"The New Mom's Survival CDs"
Overcome the Blues and Take Care of Yourself
When Shoshana Bennett, a licensed psychologist and the founder of Postpartum Assistance for Mothers, agreed to create a hypnosis audio program for us, we were very honored. Beyond the Baby Blues is the exciting result.
Bennett has helped over 15,000 mothers cope with postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders, and is one of the most respected therapists in this area. She is frequently called by CNN as a subject expert, and 20/20 featured her as its postpartum expert.
With Bennett's expertise, we knew the program would be great. We just didn't know how great.
What Are the "Baby Blues"?
The "Baby Blues" are extremely common (about 80% of new mothers experience the blues), and considered to be a normal experience after childbirth. Although they don't feel good, they are mild and should be gone by about two weeks after the baby is born. They begin during the first few days after delivery and include:
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Irritability
- Feeling stressed
- Feeling vulnerable
- Difficulty concentrating
For each new mom, the causes may differ, but hormones dropping rapidly is regarded as the primary cause. Others include the stresses of birthing, new pressures and her expectations about being a new mother, sleep deprivation, and perceived lack of support.
There are barriers to new moms finding support. Many of these are, ironically, caused by the limiting beliefs of the mother herself. These might include:
- Having unrealistic expectations about the delivery
- Believing that her needs don't or shouldn't matter anymore
- Comparing herself to other moms
- Holding onto myths, such as "this should be the happiest time in my life," or "I should be able to do this all by myself"
If this sounds familiar, you may be feeling stressed, lack confidence in your mothering abilities, or feel worried and/or overwhelmed. At that point, being a new mother can feel like a burden, instead of the excitement and joy you had hoped for.
The truth is that one of the primary ingredients to being a good mom is taking care of the quality of YOUR LIFE.
Beyond the Baby Blues
What Bennett has done in this hypnosis audio program is create sessions that show you step by step how to take care of yourself, so that you can be the great mom you want to be!
We think Shoshana says it better than we can. Click on the play button to listen to her introduction to the program:
Listen now
Although they are not going to treat or take away all the symptoms of your hormonal drop, these three gentle hypnosis sessions can help you in ways you may have never imagined, all by guiding you through a process that pulls your greatest resources out from within.
Session 1: Taking Care of Yourself
This short session will help you find a way to take care of your needs, no matter how much support you have from others. It is unhealthy always to be focused on the needs of others, rather than on your own needs. Shoshana's organic style will help you figure out what YOU need, and give you permission to take those healthy steps so you can have the energy to take care of your family.
Session 2: Feeling Confident
This session will help you feel confident about the healthy choices and decisions you're making as a mother, and to change those behaviors which may not be so healthy. This session can alleviate doubts and fears and will allow you to feel the satisfaction of knowing you're doing your best.
Session 3: Creating Harmony
Perfect balance with all your many roles (wife, mother, employee, or whatever fits your individual situation), is an unrealistic goal. Creating harmony among all your roles, however, is not only possible: Shoshana helps her clients do it on a daily basis – and it feel great! In addition, this session can help you create ways to manage your expectations in a realistic way so that your new role as a mother can integrate healthfully with the "you" before you were a mom.
Although the program was created for new moms with the baby blues, it is clearly a program that can help any new mom. Following the steps in this program can also minimize the risk of postpartum depression. That is why people are calling these "the new mom's survival CDs!".
These CDs are such a gift! They really allowed me to feel and recognize the importance of taking good care of myself—mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is my 'optimal self' that brings a sense of internal balance and therefore more harmony to my family. I need to take the time to remember myself especially when I feel fragmented by the competing demands in my life. It doesn't take long to make this shift with these relaxing CDs that reinforce and guide this message. As a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with new mothers, I suggest these audios to my clients.
— Deborah Knabenshuh, M.A., M.F.T.
— mom
A Word About Postpartum Depression
If the symptoms mentioned at the beginning of this page are intense, or the mild Baby Blues last longer than three weeks, we advise that you talk to a healthcare provider you trust. You can also contact Shoshana Bennett via email. She provides consultations for women throughout the country by phone. If you prefer, she can often refer you to someone in your geographic area.
- Click here to read more about Shoshana Bennett.
CLOSE BIO
Shoshana S. Bennett
Specialist in Postpartum Depression
Shoshana S. Bennett, licensed psychologist, founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987 after her second undiagnosed postpartum illness. Bennett is the Immediate Past President of Postpartum Support International and the past president of California's state organization Postpartum Health Alliance.
She has been a featured guest on dozens of national radio and television shows, including ABC's 20/20. She is a noted guest lecturer, and her work has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles around the country.
For fifteen years prior to her current profession, Bennett was a college instructor in the fields of Special Education, Early Childhood Development, Rehabilitation Therapies and Psychology. She holds three teaching credentials.
Bennett offers telephone consultations to women and their families throughout the world. She is the author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies and co-author of Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression.
Education and Professional Details
EDUCATION
- B.A, Psychology, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
- M.A., Education of Exceptional Children, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
- Licensed Psychologist in California: PSY 19433
- Certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Institute for Educational Therapy, Berkeley, CA
- Community College Teaching Credential
- Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
- Learning Handicapped Teaching Credential
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
- Director/Founder, Postpartum Assistance for Mothers (PAM)
- Past President, Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA)
- Past President, Postpartum Support International (PSI)
- Member, American Counseling Association
- Member, Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP)
- Member, Marce Society
- Member, The North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology (NASPOG)
BOOKS
- Bennett, S. Postpartum Depression for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2007.
- Bennett, S., Tom McNeilis, and Andrea Frank Henkart. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Kids. 2006.
- Bennett, S. and Pec Indman. Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression. San Jose, CA: Moodswings Press, 2003. Updated version published June, 2006.
Received the National Health Information Award and two iParenting awards.
PUBLICATIONS
- Contributing Columnist, Belly Magazine
- Featured on ABC-TV 20/20, and in publications including San Francisco Chronicle; San Jose Mercury News; Psychology Today; and Glamour.
- Quoted in numerous publications including Cosmopolitan; Newsweek; Self; Boston Globe; Chicago Tribune; Miami Herald; ePregnancy; Star; American Baby; USA Weekend; Planned Parenthood "Choice!"; Fit Pregnancy; Pregnancy Today; Augusta Chronicle; and BabyCenter
Professional Experience
CURRENT
- Private counseling practice specializing in postpartum depression, Danville, CA
- Consultant and trainer to individuals, organizations, and healthcare professionals
- Radio show host: Mom's Health Matters live online talk show on www.WorldTalkRadio.com. Topics: women's health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting
- Certified Teleleader through Teleclass International
- Expert witness concerning cases regarding perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
PAST
- Radio show host: Mom's Health Matters live online talk show. Topics: women's health, pregnancy and postpartum, parenting
- College instructor in Special Education, Early Childhood Development, Rehabilitation Therapies, and Psychology
SPEECHES, TRAININGS, AND MEDIA APPEARANCES
- April 2007. Interview with "Dr. Pat" Baccili on KKNW AM 1150
- March 2007. Interview with "Dr. Pat" Baccili on the Healthy Life Show
- February 2007. Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders Training (two days), San Jose, CA
- December 2006. Interview on Wisconsin Public Radio
- November 2006. Keynote conference speaker, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
- November 2006. Sole trainer, Department of Health Services, Families First Home Visiting Program, Santa Rosa, California
- October 2006. Sole Trainer, Sinai Hospital, Hospital-wide in-service, Baltimore, Maryland
- August 2006. Subject Matter Expert to CNN
- November 2005. Interview for "Ask the Expert"
- October 2005. Interview on "Family Focus" on WKBK AM 1290 in Keene, New Hampshire
- October 2005. Interview with Leeza Gibbons on "Leeza Live" radio show
- September 2005. Interview on Northern Lights Radio News, 102.9 FM, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- September 2005. Interview on radio station 92.7 FM, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- September 2005. Interview with Ben Merens on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)
- July 2005. Sole trainer, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Pleasanton, California
- June 2005. Featured Speaker, Marin County, Department of Health and Human Services, San Rafael, California
- June 2005. Featured in "Feel Like Yourself Again" video, RS Productions
- February 2005. Consultant for National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- December 2004. Interview on Marin County nationally syndicated radio program, "Do The Dream," Novato, California
- December 2004. Primary consultant for Injoy Productions. Wrote and edited scripts. Filmed as expert in perinatal mood disorders video. Boulder, Colorado
- December 2004. Speaker, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, San Ramon, California
- December 2004. Filmed for professional training video on breastfeeding, Dallas, Texas
- November 2004. Sole Trainer, Valley Medical Center, Pleasanton, California
- November 2004. Sole trainer, All-Hospital Grand Rounds, Kaiser Hospital, Oakland, California
- October 2004. Consultant for RTI International-University of North Carolina
- October 2004. Interview, San Luis Obispo, California, television station
- October 2004. Sole trainer for full-day conference, "San Luis Obispo Child Abuse Prevention Council," San Luis Obispo, California
- September 2004. Interview on "Childhood Matters," KISS-FM, San Francisco, California
- August 2004. Interview on NBC-TV, Channel 11, "Bay Area Today," San Jose, California
- August 2004. Consultant to Contra Costa County Superior Court, Martinez, California
- May 2004. Interview on television station KFTY, News Channel 50, Santa Rosa, California
- April 2004. Interview on The Matt and Ramona Show, radio station WLNK, 107.9 FM, Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; and Saginaw, Michigan
- April 2004. Interview on radio stations KSOC and KBSB, Dallas, Texas
- April 2004. Interview on Dr. Russell Libby radio show, "Health Line," WMAL, (ABC affiliate), Washington, D.C.
- April 2004. Conference Organizer and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders Training (two days), Mt. Diablo Medical Center, Concord, California
- March 2004. Speaker, 2nd World Congress on Women's Mental Health, Washington, D.C.
- February 2004. Sole speaker, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Alameda County, Eden Hospital, Castro Valley, California
- October 2003. Sole trainer for half-day conference, Maternal Depression, Every Child Counts, Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, California
- October 2003. Interview on radio station KDKA, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- October 2003. Interview on radio station WRVC, Huntington, West Virginia
- October 2003. Interview on radio station WNIC, Detroit, MI, Florine Mark's "Remarkable Woman" - nationally syndicated
- October 2003. Women's Health Fair, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Berkeley, California
- October 2003. Conference Organizer and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders
Training (two days), John Muir Women's Health Center, Walnut Creek, California
- September 2003. Interview on radio station on WBEB, The Women's File, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- September 2003. Interview on radio station USA Radio Network ?' nationally syndicated
- August 2003. Interviewed on Family Talk Radio, KNEW, San Francisco, California - nationally syndicated
- July 2003. Interview on The Bev Smith Show, American Urban Radio Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- July 2003. Sole trainer for all-day conference, Postpartum Depression: Identification and Treatment, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and March of Dimes, Bakersfield, California
- June 2003. Interview on Life Talk Radio, Vonore, Tennessee - nationally syndicated
- June 2003. Postpartum Support International (PSI) Conference, New York, New York
- June 2003. Sole trainer for half-day conference, Calaveras County Head Start, Angels Camp, California
- June 2003. Contra Costa County, Public Health Department, Keynote Speaker, Pacheco, California
- June 2003. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Conference, Keynote Speaker, Stockton, California
- June 2003. Interview on radio station WSB, Atlanta's #1 radio station, Atlanta, Georgia
- June 2003. Interview on radio station WQYK, Tampa, Florida
- May 2003. Interview on WSB radio station, Atlanta, Georgia
- May 2003. Sole speaker to medical students, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- May 2003. Interview on radio station WJR, Detroit, Michigan ?' nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Interview on radio station WBAA, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
- May 2003. Interview on radio station KMHL, Minneapolis, Minneapolis
- May 2003. Interview on radio America Live Network, The Ken Hamblin Show - nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Interview on radio Ave Maria Network ?' nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Interview on radio station WGVU, Grand Rapids, Michigan -nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Interview on radio station KXL, Portland, Oregon
- May 2003. Interview live on Jim Bohannon Show - nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Interview on Lange Broadcasting to radio stations in Boston, Indiana, and Pennsylvania
- May 2003. Conference Organizer and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders Training (two days), John Muir Women's Health Center, Walnut Creek, California
- May 2003. Interview on Michigan Talk Radio Network - nationally syndicated
- May 2003. Sole trainer for all-day conference, Postpartum Depression and Psychosis: Identification and Treatment, Enloe Medical Center, Chico, California
- May 2003. Interview on radio station WWRL, New York, New York -nationally syndicated
- April 2003. Interview on "Making it Make Sense," radio station WPFW, Washington, D.C.
- April 2003. Speaker, Contra Costa Public Health, Martinez, California
- March 2003. Interviewed for Health Net medical insurance publication
- March 2003. Interview on radio station KISS, 98.1 FM, Childhood Matters, San Francisco, California
- February 2003. American Association of University Women (AAUW) Keynote Speaker, San Ramon, California
- January 2003. Perinatal Mood Disorder Support Group Leadership Training, Walnut Creek, California
- December 2002. Midwifery Conference, Castro Valley, California
- October 2002. Conference Organizer and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders Training (two days), John Muir Women's Health Center, Walnut Creek, California
- October 2002. Sole trainer for all-day conference, Perinatal Multi-disciplinary Team of Tuolumne County, Murphys, California
- October 2002. Annual Conference, Solano County, Fairfield, California
- July 2002. New Connections, Concord, California
- June 2002. Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley, California
- May 2002. Alta Bates Medical Center, Berkeley, California
- May 2002. Annual Perinatal Conference, Humboldt County, California
- April 2002. Speaker, "Pregnancy, Birth and Infancy" course, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, California
- April 2002. Indian Health Project, Sacramento, California
- March 2002. California WIC Association Annual Conference, Sacramento, California
- March 2002. Conference Organizer and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders Training (two days), John Muir Women's Health Center, Walnut Creek, California
- November 2001. Through The Looking Glass, Berkeley, California
- September 2001. Newborn Connections, Nurses In-Service, Walnut Creek, California
- July 2001. On-air interviews by national and local radio stations including KBLX and KNBR, San Francisco, California, on the Andrea Yates case in Houston
- July 2001. Welcome Home Baby Conference, Concord, California
- June 2001. Presenter, Postpartum Support International Annual Conference, Santa Barbara, California
- March 2001. Keynote Speaker, Perinatal Loss Conference, John Muir Hospital, Walnut Creek, California
- March 2001. Perinatal Nursing Conference, San Francisco, California
- July 2000. Conference Director and Presenter, Perinatal Mood Disorders (two days), John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, California
- July 2000. Pediatricians Department Meeting, Alta Bates Medical Center, Berkeley, California
- May 2000. Bay Area Lactation Association, Alta Bates Medical Center, Berkeley, California
- May 2000. Perinatal Perspectives, Raddison Hotel, Berkeley, California
- April 2000. American Association for University Women, Monterey, California
- April 2000. Welcome Home Baby Conference, Martinez, California
- April 2000. American Broadcasting Company (ABC) television "20/20" New York, New York
- February 2000. Berkeley Public Health Services, Oakland, California
- November 1999. Alta Bates Medical Center Perinatal Conference, Jack London Square, Oakland, California
- November 1999. Women, Infants and Children Program, Public Health Nurses, Union City, California
- July 1999. Childbearing and Mood Disorders: Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment, University of California, Santa Barbara, California
- July 1999. Trainer, telephone volunteers, Postpartum Education for Parents, Santa Barbara, California
- June 1999. Kaiser Lactation Associates Conference, Walnut Creek Kaiser Medical Center, Walnut Creek, California
- May 1999. San Joaquin County Public Health Services, Stockton, California
- April 1999. Public Health Nurses and Social Workers, Department of Human Resources, Berkeley, California
- April 1999. Perinatal Nurse Practitioners and Social Workers, St. Rose Hospital, Hayward, California
- April 1999. Association of Family Therapists of Northern California, Oakland, California
- December 1998. Pediatrics Grand Rounds, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- December 1998. Perinatal Health Education, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- May 1998. Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Taskforce and National Association of Social Workers, San Luis Obispo, California
- May 1998. Radio stations KVEC and KGLO ?' San Luis Obispo, California
- April 1998. Case Management, Alta Bates Medical Center, Berkeley, California
- March 1998. Monterey County Health Department Public Health Nursing and Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, Salinas Adult School, Salinas, California
- February 1998. Pediatrics Grand Rounds, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- January 1998. OB/GYN Nurse Practitioners, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- January 1998. Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Walnut Creek, California
- October 1997. Obstetrics/Gynecology Grand Rounds, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
- October 1997. Oakland Birth to School Program, Oakland, California
- April 1997. Parent Education Staff, Acalanes Adult Center, Walnut Creek, California
- December 1996. Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, South Sacramento, California
- August 1996. Departments of Psychiatry and OB/GYN, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Pleasanton, California
- May 1996. Kaiser Lactation Associates Conference, Hayward Kaiser Medical Center, Hayward, California
- December 1995. Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Redwood City, California
- November 1995. Family Practitioner Grand Rounds, San Joaquin General Hospital, Stockton, California
- August 1995. Obstetrics/Gynecology Conference, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
- July 1995. San Joaquin County Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, Public Health Services,Stockton, California
- May 1994. California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program, Warrack Hospital, Santa Rosa, California
- March 1993. California Healthy Mothers, Health Babies Conference, Oakland, California
- August 1992. Obstetrics/Gynecology Conference, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
- August 1992. National Association of Postpartum Care Services Conference, Mills College, Oakland, California
- June 1992. Radio station KLOK, "Birth and Beyond," San Francisco, California
- May 1990. ASPO Lamaze Conference, John Muir Hospital, Walnut Creek, California
- March 1990. Organized/Coordinated Western Regional Postpartum Support International Seminar, Oakland Children's Hospital, Oakland, California
- November 1987. Television KPIX, Channel 5, "People Are Talking," San Francisco, California
Postpartum depression is experienced by about 15% of new mothers. This very common disorder may develop days, weeks, or months after delivery. Postpartum depression is very treatable! The sooner you get help from a qualified professional, the sooner you can start enjoying your life, so don't wait! You deserve to feel whole and happy. Treatment includes support, education, counseling, and sometimes medication. Any mother, even those who have adopted a baby, can develop postpartum depression, but it is more likely to occur in women who have a personal or family history of anxiety or depression.
If you have postpartum depression, ask your therapist about using this program under their guidance. It will be a wonderful adjunct to their services.
Program Details
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Beyond the Baby Blues is a 2-CD program.
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CD1:
- Shoshana Bennett's Introduction [5:25]
- Taking Care of Yourself [15:54]
CD2:
- Feeling Confident [22:40]
- Creating Harmony [15:59]
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Therapists: Shoshana S. Bennett |
| Price: $69.00 |
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I am always in need of ways to come back to the center of my life. There is so much noise and so many distractions around us everyday that we lose touch with our small, still voice that whispers directives. This audio series reminded me how to get back to that center by being still and focusing on the gentle whispers instead of the blatant shouts. Thank you for this gift.
— Tann Moore
— Author
— Founder of Power and Purpose Productions Inc.
I found these CDs to be extremely relaxing! They touch upon the major issues that most mothers suffer from: learning to take care of herself, confidence with new parenting and creating balance in our chaotic lives. Listening to the session today while my twins napped was so relaxing I felt as if I were floating outside my body without having to take the time out for a full nap.
Surviving postpartum depression twice, I wish I had had these CDs when I was in my full depression. But even now, they help me take a few moments out of my day and listen to a soothing nurturing voice to replace the criticizing dialogue I tend to play in my own head. Even though I no longer have depression, I feel the benefit of this program as a tool to continue learning to take care of myself, have more confidence and create balance.
— Danielle Ziatek
— mother of a 5-year-old and 2-year-old twins
I am writing to say thank you for creating these audios. What a blessing for moms. I have a few tapes from my college days to help me relax for a test, but they are done by men. I liked having the soothing voice of a woman. And it's comforting to hear about topics that help me deal with the feelings I may be having on a particular day. Please update me on any further audio programs that you make for moms.
— Tami Muser
— Coordinator, Postpartum Stressline
Beyond the Baby Blues
Therapist: Shoshana S. Bennett
2 CDs $69.00
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