Book (Released January 10, 2007, Paperback, 362 pages) / 6.0 C.E. Hours

Book & Post-Test: $69 (plus tax and shipping) or Post-Test Only: $39

COURSE DESCRIPTION

It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover. Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help medical and mental health professionals begin the process of determining what’s going on and what course of treatment is best. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including psychotherapy, alternative medical treatments, conventional Western medicine, and self-care measures.

TOPICS
-How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD.
-The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis.
-The role and importance of a psychotherapist.
-The benefits of medication for depression.
-Alternative treatments with  a successful track record.
-How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment.
-Ways you can help foster recovery.
-Proper nutrition.
-How to help your partner help you.
-Additional resources you need" web sites, organizations, and further reading.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this home-study course, you'll be better able to:
1. Differentiate between normal hormone changes following preganancy, baby blues, and PPD. 
2. Provide new moms with the proper psychological treatment for PPD. 
3. Refer new moms for proper medical treatment for PPD.
4. Understand the roles of alternative treatments for PPD.
5. Help mothers plan for another baby after PPD. 

Shoshana S. Bennett , Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist (#PSY 11459) and the founder of Postpartum Assistance for Mothers. She is a former President of Postpartum Support International, and immediate past president of California's state organization Postpartum Health Alliance. Her work has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles around the country, and she has been a featured guest on national radio and television shows, including ABC's "20/20." She is the author of Beyond The Blues: Prenatal And Postpartum Depression: A Treatment Manual (2002) and the co-author of both Postpartum Depression For Dummies (2007) and Beyond The Blues: A Guide To Understanding And Treating Prenatal And Postpartum Depression (2003).