Down Came the Rain

My Journey Through Postpartum Depression

By: Brooke Shields

Narrated by: 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

Learned a lot about postparum depression

What did you love best about Down Came the Rain?

I learned a lot and I'm glad Brooke wrote this book to get the word out. She opens up to a very sensitive subject in her life and walks you through every moment, how she was feeling at the time, and how it affected those around her. I think only the abridged version of this book is available on audio and for once I'm glad about that. Her thoughts were very repetative as she tried to get her point across in this version so I imagine I would think the unabridged version drags on. I'm currently 6 months pregnant and feel a little more prepared for the reality that having an infant brings (depression or not). I would recommend this short listen to anybody that is having, just had, or knows somebody that has recently had a baby.

worthwhile reading

Post partum depression is more common than we think.
When our childs are born most of us are relieved for the end of the pregnancy and can't look forward for the happy to come life with the baby but for some unfortunately the nightmare is just to begin.
I'd like to thank Mrs. Shields for writing this book and for having shared one of the hardest period in her life.
Having suffered of PPD myself I can only recommend the reading, I mirrored my self sometime and felt less lonely.

Soothing Voice

Really enjoyed this book. Nice to hear it read by the author. Gives a real insight to post partum depression.

Honest

Wonderful, very honest account of postpartum depression, would recommend this book to anyone thinking of having a baby.

A must listen or read

If you or a loved one is going through postpartum depression or anxiety, this book is a must. For those who are dealing with it, know you’re not alone. For those with a loved one going through PPD/A, it’s a glimpse into what they’re feeling.

PPD/A doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.

Moving and helped me to speak up

Such a gift for Ms. Shields to share this so openly. Thank you for making a difference.

Beautiful brutal and honest

It's harrowing being a new mother. It's been many years since I experienced new motherhood and severe PPD, but I will never forget the experience. Post partum depression is serious and real. It can be a shameful and lonely experience and I appreciate knowing none of us are alone.

Excellent for patients

I am a counselor for women who experience postpartum depression and this book is one I highly recommend for my patients. A real life example of the suffering that can occur with postpartum depression that removes the stigma many feel.

really enjoyed this book, helped me through my ppd

really enjoyed this book, helped me through my post pardum. i would recommend it to anyone dealing with ppd

Can relate very easy if you had had a depression

If you had had a depression (it does not have to be a postpartum one) you can relate very easy to what the author describes and even though is very difficult to ask for help when you have it, there are a few anecdotes that can help you identified you need help. It is not a scientific discussion of a depression, but it is the day to day that I think is the most difficult one.