Down Came the Rain

My Journey Through Postpartum Depression

By: Brooke Shields

Narrated by: Brooke Shields

Length: 5 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

A New Fan of Brooke

I have grown up watching Brooke Shields. We are about the same age and I can say that I have never really thought about her one way or another except that she was beautiful and probably vacuous. I bought this book reluctantly because my husband and I are trying to have a baby and I was reading everything I could find from science to moral support. Let me say that I was floored by her honesty and comforted by her courage. I can now say unequivocally that I am a fan of Brooke Shields. Her storytelling kept my attention from start to finish and the sound of her voice is a pleasure to listen to. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would give it 6 stars if I could. The only thing that would make it better is if it were unabridged.

This book is a must read!!!

For any families dealing with PPD this is a must read. It has helped me help understand what my daughter in law is going through!!!! Brooke I wish I could hug you for having the courage to relive your experience and write this book!! You are an angel!!!

Both informative and interesting.

I'm not particularly familiar with Brooke's work and have never been a particular fan of hers. But as someone who might possibly have actual children in his future someday instead of just the furry variety, it seemed like a good idea to read up on this very real and, as far as I'm concerned, horribly misunderstood issue. Problem was that I've never been a fan of clinical medical texts, and the thought of listening to those in audio form, even more than attempting to read them in braille, which being blind is the only other way I read, is enough to make me cringe. I have a hard enough time reading for pleasure in braille, which is why I don't if I can help it.
All that aside, I found that Audible had Brooke's memoir, read by the lady of the hour herself. I remember reading about how she'd suffered from severe Postpartum Depression after the birth of her first daughter and so I decided to read her account of it. Quite apart from the fact that I think she just has a very pleasant voice that's well designed, for lack of a better term, for narrating audiobooks, the story itself was very interesting and, despite the seriousness of the subject matter, not without its fair share of humor. Telling her story fully necessarily involves detailing her difficulty in getting pregnant, not to mention the miscarriage resulting from her first successful pregnancy. She then details her next pregnancy, the difficult labor and then goes on to describe the feelings of fear and hopelessness that quickly overcame her. I was skeptical at first but I soon couldn't put the player down for long. I'm often skeptical about authors narrating their own works since some just don't have the voice for it. But Brooke, as I said, just has a very pleasant voice to listen to. And at least I'll have some idea of what to watch for if I ever get married and have children.

Honest and Interesting

I was entertained by this book, although the ending seemed to drag on a bit.

fantastic look into this awful affliction

Brooke Shields does remarkable job at recounting her days dealing with post partum depression. This book was interesting and helped me deal with my own demons.
I believe it took incredible courage on her part to delve into the darkness and come out on the other side, an author, helping countless other women.
This story is compelling and inspiring.

PMAD survivor and I can’t recommend this enough

This book is essential to healing from PMAD in my opinion. My son is two and I was ready without feeling triggered. This book has meant so much to me. I’m so grateful to Brooke Shields for writing it.

Immensely Helpful and Entertaining

This book was a wonderful accompaniment to my ongoing treatment for my post partum depression. It was recommended by my therapist and hearing Brooke's struggle and symptoms was so reassuring!

She is wonderful to listen to and it was wonderful to hear her share her story. It's helped so much with my own recovery.