Monday, March 15, 2010

New Book Review: Delivery From Darkness

Delivery From Darkness by Rabbi Baruch and Michal Finkelstein

After writing books about pregnancy and infertility, the Finkelsteins' Delivery From Darkness may be the first book of its kind, which is about postpartum depression (PPD), a disease that is little-known in general and even less talked about within the context of Judaism. It includes personal anecdotes from couples afflicted with PPD ranging from mild to psychotic, explanations of symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment options, as well as a chapter detailing how birth control is used halachically in situations of PPD and a chapter on PPD from the husband's perspective. Another section talks about dealing with PPD and depression/mental health in general within Jewish law and in the Jewish community—it's interesting to note that the chesed that is common in Jewish circles after a member has a baby, such as cooking meals and offers to help out with the other children, is something that is recommended in general as an effective treatment to reduce or eliminate milder cases of PPD. Highly recommended for all types of Jewish libraries.

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