Down Came the Rain

My Journey Through Postpartum Depression

De: Brooke Shields

Narrado por: Brooke Shields

When Brooke Shields welcomed her newborn daughter, Rowan Francis Henchy, into the world, something unexpected followed: a crippling depression. Now, for the first time, Brooke talks about the trials, tribulations, and finally the triumphs that occurred before, during, and after the birth of her daughter.

In what will strike a chord with millions of women, Brooke Shields openly shares the story of how she battled a condition that is widely misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects one in ten new mothers. She discusses the illness in the context of her own life, including her struggle to get pregnant; the high expectations she had for herself and that society as well as others placed on her as a new mom; and the roles her husband, friends, and family played as she struggled to attain her maternal footing in the midst of severe postpartum depression. And, ultimately, Brooke shares how she found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time.

Brooke has grown up in the public eye, but this is the story of what happened to the private woman, the one the world hasn't seen before. With intelligence, humor, and startling honesty, Brooke speaks directly to the listener, making us feel close to her experience, her pain, and her ultimate triumph.

©2005 Christa Incorporated (P)2005 Hyperion

A New Fan of Brooke

I have grown up watching Brooke Shields. We are about the same age and I can say that I have never really thought about her one way or another except that she was beautiful and probably vacuous. I bought this book reluctantly because my husband and I are trying to have a baby and I was reading everything I could find from science to moral support. Let me say that I was floored by her honesty and comforted by her courage. I can now say unequivocally that I am a fan of Brooke Shields. Her storytelling kept my attention from start to finish and the sound of her voice is a pleasure to listen to. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would give it 6 stars if I could. The only thing that would make it better is if it were unabridged.

This book is a must read!!!

For any families dealing with PPD this is a must read. It has helped me help understand what my daughter in law is going through!!!! Brooke I wish I could hug you for having the courage to relive your experience and write this book!! You are an angel!!!

Both informative and interesting.

I'm not particularly familiar with Brooke's work and have never been a particular fan of hers. But as someone who might possibly have actual children in his future someday instead of just the furry variety, it seemed like a good idea to read up on this very real and, as far as I'm concerned, horribly misunderstood issue. Problem was that I've never been a fan of clinical medical texts, and the thought of listening to those in audio form, even more than attempting to read them in braille, which being blind is the only other way I read, is enough to make me cringe. I have a hard enough time reading for pleasure in braille, which is why I don't if I can help it.
All that aside, I found that Audible had Brooke's memoir, read by the lady of the hour herself. I remember reading about how she'd suffered from severe Postpartum Depression after the birth of her first daughter and so I decided to read her account of it. Quite apart from the fact that I think she just has a very pleasant voice that's well designed, for lack of a better term, for narrating audiobooks, the story itself was very interesting and, despite the seriousness of the subject matter, not without its fair share of humor. Telling her story fully necessarily involves detailing her difficulty in getting pregnant, not to mention the miscarriage resulting from her first successful pregnancy. She then details her next pregnancy, the difficult labor and then goes on to describe the feelings of fear and hopelessness that quickly overcame her. I was skeptical at first but I soon couldn't put the player down for long. I'm often skeptical about authors narrating their own works since some just don't have the voice for it. But Brooke, as I said, just has a very pleasant voice to listen to. And at least I'll have some idea of what to watch for if I ever get married and have children.

Honest and Interesting

I was entertained by this book, although the ending seemed to drag on a bit.

A glimpse from a man

this was a superb book reflecting the deep pain a woman can experience and the suffering that may go on in shame and silence. it's rare to find such a candid commentary on such a common ailment. as a guy who is very much the "emotional square" it helped explain much of what I failed to grasp.

Excellent and Quick Read

Loved it. Such a needed book. One of ten mothers suffer from serious post partum depression.

Down Came the Rain - Raw Truth

A raw and honest experience of postpartum depression. Thankfully Brooke finds her way through the darkness and into the light.

Must read for any new mom.

Postpartum depression is real! Don't be afraid to reach out for help. So thankful that Brooke was brave enough to share her experience. I hope this book will help many.

Down Came the Rain

This book was a "God Send" I experienced Post-Partum depression after my 1st child and the horror of the sadness was very similar to Brooke's. I didn't have the courage to tell others about the "crazy" thoughts that came in my mind during that time. I too am on Wellbutrin and it has totally changed my mood. With God's help and the support of my family, I was able to get through that bad time.

My God continue to bless Brooke and all the other women that many be experiencing this condition.

Read Before Baby

As a PPD mother of twins, I found this book to be an incredibly real description of how life after baby can sometimes be. I wish I had this perspective before motherhood.