By Jane Summers
Jane Summers is a seasoned mental health writer, passionate about providing resources to new mothers struggling with postpartum challenges.
Postpartum depression is a deeply personal experience that many new mothers face. It’s more than just the “baby blues”—it can be overwhelming, affecting your mental and emotional well-being in ways you never imagined. Finding the right resources to guide you through this phase is crucial. Whether you’re a new mom or someone supporting one, the following books are invaluable tools for understanding and overcoming postpartum depression.
The Importance of Reading for Postpartum Depression Recovery
Reading books that address postpartum depression can provide comfort, insight, and actionable strategies. These books not only validate the emotions new mothers experience but also offer professional guidance on managing anxiety, fear, and sadness. Below, you’ll find the top 10 books that tackle postpartum depression, ranked from 10th to 1st.
10. To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma
Molly Millwood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars (429 ratings)
Navigating motherhood is a complex journey, and Molly Millwood dives deep into the ways postpartum depression intersects with marriage and identity. This book provides a compassionate look at how new mothers often feel torn between the roles of caregiver and partner.
Why You’ll Love It:
Millwood offers practical advice for balancing marriage and motherhood while facing the realities of postpartum depression.
Fun Fact:
Molly Millwood holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and specializes in maternal mental health.
Buy it here: To Have and to Hold on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
9. Trauma Healing Journal for Women: A 120 Days Guided Trauma Recovery Journal
Cher Hampton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars (77 ratings)
Cher Hampton’s guided journal focuses on helping women overcome trauma, which can often be an integral part of healing from postpartum depression. This 120-day journal encourages self-reflection, emotional release, and personal growth.
Why You’ll Love It:
The guided prompts make this journal an active process, helping readers process and heal from their emotional wounds.
Fun Fact:
Cher Hampton designed this journal with the belief that consistent journaling can significantly improve emotional health.
Buy it here: Trauma Healing Journal on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
8. A Heart So Full: Inspirational Messages for New Moms
Jenessa Wait
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (177 ratings)
Jenessa Wait’s beautiful book offers heartfelt messages of support and inspiration for new moms. It’s not just about postpartum depression but touches on how faith and positivity can uplift moms during this challenging time.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book provides daily affirmations and messages that can brighten a mother’s day, making it a great tool for boosting mental well-being.
Fun Fact:
Jenessa Wait is also a well-known speaker and artist, focusing on spreading hope and positivity.
Buy it here: A Heart So Full on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
7. Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts
Karen Kleiman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars (57 ratings)
This insightful book by Karen Kleiman helps moms confront and understand the intrusive, scary thoughts that often accompany postpartum depression and anxiety.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s raw, honest, and written by a trusted expert in the field of maternal mental health.
Fun Fact:
Karen Kleiman is also the founder of The Postpartum Stress Center, a leading authority in treating postpartum depression.
Buy it here: Dropping the Baby on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
6. The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook
Pamela S. Wiegartz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars (459 ratings)
Pamela S. Wiegartz’s workbook is a practical guide filled with exercises to help women cope with anxiety, worry, and obsessive thoughts related to postpartum depression.
Why You’ll Love It:
This workbook provides hands-on tools to manage anxiety, making it a favorite among moms who prefer actionable steps.
Fun Fact:
Wiegartz specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, a proven method for treating anxiety and depression.
Buy it here: Postpartum Anxiety Workbook on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
5. Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality
Laura A. Jana MD FAAP
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars (302 ratings)
Dr. Laura A. Jana provides a comprehensive guide for parents taking their newborn home, touching on both the physical and emotional challenges, including postpartum depression.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book covers every aspect of bringing home a baby, helping parents navigate through the early, often overwhelming days.
Fun Fact:
Laura Jana has been a frequent speaker at parenting conferences and works with various pediatric associations.
Buy it here: Heading Home on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
4. Not Your Mother’s Postpartum Book: Normalizing Post-Baby Mental Health Struggles
Caitlin Slavens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (95 ratings)
Caitlin Slavens shatters societal expectations and norms about motherhood and postpartum depression in her candid, relatable book.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s an unfiltered look at the modern mom experience, making it refreshing and real for those struggling with postpartum depression.
Fun Fact:
Slavens is also a popular mental health advocate on social media, sharing her story with thousands of followers.
Buy it here: Not Your Mother’s Postpartum Book on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
3. Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena
Pānquetzani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars
This unique book introduces readers to the Indigenous postpartum practices of “La Cuarentena” that have helped countless women in healing after birth.
Why You’ll Love It:
It offers a cultural and holistic approach to postpartum depression, emphasizing rest and nourishment.
Fun Fact:
The practice of “La Cuarentena” is common in many Latin American cultures, where new mothers are encouraged to rest for 40 days after birth.
Buy it here: Thriving Postpartum on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
2. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body
Kimberly Ann Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,374 ratings)
Kimberly Ann Johnson’s guide is a must-read for any new mother. It covers every aspect of healing, from physical recovery to emotional balance, helping women regain their strength after childbirth and combat postpartum depression.
Why You’ll Love It:
This guide offers a holistic recovery plan, blending medical advice with self-care rituals.
Fun Fact:
Kimberly is a somatic bodyworker who has helped thousands of women recover postpartum.
Buy it here: The Fourth Trimester on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
1. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers
Karen Kleiman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,950 ratings)
This is the ultimate book for new mothers battling postpartum depression. Karen Kleiman provides a compassionate guide to help mothers manage the overwhelming thoughts and emotions they experience after giving birth.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s an honest, comforting, and supportive guide that resonates with many mothers dealing with intrusive thoughts and depression.
Fun Fact:
Karen Kleiman is a nationally recognized expert in postpartum depression, with over 30 years of experience in the field.
Buy it here: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts on Amazon
Category: Postpartum Depression
There’s More to Explore
Check out some more Top10 categories: www.top10books.org