Rock-a-by Baby: Feminism, Self-Help and Postpartum Depression

Although self-help has been an integral strategy of the women's movement, the burgeoning self-help publishing industry and growing popularity of talk shows that encourage personal confession have provoked vicious attacks on self-help from many feminists. Rock-a-By Babytakes issue with the negative view of self-help dominating feminist scholarship by examining the postpartum depression support group movement and exploring the relationship between gender, the ideas and strategies of women's self-help groups and feminism. Using interviews and personal letters, talk show transcripts, organizational newsletters and a survey of postpartum group leaders, Taylor illuminates the conflicts being played out in the arena of women's self-help.