"Black Milk" by Elif Shafak: Review:

Black milk is a memoir written by Elif Shafak ,a turkish writer I had the opportunity to read one of her books "Soufi ,mon amour ". It's about spirituality and love .A book beautifully written that I recommend reading if you're curious abou sufism .I'll try to write a review about it .

Black milk was a much anticipated read .For two reasons ,the first one is that it was written by Elif Shafak and the second is that the main subject was post-partum depression .Maternal mental health is a topic that needs to be given more attention .I was actually drawn by the premise ,the idea of getting to learn more about this mental illness through a writer’s glass.

Unfortunately ,the topic was brushed superficially and discussed until the end of the book .

In the memoir ,Elif focuses on more the period before her pregnancy .She had a belief that her life as a writer and the creative process of it needed loneliness .So we see through the book the transition from living independently and carving out a successful writing career then falling in love, getting married, and soon finding herself pregnant .

She depicts her struggle by introducing 6 characters reflecting different sides of her. A harem that co-exists within Elif Shafak .She calls them Thumbelinas ,each one of them reflecting and voicing different point of views .These characters have names here they are :

-Little Miss Practical :common sense and even greater pragmatism

-Dame Dervish

-Miss Ambitious Chekhovian: Relentless workaholic

-Miss highbrowed Cynic

-Mama Rice Pudding

-Blue Belle Bovary

You'll get to know more about them after reading the book .

I found it so creative of the writer to use this thumbelinas to dive into the complexities of her mind Her journey as a writer ,a mother and a mother-writer .

As motherhood and creativity are the main themes of the book ,Wz get to know more abour other women writers as Elif examines their life and work .

An exert of the book :

"How is it possible to feel so down when I am,in fact, happy and grateful?"

A little background : Post partum Depression

It occurs in 10 % to 15% of women in post partum .

Clinically the symptoms are :Sadness ,moodiness ,emotional lability sleep disturbances and anxiety .May have thoughts about hurting herself of baby .

Usually it resolves in less than 6 months but it’s still a long time for the mother and the baby. So it’s important to screen for depression in new mothers . Pregnancy and giving birth is normally a joyful period but if she’s sad ,spends the nights crying with the symptoms above . Please consider seeking help ,with the importance of involving the fathers too , by implementing a support system. When the baby comes ,the new mom will need help and rest .Becoming a team to take care of, both the mother and the baby.

Actually,poor sleep is associated with increased risk of PPD .Try to sleep efficiently, it must be a priority.

Couselling and input from a psychiatrist is a wise decision to avoid further complications for the mother and the baby .

There's possibility for treatment that will be discussed by the health care provider .

To conclude ,Black milk is an interesting read that I recommand reading if you're interested in memoirs. It's unique in its genre but it lacks depth of the subject .I think there was more to be said .

Please feel free to share your opinion with us .