Elaine Hanzak is a writer and speaker at conferences and workshops for health professionals and others on a variety of topics, developed from her experience of puerperal psychosis and bereavement. She frequently participates in TV, radio and other media discussions.
One of the strengths of these books is the author's own experiences, which are interwoven with factual information and guidance without being prescriptive; in addition, the vignettes from other women's experiences give balance to the content. It is of utmost importance that the profile of perinatal mental illness is raised to ensure that those affected get the appropriate help and to reduce the needless deaths of women suffering from this potentially life threatening illness. This book and the earlier work contribute in educating and informing and to some extent offer reassurance to all those affected and who come into contact with perinatal mental health concerns. - Cathy Ashwin, Principal Editor, MIDIRS This is an engaging conversation about how to prepare for and manage perinatal mental illness. Readers will develop a deeper appreciation for the variety of experiences women have during this period. General clinicians to women's mental health experts will find it is a great book to recommend to patients. -Mabel Avilas, MD(Rush University Medical Center), Doody Enterprises This book is the best I have read about the topic of perinatal mental health ... It is the book I have been wishing had been written to enable others to understand what is going on during a period of illness and how best to ask for help and support others who are suffering ... I would highly recommend [it]... -Dr Stephanie deGiorgio It should be a standard reference book ... It brings together a lot of practical text ... the sort of things you might spend hours looking for on the internet ... [it brings] together the facts, resources, discussion points and information to help people make an informed decision. -William Greenwood, MHSM, Dip HSM ...this book is a must for all who come in to contact with women and their families who may or have experienced PP. -Helen Howard, Senior Midwife and Supervisor of Midwives A very important and much needed resource which I am certain will be appreciated by so many people ... [it] is a one-stop resource for any family considering a new addition following the experience of perinatal illness ... Covering just about every thought, emotion and practical suggestion necessary, this is a real must both for families and health care professionals. -Luce, mother of two boys and considering another baby ...I can't recommend this book enough, it's worth taking the time to read a few pages a day even just to have the knowledge and to be able to understand what's happening and why. -Gastro Baby's Blog