Parenthood Lost: Healing the Pain after Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death - Hardcover

"Michael Berman, in his remarkable book Parenthood Lost, is a modern Virgil in word and deed as he guides the reader through the wrenching anguish of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. These stories of parents' losses are filled with silent grief over thwarted outcomes of pregnancy. The language of love and caring in the poetry of Doctor Berman and in the remarkable words of nurses and other health professionals helps rescue families from the depths and devastation of infant loss. This book describes a tragic journey redeemed by hope and human spirit--parenthood lost but grace sustained. A splendid and valuable book for professionals and lay people alike."-Thomas P. Duffy, M.D. Professor of Medicine and Director, Program for Humanities in Medicine Yale University School of Medicine

Losing a pregnancy or newborn is a grievous experience. Today the perinatal death rate in the US - which refers to foetuses 20 weeks old through babies 4 weeks old - is about 14 per 1,000 births. Many more children die earlier in pregnancy than later in childhood. In "Parenthood Lost", Dr Michael Berman shares his insights from his experiences helping parents deal with their grief and unravels the confusing genetic and medical causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death. Through original poetry, firsthand stories told by parents, and articles describing genetic and medical disorders, "Parenthood Lost" offers clarification and hope for parents who have suffered this tragedy. Dr Berman includes a section on the most common reasons for perinatal losses, with detailed medical information written by practising obstetricians and a glossary of terms.