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I'm Listening: A Guide to Supporting Postpartum Families
I'm Listening: A Guide to Supporting Postpartum Families is a practical book outlining step to understand and overcome the challenges of postpartum depression, written by an internationally recognized PPD activist and personal survisor. It is designed for both individuals experiencing PPD as well as their spouses, families, and loved ones, and address key steps to recovery such as education, communication, and nonjudgmental support--as well as common question and misconceptions about PPD. It also includes a chapter, should the reader feel inclined, on ways to organize support groups in your community and provide help to others experiencing similar issues involving PPD. For more information, please visit www.janehonikman.com
Jane Honikman is an author as well as a survivor of postpartum depression. Frustrated by the lack of community support available in the 1970s, she helped co-found Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) to ensure support for herself and others. In 1987 she founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) to represent self-help/support groups worldwide working to prevent the negative emotional reactions to childbearing. Both she and PSI empower and encourage interested individuals to create new support groups, as well as support existing ones. Jane continues her work today, increasing the resources and contacts available to women, their partners, families and friends.
Jane Honikman is an author as well as a survivor of postpartum depression. Frustrated by the lack of community support available in the 1970s, she helped co-found Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) to ensure support for herself and others. In 1987 she founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) to represent self-help/support groups worldwide working to prevent the negative emotional reactions to childbearing. Both she and PSI empower and encourage interested individuals to create new support groups, as well as support existing ones. Jane continues her work today, increasing the resources and contacts available to women, their partners, families and friends.
49 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2012
15 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jane I. Honikman
6 books1 followerI was born in 1945 in Palo Alto, California and my brothers and I attended the local schools. My father had his own business and I had a stay at home mother. I am the product of a traditional nuclear family of the 1950s.
In 1963 I became a student at Whittier College and graduated in 1967 with a BA in Sociology. Whittier was founded in 1887 by the Quakers to provide a liberal arts curriculum with a “learning-centered” focus. I credit my education at Whittier for understanding the importance of community. It led me to become an agent of social change.
I married Terry Honikman on July 16, 1967 and we moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1970. We still live in the home we bought that year.
I joined the Goleta Valley Branch of The American Association of University Women (AAUW) immediately. The foundation of my career began.
In the 1970’s, I experienced the joy of motherhood; I also began to feel the paralyzing guilt of not being able to cope and function in my new role. Frustrated by the lack of community support, I helped co-found Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) to ensure support for myself and others.
AAUW funded PEP in 1977. In 1980, I was awarded an AAUW Member Project/Research grant to conduct A Study of the Dynamics and Development of Postpartum Support Groups and published my results in June 1981. From the 120 questionnaires that were mailed to group contacts, there were 68 responses. This study was designed to serve as a first step in the formation of a National Network of Postpartum Support Groups.
In 1984, I was interviewed by an author, Carol Dix. She introduced me to Dr. James Hamilton and the Marcé Society. I was invited to present about PEP at my first international conference and have maintained active collaboration with this scientific organization.
In 1987, I founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) to represent self-help/support groups working to prevent the negative emotional reactions to childbearing. PSI empowers and encourages interested individuals to create new, as well as support existing, support groups. I continue my work, increasing the resources and contacts available to women, their partners, families and friends.
In 2015, I co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute (PAI). It is created for individuals who are committed to confronting the stigma of mental illness and the mythology surrounding new parenthood. In a user-friendly and non-lecture style, PAI provides unique learning experiences for all professionals and community leaders working with expectant and new parents. This Institute is dedicated to the power of professionals and advocates who are willing to improve care during the transition to parenthood.
Over the decades, I have authored many articles and educational materials on postpartum issues and how to start community support networks. My expertise is based upon my struggles as a new mother. I continue to lecture and train internationally on the role of social support and the emotional health of families. My own family includes my supportive husband of 51 years, 3 adult children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren (and a cat). I enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle in Santa Barbara.
In 1963 I became a student at Whittier College and graduated in 1967 with a BA in Sociology. Whittier was founded in 1887 by the Quakers to provide a liberal arts curriculum with a “learning-centered” focus. I credit my education at Whittier for understanding the importance of community. It led me to become an agent of social change.
I married Terry Honikman on July 16, 1967 and we moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1970. We still live in the home we bought that year.
I joined the Goleta Valley Branch of The American Association of University Women (AAUW) immediately. The foundation of my career began.
In the 1970’s, I experienced the joy of motherhood; I also began to feel the paralyzing guilt of not being able to cope and function in my new role. Frustrated by the lack of community support, I helped co-found Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) to ensure support for myself and others.
AAUW funded PEP in 1977. In 1980, I was awarded an AAUW Member Project/Research grant to conduct A Study of the Dynamics and Development of Postpartum Support Groups and published my results in June 1981. From the 120 questionnaires that were mailed to group contacts, there were 68 responses. This study was designed to serve as a first step in the formation of a National Network of Postpartum Support Groups.
In 1984, I was interviewed by an author, Carol Dix. She introduced me to Dr. James Hamilton and the Marcé Society. I was invited to present about PEP at my first international conference and have maintained active collaboration with this scientific organization.
In 1987, I founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) to represent self-help/support groups working to prevent the negative emotional reactions to childbearing. PSI empowers and encourages interested individuals to create new, as well as support existing, support groups. I continue my work, increasing the resources and contacts available to women, their partners, families and friends.
In 2015, I co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute (PAI). It is created for individuals who are committed to confronting the stigma of mental illness and the mythology surrounding new parenthood. In a user-friendly and non-lecture style, PAI provides unique learning experiences for all professionals and community leaders working with expectant and new parents. This Institute is dedicated to the power of professionals and advocates who are willing to improve care during the transition to parenthood.
Over the decades, I have authored many articles and educational materials on postpartum issues and how to start community support networks. My expertise is based upon my struggles as a new mother. I continue to lecture and train internationally on the role of social support and the emotional health of families. My own family includes my supportive husband of 51 years, 3 adult children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren (and a cat). I enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle in Santa Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 12, 2018
Jane H is a very intuitive peer counselor and a good educator, her book is a must read I think for postpartum workers (especially because it is so short and compact). It is designed for non-medical providers and has great outlines, lists, and semi scripted suggestions for helpful Q&A with struggling parents.
I would have given 5 stars for such a quick and helpful guide, but the info is given in a phone-based context (her platform for services but probably not most peoples) and she hints several times that the information, however scarce, is just what any older mother would be willing to provide and that ONLY experienced mothers are motivated or qualified to offer. I can't imagine how many birth and postpartum workers there are (myself included) who do not have children; these just seem like unnecessary and untrue generalizations.
Overall, a very thoughtful and practical book!
I would have given 5 stars for such a quick and helpful guide, but the info is given in a phone-based context (her platform for services but probably not most peoples) and she hints several times that the information, however scarce, is just what any older mother would be willing to provide and that ONLY experienced mothers are motivated or qualified to offer. I can't imagine how many birth and postpartum workers there are (myself included) who do not have children; these just seem like unnecessary and untrue generalizations.
Overall, a very thoughtful and practical book!
May 28, 2018
Great resource! Simple, helpful, well thought out. I will be buying her other books as well!
August 21, 2015
Super quick read that provides an excellent outline for conversations with women dealing with postpartum depression. Steps through a needs assessment and how to create an action plan led by mom. Clear and concise reference for birth professionals and anyone who wishes to provide support to people who may be going through PPD.
March 4, 2016
Great Guide!
Comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to offer support to the postpartum family. As a newer psi coordinator i appreciated that we are walked through a call and how to respond.
Comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to offer support to the postpartum family. As a newer psi coordinator i appreciated that we are walked through a call and how to respond.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews