The journey through pregnancy and early parenthood brings profound joy but can also present significant mental health challenges. At Phoenix Health, we understand that access to reliable resources is crucial for navigating this transformative period. This guide compiles therapist-recommended books catered to different topics across the perinatal mental health spectrum to support you or your loved ones.
Understanding Pregnancy Mental Health
Managing Prenatal Depression
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of pure joy, yet many expectant parents experience depression during this period. These evidence-based resources can help:
- Pregnancy Blues: What Every Woman Needs to Know about Depression During Pregnancy by Shalia Kulkarni Misri - A comprehensive guide specifically addressing depression during pregnancy.
- Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety by Shoshana S. Bennett and Pec Indman - Explores mood disorders throughout the entire perinatal journey.
- Depression Proof Your New Family by Danielle D. Jenkins - Focuses on prevention strategies that begin during pregnancy.
There is some overlap in our recommendations for books addressing both prenatal and postpartum depression because mood challenges during this entire period are often viewed as interconnected.
Coping with Prenatal Anxiety
Anxiety during pregnancy is common and can stem from concerns about the pregnancy itself, labor, or the transition to parenthood. These practical resources offer evidence-based techniques:
- The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook by Pamela S. Wiegartz and Kevin L. Gyoerkoe - Utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to manage anxiety.
- The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques by Katayune Kaeni - Offers specific strategies for managing pregnancy-related worries.
- Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: Theory, Research and Practice edited by Rachel Dryer and Robyn Brunton - An in-depth exploration for those seeking deeper understanding.
There is a general emphasis on CBT and mindfulness because that's been found to be the most evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support pregnant individuals experiencing anxiety.
Postpartum Mental Health Support
Postpartum Depression Resources
Postpartum depression affects many new parents and requires compassionate understanding and effective intervention:
- This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Davis Raskin - A foundational resource for understanding and addressing PPD.
- Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression by Brooke Shields - A personal memoir that helps destigmatize the experience.
- Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman and Molly McIntyre - Normalizes the intrusive thoughts that can accompany the postpartum period.
- The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book by Sandra Poulin - Offers peer support and practical advice.
Addressing Postpartum Anxiety
While less discussed than PPD, postpartum anxiety affects many new parents:
- The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook by Wiegartz and Gyoerkoe - Offers strategies applicable to the postpartum period.
- The Art of Holding in Therapy: An Essential Intervention for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety by Karen Kleiman - Addresses therapeutic approaches for both postpartum depression and anxiety.
- Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain by Nicole Pensak - Focuses specifically on managing the unique aspects of postpartum anxiety.
- Awake at 3 a.m.: Yoga Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy and Early Motherhood by Suzannah Neufeld - Provides holistic approaches to managing anxiety.
Perinatal OCD Support
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts and can be particularly distressing:
- Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Motherhood by Karen Kleiman and Amy Wenzel - Directly addresses the intrusive thoughts common in perinatal OCD.
- Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman and Molly McIntyre - Normalizes and provides strategies for managing distressing thoughts.
- Understanding Perinatal OCD by Grace Chrishanthy Jayarajah - Offers comprehensive information about this condition.
- Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Martin N. Seif and Sally M. Winston - Provides CBT-based strategies for managing intrusive thoughts.
Postpartum Psychosis Awareness
Postpartum psychosis is rare but requires immediate medical attention. These resources provide information and personal accounts that highlight the critical need for understanding, support, and timely intervention for postpartum psychosis.
- Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: A Temporary Madness by Teresa M. Twomey - Explains the features and treatment options.
- A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis by Aaisha Alvi - Offers a personal perspective on experiencing and recovering from this condition.
- A Mother's Climb Out of Darkness by Jennifer Hentz Moyer - Shares a journey through postpartum psychosis and recovery.
Navigating Perinatal Loss
Resources for Miscarriage and Early Pregnancy Loss
The grief of pregnancy loss is often unacknowledged in our society. These books offer validation and support:
- Empty Cradle, Broken Heart: Surviving the Death of Your Baby by Deborah L. Davis - A compassionate guide for those experiencing loss.
- I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement by Jessica Zucker - Combines personal experience with advocacy for better support.
- Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss by Rachel Lewis - Provides honest discussion about baby loss.
- Why is Mommy Crying? - explaining early pregnancy loss to young children by Cori Baill - Helps parents discuss loss with children.
Support for Stillbirth and Infant Death
The loss of a baby later in pregnancy or after birth requires specialized support:
- Empty Cradle, Broken Heart by Deborah L. Davis - Also applicable for later pregnancy loss.
- An Empty Cradle, a Full Heart by Christine O'Keiffe Lafser - Offers reflections for parents navigating profound loss.
- Still Here: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph After Stillbirth by Alishia Anderson - Provides a personal account of navigating stillbirth.
- The Worst Loss: How Families Heal from the Death of a Child by Barbara Rosof - Addresses the grieving process and healing journey.
Adjusting to Parenthood
Navigating Identity Shifts
Becoming a parent fundamentally changes one's identity and roles:
- The Birth of a Mother by Daniel Stern and Nadia Bruschweiler-Stern - Explores the profound psychological transformation of motherhood.
- What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood by Alexandra Sacks and Catherine Birndorf - Provides insights into the emotional landscape of new motherhood.
- Ordinary Insanity: Fear and the Silent Crisis of Motherhood in America by Sarah Menkedick - Examines anxiety in the context of American motherhood.
Understanding Emotional Changes
The emotional rollercoaster of the perinatal period can be confusing:
- Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting by Lucy Puryear - Normalizes the spectrum of emotional experiences during pregnancy.
- What No One Tells You by Alexandra Sacks and Catherine Birndorf - Helps identify normal versus concerning emotional changes.
Special Circumstances
Healing from Traumatic Birth
Many individuals experience aspects of childbirth as traumatic:
- Birth Crisis by Sheila Kitzinger - Addresses traumatic births with compassion and insight.
- How to Heal a Bad Birth: Making Sense, Making Peace & Moving On by Melissa Bruijn and Debby Gould - Offers tools for healing from difficult birth experiences.
- Birth Trauma: A Guide for You, Your Friends and Family to Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Birth by Kim Thomas - Explains birth trauma and provides coping strategies.
- Why Birth Trauma Matters by Emma Svanberg - Explores the impact and treatment of birth trauma.
Breastfeeding Challenges and Mental Health
Breastfeeding difficulties can significantly impact mental well-being:
- Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck: How to Nurture Your Baby and Your Mental Health by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett - Balances breastfeeding support with mental health considerations.
- Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter by Amy Brown - Acknowledges the emotional impact of breastfeeding challenges.
- Breastfeeding and Mental Health: The Art of Nurturing Bonds Through Lactation Management by Mary L. Adams - Offers solutions for common breastfeeding problems.
Support for Partners and Families
Resources for Partners
Partners need support and guidance during this transition:
- The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression by Karen R. Kleiman - Offers practical advice for supporting a partner with PPD.
- Becoming Us: The Couple's Guide to Surviving Parenthood and Growing a Family that Thrives by Elly Taylor - Helps couples navigate the transition to parenthood.
- What About Dad? Understanding and Addressing Postpartum Depression in Men by Luis Resendez - Addresses paternal postpartum depression.
- Daddy Blues: Postnatal Depression and Fatherhood by Mark Williams - Shares a father's experience with postnatal depression.
Guidance for Family Members
The extended family network plays a crucial role in supporting new parents:
- I'm Listening: A Guide to Supporting Postpartum Families by Jane I. Honikman - Provides guidance for family members on offering effective support.
- Tokens of Affection: Reclaiming your Marriage After Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and Amy Wenzel - Helps couples reconnect after PPD.
Self-Care and Mindfulness Approaches
Mindfulness and self-care are valuable tools for managing perinatal mental health:
- Mindful Motherhood: Practical Tools for Staying Sane During Pregnancy and Your Child's First Year by Cassandra Vieten - Offers practical tools for staying present during pregnancy and early parenthood.
- Awake at 3 a.m.: Yoga Therapy for Anxiety and Depression by Suzannah Neufeld - Provides yoga-based approaches to managing mental health.
- The Art of Self-kindness by Rebecca Ray - Encourages compassion toward oneself during this challenging transition.
- Natural Health after Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness by Aviva Romm - Takes a holistic approach to postpartum wellness.
Phoenix Health's Commitment to Perinatal Mental Health
At Phoenix Health, we believe that mental health is an essential component of perinatal care. While these books offer valuable information and support, they complement rather than replace professional mental health services. If you or someone you love is experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, we encourage reaching out to our compassionate team of specialists.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention leads to better outcomes for both parents and children.
Call Phoenix Health today at 818-446-9627 or signup here to schedule a consultation with our perinatal mental health specialists.
Disclaimer: This resource list is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.