Down Came the Rain: A Mother's Story of Postnatal Depression

"I can honestly say that this is one of the most refreshingly honest and helpful reads I have ever read about post natal depression and the rigours of pregnancy. I always used to think of Ms shields as being a bit flaky and "showbizzy" but after reading this I have the utmost respect for her, what she went through and admire how brutally honest she was in this book.

For most celebrities their most pressing concern post childbirth seems to be whether to sell their baby photos to hello! or OK! mag, but this book tells the dark story of acute post natal depression and how Brooke finally coped with her severe and changing moods. Having suffered from mild PND following the birth of my son, I was shocked by how severe and debilitating Brooke's depression was and I found it to be a real help in coping myself. Brooke is very honest about how bad it got (thoughts of suicide, horrible thoughts about the baby being harmed etc..) and how it affected her relationship with her husband Chris and how scared she was that she was going insane.

Having read Myleene Klass's book about pregnancy where she complains about trivial things such as feeling too ill to go out for cocktails with elizabeth jagger on a carribean photo shoot(!), this book was a refreshingly honest and helpful read and not once did I feel at all resentful or annoyed by Brooke's complaints (eg- yeah, its easy for you- you're a celebrity and can afford a nanny, personal trainer, etc...) like I did with Myleene's account. Whilst she does take us to the darkest places of her depression, the end of the book is hopeful and Brooke's message is that no matter how bad it gets (and believe me, for her- its bad) there is always hope. PND can be treated if the new mum can be brave enough to admit how she is feeling and talk to her doctor. A brilliant read about going through a very dark place and coming out the other side."
~ Written on 2008-06-27

"I could not put this book down, it is so naturally written, moving, amusing, heartbreaking and honest. Brooke should be applauded for speaking out, and for helping other women to face what is happening to them. Sadly in the Uk I think therapy and medication are not as "normal" as they are in the USA, and I wonder what would happen to a British woman in this situation. To know that "someone who has everything" can feel this level of despair, and not just an ordinary person, is also reassuring. Knowing that the book has a happy ending kept me going through the most awful parts, but I felt it was worth reading every page. Especially being pregnant and not sure what to expect next, I hope I do not go through this , but if I do I will read it again and take her advice."
~ Written on 2008-03-02

"I suffered from PND which went undiagnosed for 1 year. Although my daughter is now 3yrs old (& due to an inept Health Visitor) I still have not spoken to another sufferer. This book was fantastic and made me realise that the feelings I had were totally normal to a PND sufferer. I felt much less 'alone'. It also helped my husband understand what I was feeling/going though. Thanks Brooke."
~ Written on 2007-05-26

"Brooke Shields tells her story of post-natal depression very sincerely. It is a beautiful book, which can also be useful for mothers who have or think they have PPD. Highly recommended.
4 stars because the chapters are a bit too long, which can sometimes make it a tiring read."
~ Written on 2007-04-22

"When I saw the cover and read the first few pages, I thought 'oh, no what have I bought!' - obviously some airhead actress thinking she had a tough time after childbirth. BUT this book is surprisingly good (I have deducted one star for the too simple writing style and clichés which tend to annoy and makes the book an extremely 'light' read)!

When you suffer from PND, you feel alone, embarassed, scared and a complete failure. After finishing the book, I realised that there are millions of other women who go through the same emotions and that you can't blame yourself for what is a clinical condition. Reading what Ms Shield went through helped me see childbirth, 'baby blues' and postnatal depression in a much clearer light. I would certainly recommend it to new mothers, especially those who think they may have PND or have experienced it. Definitely worth a read when your baby is asleep!"
~ Written on 2006-09-29