From Publishers WeeklyIn 1980, when she was 15, Shields starred in The Blue Lagoon. In the movie, her character accidentally becomes pregnant, and when her son is born, he intuitively finds his way to her breast as Shields looks on with love and contentment. The irony of this scene isn't lost on the grown-up Shields, who not only did not become pregnant accidentallynumerous IVF cycles and a miscarriage preceded the 2003 birth of her daughterbut suffered a devastating aftermath to that birth. "I was in a bizarre state of mind," Shields describes, "experiencing feelings that ranged from embarrassment to stoicism to melancholy to shock, practically at once. I didn't feel at all joyful." Shields assumed she'd bounce back in a few days, after resting from her difficult labor. Instead, her feelings intensified: "This was sadness of a shockingly different magnitude. It felt as if it would never go away." While Shields denied anything was wrong, the persistence of friends and her husband persuaded her to seek treatment through medication and therapy. This brave memoir doesn't shy away from Shields's most difficult moments, including her suicidal thoughts, clearly showing the despair postpartum depression can wreak. While the writing is sometimes repetitive and clichd, it does emphasize the depth of Shields's depression. This tale will bring awareness of a problem that so many mothers have been afraid to discuss; look for this book to touch off a flurry of lifestyle pieces. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "This inspiring story offers hope to the many women suffering from this illness, as well as to their families." -- Shari Lusskin, M.D., FAPA, Director of Reproductive Psychiatry, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of MedicineAbout the AuthorBrooke Shields has starred in many feature films, including Pretty Baby, Blue Lagoon, and Black and White. She earned critical acclaim on Broadway for The Vagina Monologues and Cabaret, among other shows. She earned a People's Choice Award and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Suddenly Susan. Brooke continues to lend aid to issues involving children's welfare and education, and has established Hands of Change, an organization which benefits young women. where can i download textbooks for free Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I often return to this book when I am feeling bad about having PPDBy Jane B. DoughertyIt's been years since I suffered with PPD, however, I often return to this book when I am feeling bad about having PPD. It has nothing to do with who you are or how much money or prestige you have. It is a condition of pregnancy that is really not very well understood. I missed an important part of my child's birth because of PPD and felt so guilty about it, and this book helped me. I will never understand why I suffered that way, or why my child had to suffer but this book helped me realize I was not alone. Brooke was very brave.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. this is a very informative book My daughter had a ...By Monicathis is a very informative book My daughter had a baby a few months ago and was suffering from postpartum anxiety We bought this book and passed it around between her eye and her other grandma It gave a lot of help and insight2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great ReadBy Betty Von BlackWhat a great, honest and heartfelt book. I bought this when I was about a month postpartum. I was feeling very alone and was afraid to talk about how I felt. Brooke really opens the door for discussion and bares her soul in this book. I recommend this book to all new mothers who may be feeling overwhelmed or depressed.