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Search - Down Came the Rain : My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
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Book Description:
In this compelling memoir, Brooke Shields talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provides millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery.When Brooke Shields welcomed her newborn daughter, Rowan Francis, into the world, something unexpected followed-a crippling depression. Now, for the first time ever, in Down Came the Rain, Brooke talks about the trials, tribulations, and finally the triumphs that occurred before, during, and after the birth of her daughter.
In what is sure to strike a chord with the millions of women who suffer from depression after childbirth, America's sweetheart Brooke Shields shares how she, too, battled this debilitating condition that is widely misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects many new mothers. She discusses the illness in the context of her life, including her struggle to get pregnant, the high expectations she had for herself and that others placed on her as a new mom, and the role of her husband, friends, and family as she struggled to attain her maternal footing in the midst of a disabling depression. And, ultimately, Brooke shares how she found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time.
Exhibiting an informed voice and a self-deprecating sense of humor, this first memoir from a woman who has grown up before the eyes of the world is certain to attract the attention and empathy of many new mothers and fans alike.
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Genres:
- Biographies & Memoirs >> Arts & Literature >> Actors & Actresses
- Biographies & Memoirs >> Leaders & Notable People >> Rich & Famous
- Health, Mind & Body >> Personal Health >> Women's Health >> Pregnancy & Childbirth >> General
- Health, Mind & Body >> Mental Health >> Depression
- Health, Mind & Body >> Mental Health >> Postpartum Depression
Top Member Reviews
Shirley P. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Tom Cruise's critical comment that depression can be overcome without medication provoked me to read Brooke's words carefully. Anyone who believes that depression is something you can just 'get over' needs to read this book.
Even though depression, especially post partum depression, is no longer a phenomenon, Brooke's experience reinforces that many new mothers, fathers, family and friends are still ill-prepared to recognize the symptoms of depression and understand how serious it can be if left untreated.
This book reveals a completely different person than most of us probably think we know. Even though her book may not be written as cohesively as Michael J Fox's "Lucky Man", Brooke has deftly conveyed the darkest side of depression.
Anyone who doesn't know anything or enough about depression should read this book.
Liese S. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Who knew Brooke Shields was so articulate? This is an honest, very personal account of Brooke's episode of post-partum depression. Quite interesting!
Candy B. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is not what I was expecting. I was expecting this portrait of a glamorous woman who had the blues and boo-hoo-hoo. But, man, was I wrong. I don't believe everything I read, but Brooke seems like such a down-to-Earth normal person. I have never experience depression (pp or not), but I left this having a clearer understanding of what those that do go through. My heart ached for her as she went through what amounted to hell. But the breastfeeding advocate in me couldn't help but smile that she didn't give up on that too (okay, it was a small part of the story, but I cheered!). I feel like this book should be required reading for fathers-to-be though. From what I gather about PPD, the women don't always know what to do or how to ask for help. It does take someone else to recognize it - as her husband did. Good for him. Good for her. Asking for help is more difficult than admitting you need it. I loved this. It felt honest. I do wonder how she's doing today though. I don't follow too many celebrities, but I might have to cyberstalk a bit to find out a bit more ;) Seriously though, I left feeling happy for her and wanting to sit down and buy her a cup of coffee. Here's to you, Brooke - I hope the sun shines on every day.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful book outlining Brooke Shields and her battle with postpartum depression. She was very brave in coming forward and discussing this hopefully creating a awareness of the severity of this illness for more women to come forward. I recommend to anyone dealing with PPD.
Elka F. from SOUTH RANGE, MI wrote on 3/8/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
After seeing Brooke Shields discussing her experience and this book on Oprah, I decided it would be worth reading. She talks about a lot of her emotions and thoughts and feelings after going through infertility treatments, a very painful miscarriage, and then a rather easy pregnancy, followed by an emergency c-section, and what happens after her baby is delivered. While I didn't have to deal with as much as she did, I identified with and understood a lot of those emotions and thoughts. Postpartum Depression isn't talked about as much as it should be, and this book discusses the subject with openness and honesty and isn't pushy or judgmental. I would recommend this book to everyone, not just those who have been there already, or those who are in the middle of it now. Would be helpful for husbands to read, so they have a better idea of what their wife may be going through, and how/why their wife can't seem to shake it or explain it. The book also contains a list of resources (books, websites and hotlines) for more information and/or help.
Alice H. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very well written account of an horrendous problem. The fact that Ms. Shields is a celebrity gave "voice" to this condition. Much the same way that "Mommie Dearest" finally made the world look at child abuse. Thank you, Brooke!
Stephanie F. wrote on 8/1/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very detailed descriptions of the feelings a mother might have with PPD. Excellent resource for a new mom and her support to give one more view of how post partum "looks" to help determine if she, herself, is having just the "baby blues" or PPD. How very brave of Brooke to expose herself and her feelings in this very public forum. For my personal tastes, I thought the book was a tad "whiney". While I understand the feelings and empathize with her experiences, however, she was so obsessed with her body "image" and spent a large portion of the book discussing it. But then again, maybe that is part of PPD.
Rate These Member Reviews
this book touched me deeply. I had tears in my eyes reading it. Her journey to motherhood was not easy and the reader can relate to her on a personal level.
This is a very good look into post pardem depression. Brooke Shields tells all of her most intimate and dark thoughts she had about hurting her baby daughter. Scarry that some women feel this way after childbirth.
I read this book while pregnant with #2, as I had myself suffered with PPD with #1. I was amazed to find a book that embodied all of what I had felt at that time, the heartache, the confusion, the anger and the healing. Brooke wrote from her heart, she shared thruths that most of us would never so much as whisper to our wide-eyed husbands, much less the world. PPD is real, and she has given it a voice.
Michelle D. (So not what I expected... I was rather disappointed with this memoir. Brooke Shields' experience with postpartum psychosis seemed to be glossed over, with no sense of realism. Definitely not an enlightening book by any means. I was hoping that Brooke Shields would leverage her celebrity with her book to address some of the truly tragic issues that many new mothers face in order to better educate the general public about postpartum mood disorders, as well as offer encouragement to those who need it most. Unfortunately, this book did not deliver... Bummer.
I just finished this book and wasn't too eager to read it because while I like Brooke Shields, she's never been one of my favorite actresses but as a mother I enjoyed the book immensely. I fortunately did not suffer from PPD but the book is well written, shows a lot of what the authors life with her husband Chris Henchy and their daughter was like during that first year and a half. I enjoyed it.
Charissa B. (Could not get into this; I don't have kids so maybe that's why.
A remarkable story of a celebrity's bout with postpartum depression. It can strike anyone and can be very debilitating. Brooke's story helps encourage moms to look at all the uncertainties of becoming a mom and deal with them head on!
I GREAT book about post partum depression.
Very interesting read and should be shared with all expecting mothers.