"Birth of a New Brain: Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder", by Dyane Harwood

   ​The delivery of a precious new life. An addition to the family. Yet something is not right. Not having the energy or feel the joy for this little bundle that was brought into this world.

   “Birth of a New Brain: Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder”, by Dyane Harwood is an insight into the author’s many traumatizing experiences with Postpartum Bipolar Disorder and how she learned to cope.
 
   Although Dyane did not exhibit any concerning symptoms after the birth of Avonlea, her first daughter, when Marilla was born, Dyane and her family’s life would drastically change.  Within a brief period of time after Marilla’s birth Dyane quickly became hypomanic, then manic, then plummeted into depression. Cycling constantly even though she was under the care of a psychiatrist and medicated to help manage her symptoms.
 
   Deflated and frustrated from her failed treatment plan, Dyane took things into her own hands and went off her medications and tried homeopathic treatments.  Her moods worsen, and she is hospitalized for the safety of her children.
 
   Dyane’s saving grace was she realizes she would lose everything and becomes educated on Postpartum Bipolar Disorder.  Learning about medications, treatments, and coping skills, Dyane managed to gain control of her life.
 
   I really connected with this book as I lost a friend to Postpartum Bipolar Disorder.  This was my first book on this subject and highly recommend it for people who have a mental illness prior to having children so they can have a plan in place.