Pregnancy after a Loss is an incredible book! The author draws from her own experience of losing her first child late in pregnancy, from interviews with many women also experiencing the loss of a baby and going on to become pregnant again, and extensive research, to create a resource that is informative and immensely supportive and helpful. This book consists of exactly what those contemplating and experiencing subsequent pregnancy need. Every woman who was interviewed went on to have at least one healthy child and that in itself gives great hope to women who might feel it will never happen. Reading the thoughts of the author and the other women also provides validation of what seem at times to be crazy thoughts and emotions. In reading this book, I felt a sense of support and understanding, as well as gaining an ability to feel some degree of cautious optimism.

The first three chapters cover: searching for answers to your loss, deciding when you are ready to try again, and coping while actually trying to conceive again. Coping with the follow-up visit, fertility issues, and choosing your doctor are just some of the topics discussed. The next four chapters deal with the subsequent pregnancy itself: first, second and third trimesters, as well as high-risk pregnancy. Common concerns for each stage are discussed, and great tips for easing anxiety are offered. Information about various types of prenatal testing is given, as are thoughts on how to make decisions regarding this. The chapter on high-risk pregnancy includes extensive information about and supportive suggestions for coping with bed rest. The reader is then supported through labour and delivery, and the high-anxiety time of parenting the next baby. Fathers are not left out either, and have a special chapter addressing particular concerns they might have.

One of the many wonderful things about this book is that it is so extensive, covering the WHOLE issue, from the parents' loss right through to parenting the next baby. No stone is left unturned. I would like to think that every woman who has experienced the loss of a baby and is contemplating a subsequent pregnancy could have a copy of this book - it can really help turn something from a terrifying experience to one that is much more manageable.

Book review by Gaye Ward

To Purchase:
   • Pregnancy After a Loss: A Guide to Pregnancy after a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death at Amazon.com
   • Pregnancy After a Loss: A Guide to Pregnancy after a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death at Amazon.UK
   • Pregnancy After a Loss: A Guide to Pregnancy after a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death at Amazon Canada