from the Pacific Post Partum Support Society, Suite 104 - 1416 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC V5L 3X9. Telephone (604) 255-7999.