No person wants to read a book like this since miscarriage is incredibly difficult, but I'm glad a compassionate and informative book like this exists. The author is uniquely qualified to address this topic and does so carefully and deliberately. Thanks for the advance review copy of this book.

There are very few books about pregnancy loss and early infant death, and those which exist tend to focus on one person's story, or on a general guide to healing. This book is unique in its scope, because it provides counseling advice for the aftermath of loss while also providing information and advice about conceiving again and dealing with the unique challenges of experiencing pregnancy after losing another child. The last chapters also address childbirth, the postpartum period, adjustment to having a new family member, and supporting yourself in the midst of motherhood.

Joey Miller writes out of extensive counseling experience, and her writing reflects a variety of different viewpoints, feelings, and situations. She acknowledges the complexity of loss and different grieving styles, and includes short reflections from a number of different women. These reflection bars sometimes interrupt the flow of the prose, but share unfiltered personal perspectives that reflect the diversity of loss experiences and processing. This book does not push anyone into a mold, but addresses a wide range of different loss types and experiences. This is especially helpful when Miller shares relationship advice for couples, because she respects the uniqueness of every relationship and how differently people can experience and express their grief, even when they are going through the exact same loss.

Miller also addresses challenges related to extended family relationships, friend networks, and dealing with strangers' comments and advice. This book helps validate people's different experiences, and gives them the language and tools that they need to handle issues as they arise. Miller also includes lots of information about dealing with anxiety over pregnancies that follow loss, and has great advice for how parents can navigate health care and communicate well with doctors. Although this book is not a complete guide to pregnancy, Miller covers primary elements of each trimester through the lens of loss, sharing advice and client stories to help mothers feel understood and evaluate how to cope well and get the best care.

This unique and encouraging book is a great option for women who want to conceive again after loss, and it provides practical advice and emotional reassurance. I especially appreciate the message that you will always remember and love the baby that you lost, and that getting pregnant again is not "replacing" that baby or "moving on," no matter what other people assume. This book is honest about the heart-shattering grief and permanent pain inherent in the death of a child, but is full of wise advice, hope, and encouragement. I would recommend this to mothers who want to continue growing their families after loss, and to doctors, family members, and friends who need to understand the unique contours of this experience.