You know…for all my recent thoughts on not always enjoying being a mother, this is one problem I never experienced at all, and I know it happens more often than anyone wants to admit…and of course I just had to read it since Tom Cruise criticized her for taking medication and for seeking psychiatric help. I think it takes a great deal of courage to discuss any type of depression in such a candid and honest way. I can’t say I totally enjoyed the book, because I’m not a celebrity news whore, but it is an is interesting as a account of one woman’s experience with postpartum depression and how she came through it (and I suppose it must have all worked out ok, since she had another baby after all that). An ok and short read, I don’t know that I would recommend this, as I’m sure there are “normal person” accounts of postpartum depression that would be more helpful and portray how “everyday” people have coped with this issue…not all of us can afford two households, have dozens upon dozens of friends to help, and/or can afford to hire baby nurses…but I do think in it’s a good idea in terms of a famous and respected person coming forward with an account and making the issue more public. ( )

Ms. Shields is very forthcoming about her battle with PPD. I liked her honesty, and her writing style is easy to read. The story does drag a bit near the end - after a certain point it's not so much about PPD as it is about balancing motherhood and her career, which wasn't as interesting to me since her career is so different than my own. But overall it was an enlightening read. ( )

“The unfortunate part is that I was never seriously educated about the fact that postpartum depression might occur. It is very real and has quietly devastated the lives of many people. If I had been better informed, I might not have considered my self a candidate but at least I would have been armed with some important information. I am incredibly thankful to have recognized early on that something was wrong and that I was able to find help. I hate to think about the women who endure this type of depression for long periods of time without knowing that there is assistance available.” Excerpt from “Down Came The Rain” by Brooke Shields.

All mothers, mothers to be, and those that care for them, should take time to read this book. It is a tender story of love and motherhood postponed; tales of the frustration of infertility and the possible link to post partum depression and how it robs mothers, babies and families of the connections they all deserve. You may recognize yourself in Brook Shield’s words. ( )

I know Brooke considers herself a hero for bringing Postpartum Depression to light. However, her solutions - hire a nurse, get on drugs and get back into commercials -may not work for the rest of us.
She is real pretty. But please don't read this book and think well this is how it is, now I know how my (wife/sister/aunt, etc)feels. ( )

I liked that she did not come across as a whiny, spoiled celebrity. ( )