Perinatal Psychiatry

Blue: A History of Postpartum Depression in America by Rachel Louise Moran explores the evolving cultural, medical, and political understanding of postpartum depression in the United States. Drawing on oral histories and archival research, the book traces how women, alongside psychiatrists and psychologists, challenged societal stigma and fought to legitimize postpartum mental illness. Moran examines the interplay between motherhood, mental health advocacy, and broader cultural attitudes, revealing the hidden history of women’s struggles and activism surrounding postpartum depression.

Key Features:

• First book-length history of postpartum mental illness in twentieth-century America.
• Explores the cultural, medical, and political narratives around postpartum depression.
• Highlights the role of women’s activism and advocacy in legitimizing the illness.
• Draws on oral histories and extensive archival research for rich, firsthand perspectives.
• Examines the stigmatization and politicization of women’s mental health.
• Offers insights into the changing social and medical perceptions of motherhood.
• Reveals the intersection of gender, mental health, and cultural norms in shaping public understanding.