***While advanced access for granted for this review and interview, all opinions are my own.***
My wife gave birth to four biological children and I am grateful to say that I’ve never dealt with post-partem depression (PPD).
The statistics tell me that I’m fortunate. Historically, 20% of new mothers experience symptoms and, more recently during the COVID pandemic, that figure is estimated to be around 35%.
PPD is prevalent, pervasive, and, potentially, dangerous – and a new film directed by the author of the novel of the same title, Amy Koppelman. A Mouthful of Air drives this point home in a wholesome, raw manner that will speak to parents everywhere.
More information about A Mouthful of Air can be accessed here.
I spoke the to film’s star, Amanda Seyfried, Koppelman, and the film’s resident pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp about post-partum depression – the signs, symptoms, and solutions – and the movie’s portrayal of this often-unseen issue for new parents.
This wide-ranging press conference with other parenting writers can be accessed here:
The movie is heavy (bring the tissues) – it should be given the issue at play. The film, though, is important and designed to shine a light on a problem that happens around us without notice. This is so much more than normal, new baby exhaustion and isolation, PPD is clinical depression.
All parents should see this movie – moms and, especially, dads. And, when you do, let me know what you’ve learned. Even better, talk about it post-partum depression with friends, family, at the playground, and work to pull the curtain back from this stigmatized, parenting problem.
Additionally resources can be found on Dr. Karp’s site here.
