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Day Nine: A Postpartum Depression Memoir
A harrowing memoir about a woman’s struggle with postpartum depression.
Nine days after the birth of her daughter, Amanda was involuntarily admitted to a Toronto psychiatric ward for postpartum depression (PPD). The typical hold-and-release process in Ontario is seventy-two hours. She stayed eighteen days.
New parent sleep deprivation is familiar, but Munday’s tumultuous experience with depression is one rarely discussed within parent communities. Any mental illness comes with a strong public stigma, and with mental illness connected to motherhood, the judgments run deep. Through her experiences, Munday presents the harsh realities of new parenthood and the quiet suffering postpartum depression commands.
Day Nine is an intimate memoir that reads like a freight train, revealing how common life transitions — childbirth and parenthood — can unravel into a medical emergency few new parents are prepared for.
Nine days after the birth of her daughter, Amanda was involuntarily admitted to a Toronto psychiatric ward for postpartum depression (PPD). The typical hold-and-release process in Ontario is seventy-two hours. She stayed eighteen days.
New parent sleep deprivation is familiar, but Munday’s tumultuous experience with depression is one rarely discussed within parent communities. Any mental illness comes with a strong public stigma, and with mental illness connected to motherhood, the judgments run deep. Through her experiences, Munday presents the harsh realities of new parenthood and the quiet suffering postpartum depression commands.
Day Nine is an intimate memoir that reads like a freight train, revealing how common life transitions — childbirth and parenthood — can unravel into a medical emergency few new parents are prepared for.
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2019
11 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 3, 2019
Full disclosure: Amanda is my cousin. I know Amanda and her immediate family well, and while I was not directly involved in the events depicted in this novel, I watched this story unfold in real time.
It takes a lot of fortitude to put a story like this into writing. It's not an easy one to tell. Postpartum depression is an insidious and devastating illness, but perhaps even more horrifying is that the fact that no one wants to talk about it - no one wants to acknowledge that a mother can feel anything but love and joy for her baby. But as Amanda illustrates in such vivid and honest detail, the experience of giving birth and the challenges of caring for a newborn is not always the picturesque scene today's media has instilled in our minds.
There is a lot going on in this story. If you were to sit and analyze this book, would you find discussion points for everything from issues relating to mental illness in today's healthcare system, the deficiencies of health care in Toronto, the impact of suicide on a family, societal expectations placed on mothers, struggles of women trying to balance a career and a family, and so much more. But at its core, Amanda's story is one of an average Toronto family, trying to navigate through life's challenges and overcoming adversity together. It's a story I think everyone can relate to while simultaneously opening the doors for new thoughts and questions about the way things are.
Personally, my big take away from Amanda's story is to be mindful of the expectations put on us by others, and those we put on ourselves, and to not hold ourselves so accountable for them. In the end, WE have to be the decision makers for our own lives, our own paths, and WE are the ones who can decide what is right for ourselves.
I am very proud of Amanda. She has built herself a successful career, a beautiful family, and now, through writing this book, she's paving the way for other women to be able to do the same.
It takes a lot of fortitude to put a story like this into writing. It's not an easy one to tell. Postpartum depression is an insidious and devastating illness, but perhaps even more horrifying is that the fact that no one wants to talk about it - no one wants to acknowledge that a mother can feel anything but love and joy for her baby. But as Amanda illustrates in such vivid and honest detail, the experience of giving birth and the challenges of caring for a newborn is not always the picturesque scene today's media has instilled in our minds.
There is a lot going on in this story. If you were to sit and analyze this book, would you find discussion points for everything from issues relating to mental illness in today's healthcare system, the deficiencies of health care in Toronto, the impact of suicide on a family, societal expectations placed on mothers, struggles of women trying to balance a career and a family, and so much more. But at its core, Amanda's story is one of an average Toronto family, trying to navigate through life's challenges and overcoming adversity together. It's a story I think everyone can relate to while simultaneously opening the doors for new thoughts and questions about the way things are.
Personally, my big take away from Amanda's story is to be mindful of the expectations put on us by others, and those we put on ourselves, and to not hold ourselves so accountable for them. In the end, WE have to be the decision makers for our own lives, our own paths, and WE are the ones who can decide what is right for ourselves.
I am very proud of Amanda. She has built herself a successful career, a beautiful family, and now, through writing this book, she's paving the way for other women to be able to do the same.
April 8, 2019
Postpartum depression really was not on my radar. I went through two pregnancies, one in which I was high risk. But there was never any discussion with my various doctors about the possibility of postpartum issues occurring. Sure, your hormones will change but I was not educated or forewarned about depression. So I carried on and now 30+ years later I have been given a front seat ride along with Amanda as she educates us on her journey through postpartum depression through a new Mom’s eyes.
My reading list is an eclectic one. From DIY books to relaxing fiction, I scan the library and bookstore shelves for titles that interest me. Medical-related works are ones that I return to time and time again for many reasons including dealing with my own chronic illnesses. I have been a fan of Lisa Genova and her medical based books and through her storytelling I have learned a lot about neuro-based illnesses. I liken Amanda Munday’s book to those presented by Lisa. The story is interesting to read, it tears at my heart strings and gives me pause. From the first page we are introduced to Amanda and Gordon as they await the birth of their first child. The difference in this story presentation versus other medical-related books I have read is that this book, Day Nine, was written and lived by the author herself.
The days following the baby’s birth are filled with hours of real-life drama from the simplest details as baby sleepers to anxiety, fear and the reality of postpartum depression taking charge over Amanda and Gordon’s lives (along with family members and friends who have come into the story as support persons though many are not educated about postpartum disease either.)
The book is a look into the day-to-day account of what it is to suffer from postpartum depression. The stigma of mental illness is brought to the forefront and this book educates as only a patient living with the disease can teach the readers.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The reader, if like me, will want to keep reading page after page even when it is into the late night. In simplest terms, I really liked it and though my eyes were brought to tears a few times during her story, I know that Amanda shared her story to educate us about a disease that hasn’t been discussed often enough. Good stories like this are meant to be told and Amanda took the challenge head-on and delivered her personal memoir beautifully.
My reading list is an eclectic one. From DIY books to relaxing fiction, I scan the library and bookstore shelves for titles that interest me. Medical-related works are ones that I return to time and time again for many reasons including dealing with my own chronic illnesses. I have been a fan of Lisa Genova and her medical based books and through her storytelling I have learned a lot about neuro-based illnesses. I liken Amanda Munday’s book to those presented by Lisa. The story is interesting to read, it tears at my heart strings and gives me pause. From the first page we are introduced to Amanda and Gordon as they await the birth of their first child. The difference in this story presentation versus other medical-related books I have read is that this book, Day Nine, was written and lived by the author herself.
The days following the baby’s birth are filled with hours of real-life drama from the simplest details as baby sleepers to anxiety, fear and the reality of postpartum depression taking charge over Amanda and Gordon’s lives (along with family members and friends who have come into the story as support persons though many are not educated about postpartum disease either.)
The book is a look into the day-to-day account of what it is to suffer from postpartum depression. The stigma of mental illness is brought to the forefront and this book educates as only a patient living with the disease can teach the readers.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The reader, if like me, will want to keep reading page after page even when it is into the late night. In simplest terms, I really liked it and though my eyes were brought to tears a few times during her story, I know that Amanda shared her story to educate us about a disease that hasn’t been discussed often enough. Good stories like this are meant to be told and Amanda took the challenge head-on and delivered her personal memoir beautifully.
November 8, 2024
So I read this book wanting to get a better understanding of clients who experience postpartum depresssion (PPD). While I think the book heavily explains and explores Amanda’s experience of her post-birth experiences, I felt like it breezed through the recovery portion. For example, it talks about how after her release from the psych ward she sees an outpatient therapist and goes to group therapy, and that they were helpful, but does not explain at all why. And for me as a therapist, I believe that could’ve been some of the most helpful information for individuals who experience PPD— to not only know “hey I share an experience with this person” but to also know how they survived it and what was helpful.
April 5, 2019
Day Nine is a heavy read but a crucial one. After finishing this memoir my first thought was that it would be a read I recommend to everyone. You might think “Well post partum depression (PPD) doesn’t affect me, this probably isn’t a read for me”. I strongly disagree.
There is a critical message that was obvious throughout this memoir; the pressing need to support those living with depression and serious mental health concerns. In her introduction, Munday writes that speaking out about about her experiences was important in order to normalize depression and combat the stigma surround mental health. Reading this memoir and searching out other like resources also combats the unnecessary and unhelpful stigma surround mental health.
Amanda writes tells her story with frank honesty and wit which makes even the heaviest elements of her memoir feel hopeful. Her willingness to own her vulnerabilities is inspiring and I commend her for her bravery.
Ultimately, what I’m saying is READ THIS BOOK!
Disclaimer: I was provided with an e-ARC of this memoir by the author. The author is also a close family member, and in fact, I’m mentioned in this book!
There is a critical message that was obvious throughout this memoir; the pressing need to support those living with depression and serious mental health concerns. In her introduction, Munday writes that speaking out about about her experiences was important in order to normalize depression and combat the stigma surround mental health. Reading this memoir and searching out other like resources also combats the unnecessary and unhelpful stigma surround mental health.
Amanda writes tells her story with frank honesty and wit which makes even the heaviest elements of her memoir feel hopeful. Her willingness to own her vulnerabilities is inspiring and I commend her for her bravery.
Ultimately, what I’m saying is READ THIS BOOK!
Disclaimer: I was provided with an e-ARC of this memoir by the author. The author is also a close family member, and in fact, I’m mentioned in this book!
July 1, 2019
“”Sleep when the baby sleeps” is a cruel phrase. One I hope to never hear again. At least Gordon is resting, I think. If he rests now, he can take over tomorrow. I will not sleep tonight. This is my cross to bear. I wanted to be a mother. It’s my responsibility to wear down my energy until there is nothing left. I asked for this.”
This book hit home to me so much... I struggled for postpartum depression for two years after my son was born. It isn’t talked about enough. I never thought it would happen to me because I wanted a child so badly. This is real people. Nothing but love for you Amanda. ❤️
This book hit home to me so much... I struggled for postpartum depression for two years after my son was born. It isn’t talked about enough. I never thought it would happen to me because I wanted a child so badly. This is real people. Nothing but love for you Amanda. ❤️
December 30, 2018
An intimate and honest portrait of a family’s journey through postpartum depression. This book will be a godsend to any mother who finds herself stuck in a swamp of anxiety and self-doubt and who is struggling to find her way out.
Note: I read a pre-publication manuscript of this book supplied by Dundurn Press.
Note: I read a pre-publication manuscript of this book supplied by Dundurn Press.
April 25, 2019
Achingly beautiful.
Read
May 27, 2019Such a frustrating read.. . She wants help but wont take any advice.... anti meds, anti pumping, anti everything. What exactly does she expect the medical system to do for her??? She has more support than many people .... i have depression, I have had anxiety attacks.... I had a baby and looked after him by myself.... no mom no mother in law no siblings..... husband was at work.... baby had colic..... when you ask for help, you need to accept choices.... I am only halfway through this book but feel like the author is a spoiled whiney brat.....
February 8, 2022
An honest memoir about a mother struggling with postpartum depression after the delivery of her first child. On the ninth day of her delivery, Amanda is admitted to the psychiatric ward diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. The book explains in details her journey to depression and out of it. Her husband’s and mother’s support and her fear from inheriting her father’s suicidal tendency. The book is good for those interested in psychology and for new mothers.
January 20, 2020
I cannot recommend this book enough. As a woman without kids (but an Auntie to many!), this book helped me understand what women with postpartum depression face. Every new parent (and Auntie and friend!) needs to read this book.
March 18, 2021
A memoir that is full of sorrow and hope. This book raises awareness about important issues related to mental health. It reminded of an adult version of Girl Interrupted.
June 6, 2019
A tough, emotional read that was eye opening. At the end of the book the author mentions that depression is the number one most common childbirth complication.
March 25, 2025
It’s hard for me to imagine ever reading a book that will resonate more deeply with my own experience. It was incredibly healing to read Amanda’s account of her postpartum mind, body, and spirit. I just wept and wept at some parts - especially when she talks to her children. I know having read this book will change my life, just as having survived postpartum depression and anxiety has, and also experiencing the power of medication and family to save me. Most importantly, I received the message of Amanda’s book that a birther has to ultimately decide what they can live with or not - and ask for help!
December 22, 2023
A bravely written memoir. I can only hope the author realizes the privilege she has to receive such comprehensive care and follow up. If you get hospitalized in my state: you wait in an ER for an indefinite amount of days for a bed, hopefully the social worker calls your family once or twice, and follow up care is a referral to a clinician that has a 6 month wait list. I'm glad she got better, but it was also hard for me to read knowing how the system in my state has failed so many patients and women.
May 15, 2025
Highly recommend! 📚 I wish I read this book five years ago or spoke to moms who could have provided this level of details about entering motherhood and postpartum. Almost 3 years postpartum myself with #MademoiselleFu and I was still able to relate to many parts of this memoir. Love everything about this book and most of all, she’s from Toronto! Thank you @amunday @mundaywrites you’re helping lots of moms by sharing your experience. 👊🏼👍🏼
November 7, 2022
Munday's story is so important. We all need to talk about postpartum mental illness and mothers need to know it's so much more common than we think.
I'd love to give the book a zillion stars but it just took so long to get momentum that it was hard to keep reading. I think a nonlinear approach could fix this and might I suggest starting on day nine for the reader. My rating isn't for the writing - it's the structure.
I applaud Munday's bravery and honesty to share such intimate times in her life. My favorite part of the book was after she healed and the tragic and happy events that followed.
I'd love to give the book a zillion stars but it just took so long to get momentum that it was hard to keep reading. I think a nonlinear approach could fix this and might I suggest starting on day nine for the reader. My rating isn't for the writing - it's the structure.
I applaud Munday's bravery and honesty to share such intimate times in her life. My favorite part of the book was after she healed and the tragic and happy events that followed.
June 1, 2019
Excellent. As a postpartum doula, hearing first hand some of the experiences Amanda went through hit close to home. It was a powerful read and really goes to show how necessary daily support is needed for new mothers in the first days and weeks after having a baby. The drastic brain changes and expectation of being a parent can at times be a difficult and painful reality for some.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews