When the Bough Breaks by David Delgadillo and Peter Davis, Desk Top Creations, 1992.
A touching and thoughtful collection of writings about infants who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A description of the SIDS phenomena, possible etiologies, and a summary of research current in 1992 is provided. A list of "do's" and "don'ts" in the final pages of the book are sound guidelines for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
Presenting Unexpected Outcomes, by Sherokee Ilse; Pregnancy & Infant Loss Center of MN, 1989.
This manuscript, intended for use by childbirth educators, emphasizes the need for educators to include and incorporate the discussion of unexpected outcomes in their childbirth classes. Other issues that are addressed include the needs of families who have suffered the loss of a "perfect" outcome and the discomfort instructors may experience in addressing "negative" pregnancy outcomes. A bibliography and a list of other available publications is included. Copies of Presenting Unexpected Outcomes can be ordered from Wintergreen Press, 4105 Oak Street, Long Lake, MN 55356.
Health Provider's Manual For Helping After Perinatal Death, Published by H.A.N.D. of Santa Clara County, Los Gatos, CA, 1987.
This short 15 page booklet describes the services offered through H.A.N.D., parents emotional reactions to miscarriage, stages of grief and reactions to a new pregnancy. It gives suggestions for health care professionals on how to help, including a sample checklist, as well as a section on taking care of yourself. A bibliography is included.
The Helper's Journey by Dale G. Larson; Research Press; 1993.
This book is written for volunteers, nurses, physicians social workers, clergy and counselors who work with terminally ill patients. This book is divided into three parts: Part One focuses on the personal experiences of these helpers; Part Two discusses communication skills; and Part Three explores interdisciplinary helping teams. Although the section on grieving may be relevant for some health professionals who are helping a family cope with a stillbirth, a shorter book dealing specifically with pregnancy loss may be more appropriate.
Caring for Your Own Dead by Lisa Carlson, Upper Access Publishers, Hinesburg, Vermont, 1987.
A sensitively written guide which thoroughly explains the necessary procedures for arranging a funeral on one's own. Contains a state-by-state listing of legal requirements as well as other useful information pertaining to disposition of the body.
Recovering From the Loss of a Child, by Katherine Fair Donnelly; MacMillan Publishing Company, New York, 1982.
Parents of deceased children share their grief experiences and things that helped them recover. While a chapter is devoted to the death of babies very little space is directly concerned with stillbirth. The book also includes a detailed directory of helping organizations.
Coping with Caring for Sick Newborns, Marshall, Kasman & Cape; W.B. Saunders & Co., 1982.
Written for health professionals, who work closely with newborns requiring intensive care. Various support systems and general coping mechanisms are discussed. Also touched upon are some of the concrete issues involved in forming parents' support groups.
ICEA Sharing; International Childbirth Educators Association.
An issue of newsletter written by childbirth educators. It might be helpful for those professionals who deal with grief in childbirth classes and other prenatal education classes.
When a Baby Dies - A Handbook for Helping and Healing, by Rana Limbo & Sara Wheeler; Resolve Through Sharing Pub., LaCrosse, WI 1986.
An excellent resource for professionals (physicians, nurses, clergy, funeral directors), family (grandparents, friends, surviving children) and parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or ectopic pregnancy. A very thorough book, it includes information on grief alone, within a relationship and a family, reactions to the different types of losses and practical suggestions for all persons to help themselves and others to move forward.
"Handbook on Neonatal Hospice", The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO.
A manual developed by staff members of the Denver Children Hospital NICU for dealing with neonatal loss in the intensive care nursery. A humanizing approach to caring for families of critically ill newborns that includes offering a more comfortable physical environment for the infant and family. Also discussed are suggestions for staff training, involvement of family members, use of a "Family Room" and follow up services.
And They Say There Are No More Heroes..., 1987, Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE.
Wellsprings Caring, Sr. Patricia Sheeran, Centering Corporation, 1987.
These two vignettes are written specifically for caregivers working with families facing a loss. The former is intended for those working in intensive care nursery situations and facing infant death, while the latter is a more general offering.
A Most Important Picture, Johnson, J., Johnson, M., Cunningham, J.H., Weinfield, I.J., Center Corporation, Box 3367, Omaha, NE 68103, 1985.
Following the death of a baby, personal photographs can be one of the most important lasting keepsakes a family is given. A Most Important Picture is an instructive manual that can help care providers obtain quality photos. It is not intended as a technical manual in camera operation but rather a manual to "illustrate various ways of taking pictures which will be supportive and affirming to the grieving family".
First Foto, Infant Bereavement Assistance Program, St. Charles, Missouri.
This is basically a service provided to parents who have experienced a stillbirth or neonatal death. The processes of requesting and ordering photographs of the baby as well as how to create other memories are outlined. Also included is a list of support groups and organizations.
A Caregiver’s Handbook to Perinatal Loss by Gary E. Vogel, MA, NCC; deRuyter Nelson Publications, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, 1996.
A resource for professional caregivers, this book provides a concise explanation of the issues surrounding perinatal loss. As both a clinical psychotherapist and a parent of a stillborn child, Gary E. Vogel describes the grieving process and the emotions parents commonly experience as they deal with different aspects of perinatal loss. Topics covered include individual grieving styles, community reactions, ceremonies, support groups, and future pregnancies. These issues and others are described in the context of individual caregivers with whom parents come into contact, such as physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, social workers, and funeral directors, This text can be utilized as a reference for caregivers as to what the needs of couples might be so that they can provide for these needs effectively. A bibliography and list of other resources is included.
The Joy of Feeling Good: Eight Keys to a Happy and Abundant Life, by William A. Miller; Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, MN, 1986.
The author, who has a background in religion and counseling, has written a book about eight precepts that can help one to achieve contentment in life. The author includes several exercises and self-tests to help illustrate his points. This book is appropriate for those who may find comfort from Christian teachings. Furthermore, it would probably be most helpful to those who have already worked through much of their grieving.
Giving Care, Taking Care: Support for the Helpers by Sherokee Ilse, Wintergreen Press, 1996.
This book is a practical resource for both professional and lay care-providers on death and dying, bereavement, and self-care, written by a woman who has personally experienced loss. The book ends with extremely useful comprehensive lists of resources, books, and audiovisuals on such topics as coping, caring, personal growth, fitness and nutrition, humor, meditation, faith, illness and bereavement.
Letters to Sarah, by Jennifer Goins-Caufman. www.hygeia.org (special site found on table of contents page)
Ms. Caufman recently sent me a copy of her self-published, spiral bound book, Letters to Sarah, written after the stillbirth of her daughter on November 2, 1990. The book is both a portrait of Ms. Caufman's own experience written side by side with general bereavement information for other bereaved parents.
Loving Arms Newsletter Collection, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center of Minnesota.
Collection of all Loving Arms newsletters from Spring 1985 through 1991. Published 4 times/year, each newsletter contains information about available resources, a question and answer column and articles about selected topics (e.g., Loss and the Couple, Dreams and Loss, Children and Death). Contact the WiSSP Lending Library for a complete listing.
Single Parent Grief by Sherokee Isle; A Place to Remember, 1994.
This pamphlet (18 pages) was specifically written for single parents without a steady partner. It discusses the feelings that single parents experience as they grieve the loss of their child, as well as providing helpful hints, resources, and suggestions for places to turn for support.
Goodbye My Child by Sara Rich Wheeler and Margaret M. Pike; Centering Corporation, 1992.
This is a helpful booklet for families who have lost a child at any age. The focus is on loss and grieving issues, but autopsy, organ donation and funeral planning are also discussed. The personal quotes from parents and family members that fill each section lend a personal and empathic quality to the book.
For Better or Worse by Maribeth Wilder Doerr; Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE, 1992.
A concise, understandable account of some of the feelings and reactions that accompany the death of a child. The booklet sensitively discusses the differences between male and female grieving and offers valuable practical suggestions for grieving parents.
Children Die, Too, by Joy and Marion Johnson; Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE, 1984.
A short booklet focusing on the universal feelings of grief parents have after losing a child. Includes sections for grandparents, surviving children and friends.
When a Baby Dies - A Handbook for Helping and Healing, by Rana Limbo & Sara Wheeler; Resolve Through Sharing Pub., LaCrosse, WI 1986.
An excellent resource for professionals (physicians, nurses, clergy, funeral directors), family (grandparents, friends, surviving children) and parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or ectopic pregnancy.
A Guide for the Bereaved Survivor: A List of Reactions, Suggestions, and Steps for Coping with Grief by Robert Baugher, Ph.D. and Marc Calija, Baugher and Calija, Renton, WA, 1992. (Formerly titled: A Guide for the Survivor Who Has Lost a Loved One Through a Sudden Death)
In 59 pages, Dr. Baugher and Mr. Calija have sensitively presented a thorough overview of the bereavement process, including discussions about emotional reactions, physical reactions, reactions of others, and reactions that demand thinking (in some cases there is even relation to dealing with grief following murder, suicide, or death of unknown cause). This is a truly comforting guide that could be helpful at any stage of the grieving process.
Healing Grief, by Amy Hillyard Jensen; Medic Publishing.
Written by a woman who lost two children and learned how to share the burden of other bereaved parents and children. This booklet describes the stages of grieving and highlights the elements that are common to most people, offering very practical suggestions and guidelines.
A Gift of Hope. How we Survive our Tragedies, by Robert L. Veninga, Balantine Books, New York, 1985.
This paperback (311 pages) is a thoughtful philosophy and self-help manual about dealing with tragedy and crisis in life. Documented by numerous case studies, most of which involve death of a close family member, survival strategies are illustrated and some specific advice offered. Stillbirth is only one of many situations mentioned--other crisis topics involve suicide, crippling injuries, cancer, terminal illness, job loss, death of child and spouse. Includes a limited list of resources.
Handling the Holidays, by Bruce H. Conley; Thum Printing, Elburn, IL, 1979.
A practical guide committed to helping bereaved persons cope constructively with the holidays. Includes personal experiences, practical suggestions and a resource list.
Newborn Death, by Joy & S.M. Johnson. (Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE)
A short booklet designed for parents experiencing stillbirth, miscarriage or neonatal death. It encourages parents to see, hold, touch and name their baby, and to take an active part in decision making. The importance of the couple's grief is recognized as well as the residual effects after returning home, the value of saying good-bye and the importance of the marriage and other close relationships.
Understanding Death of the Wished For Child, by Glen W. Davidson; OGR Service Corporation, 1979.
An edited script of the film "Death of a Wished For Child". Within a theoretical framework it describes ways women, and the significant people around them, cope with the loss of their baby. It identifies occasions of vulnerability when the mother's abilities to cope seem most fragile. It attempts to clarify appropriate from inappropriate interventions.
The Art of Condolence by L.M. Zunin and H.S. Zunin; Harper Collins, New York, NY, 1991.
This book gives advice on how to comfort and assist people when a close friend or family member dies. Grief, attachment, and loss processes are described in detail. Practical advice is given on writing letters of condolence, the proper words to say and avoid, and actions which will assist the bereaved. The chapter on professional issues for health care workers is especially relevant.
Helping People Through Grief, by Delores Kuenning; Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1987.
When illness, tragedy, or catastrophic events happen to someone else we find ourselves groping for words to express the deep concern and sadness we feel for them. We want to say or do something helpful in an attempt to offer comfort. This book serves as a guide for professionals, as well as lay persons, in assisting others in times of grief and despair. Offers a religious perspective.
After Pregnancy Loss by Mary Beth Franklyn; Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 1988.
A guide for grieving parents and clergy or counselors following a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death, authored by a woman who has experienced a pregnancy loss. Written in a strongly Christian approach, this pamphlet includes descriptions of situations parents may face including funerals and provides suggestions for coping in addition to recommended readings.
Grief: What It Is and What We Can Do About It, by E.P. Vining; Centering Corporation.
Written by a funeral director, this pamphlet reviews the physical signs of grief and the associated denial, guilt and anger.
Free to Grieve, by Maureen Rank; Bethany House Publishers, 1985.
Combining personal experience with research, the author offers guidance to the grieving and emphasizes that grieving, an individual process, is both necessary and justifiable. In addition, questions such as "why did my pregnancy loss occur?" and "when shall we try again" are addressed. This book is written from a Christian perspective, and may be a helpful resource for pastors.
Miscarriage: A Man’s Book by Rick Wheat, Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE, 1995.
This is a brief, easy-to-read resource, written by a man who has himself, along with his wife, undergone the experience of miscarriage. It offers effective and practical approaches to the immediate crisis elements inherent in the event of miscarriage.
Are You Weeping With Me, God?, by Martha Bittle Clark; Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1987.
This book is a journal written by a mother who experienced the loss of her daughter. From the first day she heard of the accident she began to record her thoughts, fears, and inner feelings. This journey through grief tells how one woman searched for new understanding and grew in her faith as a Christian.
Good Grief, by Grangor E. Westberg; Fortress Press, 1984.
The pattern of grief, and what can be learned from it, are explored. This book, written by a Lutheran clergyman, might be more helpful to those who derive their support from their religious community.
When Going to Pieces Holds You Together, by William A. Miller; Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, MN, 1976.
Miller defines grief not as an emotion but rather an experience that must be worked through. His philosophy is that while some may describe certain attitudes, behaviors 'as going to pieces', this process is in fact normal, natural and necessary. While appropriate for someone who is actively grieving, will be most helpful for professionals and friends caring for survivors.
Living When a Loved One Has Died, by Earl A. Grollman; Beacon Press, Boston, 1972.
Simply written yet comprehensive book which outlines the feelings and emotions people experience after the death of a loved one. Stresses the normality of grief and the growth that can occur.
Comforting Those Who Grieve: A Guide for Helping Others, by Doug Manning; Harper and Row, San Francisco, 1985.
The major goal of this book is to educate the reader about grief--a natural, therapeutic, and necessary process following a loss. Although the author, a pastor, writes from a clerical point of view, the information he presents is directed at, and very appropriate for, family, friends, and professionals as well as for the clergy.
I Don’t Know How to Help Them by Linda Maurer; Johnson Printing, Boulder, Colorado, 1993.
This book was written by a woman whose 18 year old daughter died in an accident several years ago. The grieving process is explored through stories and experiences shared by the author. Most importantly, Linda Maurer gives advice on how to comfort the bereaved.
The Bereaved Parent, by Harriet Sarnoff Schiff; Penguin Books, 1983.
Written by an author who is a bereaved mother herself, this book offers guidelines and practical step-by-step suggestions on how to cope with the many stages of grief. The effects of bereavement on marriage, religion, and communication are addressed.
What Can I Say - How to Help Someone Who is Grieving: A Guide, by Kelly Osmont, MSW, RCSW and Marilyn McFarlane; Nobility Press, Portland, Oregon, 1988.
An excellent resource for medical professionals, clergy or lay people (family, friends and neighbors) which offers practical suggestions on how to help and lend support to those who are grieving. The author ends with her own poem which touchingly sums up the pages of this booklet.
Because You Care - Practical Ideas for Helping Those Who Grieve, by Barbara Russel Chesser; Word Books Publisher, Waco, TX; 1987.
This book, written for the general public, explains the grieving process and gives many practical suggestions on how to be helpful and supportive to bereaved individuals. It is not focused specifically on parents, rather on anyone who has experienced a loss. Many real life experiences and quotes are used, as well as many Bible quotes. Lists of support groups and further readings are included in appendices.
Living Through Personal Crisis, by Ann Kaiser Sterns; Thomas Moore Press, 1984
A self-help book written for those who have to deal with loss and trauma, and their families. Explains what you may be feeling both physically and emotionally and ways to help yourself heal.
Questions and Answers on Death and Dying, by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross; MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1974.
This book contains some of the most frequent questions asked of the author while participating in workshops, lectures and seminars on the care of dying patients. Discussion primarily focuses on patients with terminal illnesses
Before and After My Child Died, by Joseph Fischhoff, MD and Noreen O'Brien Brohl, MSW.; Emmons-Fairfield Publishing Co., Detroit, MI, 1983.
A collection of parent's experiences before and after their child died. Told in their own words, it can be one resource to help those who need to know that they are not alone. The parents who have contributed to this book have lost children in many ways--stillbirth and neonatal death included.
Time Remembered: A Journal for Survivors, by Earl A. Grollman; Beacon Press, Boston, 1987.
While the author presents some thoughts on various aspects of the grieving process, support systems, and recovery following the loss of a loved one, the primary emphasis of this book is on encouraging the reader to write down and express his or her feelings and experiences following a loss.
The Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss, by John W. James and Frank Cherry; Harper and Row, New York, 1989.
Written by two grief recovery educators and counselors, the authors shared many personal experiences in order to illustrate a process for recognizing and working through the grieving process. They address many of society's misconceptions about death and dying and give very practical advice about how these might be overcome. Included are many ideas for discussion, introspection, and activities.
Empty Arms: A Guide to Help Parents and Loved Ones Cope with Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death, by Sherokee Ilse.
This book, written by a parent who had a stillborn son and directed to other parents who have suffered loss, is a detailed, supportive resource with thoughts on subjects such as decisions parents may be faced with, feelings during ensuing weeks, recovery, and tips on how family and friends can help. It also includes an excellent bibliography.
When Pregnancy Fails: Families Coping with Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death, by Susan Borg and Judith Lasker; Bantum Books, 1988 (2nd Edition).
This is an excellent, compassionately written, updated and revised book that balances practical medical information with accounts of parent's experiences as well as the authors' experiences with pregnancy loss. It explores the impact of loss on a couple's relationship and addresses concerns for single women, grandparents, and friends and relatives. It includes an extensive list of support groups across the U.S.
Journey through Grief, by Elizabeth B. Farnsworth; Susan Hunter Publishing.
This is a touching and personal book which describes the birth and death of a baby with Down syndrome; it is a hopeful story which reminds those who have similarly suffered that they are not alone and that the journey of grieving truly does have a kind of resolution. For professionals, this book is an excellent resource for insight into despair, anger, alienation and even peace that are ultimately associated with the grieving process.
Single Parent Grief by Sherokee Ilse; deRuyter Nelson Publications, Inc., 1994.
Well-known expert on bereavement Sherokee Ilse provides helpful hints, resources and suggestions regarding support for single men, women and teenagers coping with the loss of a child, miscarriage or stillbirth. The pamphlet explores personal feelings, interactions with others and building of support/coping skills. An appendix of support resources is also provided.
The Ultimate Loss--Coping With the Death of a Child, by Joan Bordow; Beaufort Books, Inc., New York/Toronto, 1982.
Offers case histories and commentaries on the various ways people cope with the death of a child. Professionals and religious teachers share their viewpoints and philosophies.
Surviving Pregnancy Loss, by Rochelle Friedman, M.D. and Bonnie Gradstein, M.P.H.; Little, Brown & Company, 1982.
A factual and compassionate resource. Topics covered include the various types of pregnancy loss, (i.e., miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy and multiple losses) and incorporates a personal experience for each type. It also discusses the emotional impact of pregnancy loss, how it affects the father, other children, family and friends. An excellent source for both couples and professionals to provide understanding of the tremendous impact of a pregnancy loss.
A Guide to Resources in Perinatal Bereavement, National Center for Education on Maternal & Child Health, 1987.
This resource listing is intended primarily for families and the professionals who work with them following a miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Printed and audiovisual materials presented from medical, psychosocial, and spiritual perspectives are included, ranging from personal accounts of parents, to works of poetry, to institutional training materials.
Ended Beginnings - Healing Childbearing Losses, by Claudia Panuthos and Catherine Romeo; Bergin and Garvey Publishers, Inc., South Hadley, MA, 1984.
A holistic approach to grieving and healing. It explores all four aspects of childbearing loss: the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual. Childbearing losses are defined broadly as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS, infertility, abortion and release to adoption.
Empty Arms: A Guide to Help Parents and Loved Ones Cope with Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death, by Sherokee Ilse.
This book, written by a parent who had a stillborn son and directed to other parents who have suffered loss, is a detailed, supportive resource with thoughts on subjects such as decisions parents may be faced with, feelings during ensuing weeks, recovery, and tips on how family and friends can help. It also includes an excellent bibliography.
Empty Arms: Emotional Support for Those Who Have Suffered Miscarriage or Stillbirth, by Pam W. Vredevelt; Multriomah Press, Portland, OR, 1984.
A Christian approach to grief following a pregnancy loss. Also includes chapters on helping children understand death, dealing with the reactions of others, and the importance of exercise and nutrition. Offers many practical suggestions for growth and healing.
After a Loss in Pregnancy = Help for Families Affected by a Miscarriage, a Stillbirth or the Loss of a Newborn, by Nancy Berezin. Simon & Schuster, 1981.
This resource covers such topics as the response of the couple, the community and the caregiver; the mourning process; how to deal with the surviving children; becoming pregnant again; and some causes of pregnancy loss. Also included is a state-by-state listing of parent support groups. This book may be more appropriate for professionals dealing with those who have experienced a pregnancy loss. Numerous studies, facts and figures are presented. The overriding purpose of the book seems to be to increase the professionals awareness of what a pregnancy loss means to a family.
When a Baby Dies - A Handbook for Helping and Healing, by Rana Limbo and Sara Wheeler; Resolve Through Sharing Pub., LaCrosse, WI, 1986.
An excellent resource for professionals (physicians, nurses, clergy, funeral directors), family (grandparents, friends, surviving children) and parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or ectopic pregnancy.
Mother Care, by Sherokee Ilse, Inez Anderson, Mary Funk. Wintergreen Press Inc, 3630 Eileen St., Maple Plain, Minnesota 55359, 1995.
Aptly titled, Mother Care is primarily about the needed care for regaining physical health following loss through a late miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Information is included on several important topics, such as breast care, nutrition, and hygiene. Questions answered are practical ones: How much bleeding is expected, and for how long? When should a doctor be called? When can sexual activity be resumed? How can/should exercise be incorporated in a post partum period?
Pregnancy Loss: Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations by James Woods, Jr., MD and Jennifer L. Esposito.
This books purpose is "to provide a straightforward, step-by-step approach for professionals in the medical community who encounter patients with a pregnancy loss". It is unique in professional (MD intended) literature because of the in-depth consideration of parental psychological reaction to stillbirth and the physician and nurse role in aiding the grief experience.
Reaching Out, Bereavement Services/RTS.
Reaching Out is a must-have resource manual for any hospital, clinic or health care facility that is developing a comprehensive bereavement program. It is a complete and thorough guide for the entire development process. It is immensely readable, and while its focus is very broad (i.e. not specific to stillbirth or even pregnancy loss), this would be a useful guide for any bereavement organization. Even if your program is established, it may provide guidance in solving problems you may be experiencing.
Stillborn: The Invisible Death, by John DeFrain et al., Lexington Books, D.C. Heath & Co., 1986.
For both parents and professionals, this book is a compilation of interviews and written testimony of over 300 mothers and fathers who have experienced a stillbirth. It describes, mostly in the parent's own words, their thoughts, feelings and actions from the moment they learned of the death through recovery.
Making It Through the Night. How Couples Can Survive a Crisis Together, by Pat Quigley with Marilyn Shroyer, Ph.D., Condri Press, Berkeley, California, 1992.
This paperback is filled with useful information on how to survive a crisis with your partner. It aims to assist those in crisis to learn how to stay together instead of allowing a crisis to break the relationship apart.
Embracing Laura—The Grief and Healing Following the Death of An Infant Twin, by Martha Wegner-Hay; Centering Corporation, 1998.
This very complete little book is remarkable for the true empathy, honesty and tenderness with which it is written. For anyone who has or will deliver multiples where one or more has died, it is to be highly recommended.
Having Twins by Elizabeth Noble, Houghton Mifflin, 1991.
This is a guide to pregnancy, birth, and early childhood for parents of twins and other multiple births. Included in the book is a chapter which explores the emotional consequences of losing one or both members of a set of twins. This chapter would best be used by families coping with twin loss as a supplement to a book dealing with perinatal loss in general. This book sometimes takes a non-traditional slant including discussions of pre-natal psychology and psychic phenomena.
Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child, by Earl A. Grolloman; Beacon Press, Boston, 1976.
A two part book--a children's read-along section followed by a companion parents guide. The parents guide provides help in using the read along as a way to promote discussion. The book is not solely for children since when sorting out their feelings, will enable parents to better understand their children. Excellent resource.
Pregnancy Attachment and the Need to Create Memories, RTS Bereavement Services, 1995.
This is a nicely organized packet of materials to help educate health care providers about perinatal loss. The program explains how attachment during pregnancy lays the foundation for parental bereavement following a loss, and why collecting memories of the baby can provide comfort and aid the healing process.
Pregnancy After a Loss: For Friends and Relatives, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, 1991.
This single sheet pamphlet discusses how friends, relatives and care providers can assist a couple who is experiencing a pregnancy following a loss. Practical guidelines are described.
Your Next Baby, Centering Corporation.
A short pamphlet written for parents and families who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death and are now expecting a baby. Anticipated emotions are briefly stated, as are parental reactions after the delivery of a healthy baby.
Our Newsletter, Jean Kollantai, P.O.Box 1064, Palmer, AK 99645.
This is a newsletter by and for parents who have experienced the death of one of their twins during pregnancy, at birth, or in early infancy. This informal network of parents shares memories, helps families connect with each other, and works to develop local support activities for parents who have lost one twin.
The Death of a Twin: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Infancy, Parents of Multiple Births Association of Canada, Inc.
A 9 page booklet that discusses the death of a twin or twins through miscarriage, stillbirth, or in infancy. Outlines the distinctness of this special grief and suggests ways to heal. Brief mention of how to help a surviving twin.
Death of an Infant Twin, Centering Corporation
A 4 page pamphlet describing the distinct grief of parents when one twin dies, and suggestions for working through that grief.
After Loss—Parenting in the Next Pregnancy, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health System, 1998.
This book shares the story of a woman born less than two years after an older sibling had died, whose experiences led her to an awareness that she was born into a family in profound grief, that shaped many aspects of her life. This guidebook works from that premise — that any baby born after a loss is born into a family in grief (loss is defined here as death prior to delivery and following delivery, the presence of severe physical or developmental disabilities).
Bittersweet...hello goodbye. A Resource in Planning Farewell Rituals when a Baby Dies. Edited by Sister Jane Marie Lamb, OSF.; Prairie Lark Press
This is a comprehensive resource written for clergy and other health care professionals who work with bereaved parents. It provides background information regarding grieving and rituals, and gives excellent examples of memorials and services, including letters and thoughts written by parents.
Resolve through Sharing: A Parent Support Group Guide by Rana K. Limbo, RN,MS and Sara Rich Wheeler, RN, MS; Lutheran Hospital - LaCrosse, 1989.
This booklet is intended to be used as a guide for setting up a support group to help parents who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. It contains instructions on how to go about getting a group started and how to keep it healthy.
Silent Birth---if your baby dies, by Sharon Covington, 1986.
This is a very well written and amazingly comprehensive booklet about dealing with perinatal death. A compact resource for informing parents, it's also a valuable resource for caregivers, family and friends--it tells what needs to be done and what to expect. Especially appropriate for parents who learn ahead of time that their baby will be stillborn. Covers topics of preparing for delivery, saying goodbye, returning home, feeling the loss and time to heal.
Western Attitudes Toward Death, by Philippe Aries; John Hopkins University Press, 1974.
A history of changing attitudes toward death in Western Societies since the Middle Ages.
When a Baby Dies - A Handbook for Helping and Healing, by Rana Limbo and Sara Wheeler; Resolve Through Sharing Pub., LaCrosse, WI, 1986.
An excellent resource for professionals (physicians, nurses, clergy, funeral directors), family (grandparents, friends, surviving children) and parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or ectopic pregnancy.
What Family & Friends Can Do, by Sherokee Ilse; Wintergreen Press, Maple Grove, MN.
This pamphlet is adapted from Empty Arms: A Guide to Help Parents and Loved Ones Cope with Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death by Sherokee Ilse. It offers suggestions to help loved ones cope with the loss of their baby and how a loved one's assistance, comfort, and support can help parents deal with their loss.
Special Beginnings, Centering Corporation.
A booklet for parents of babies with a special life beginning--prematurity or illness--and needs to spend time in the intensive care nursery. Feelings during the hospital stay and when the baby comes home are addressed as well as issues about the marriage relationship, being a single parent, other children and extended family. Although this resource is brief it is fairly complete and quite sensitively written. Very appropriate for distribution by hospital staff.
When Joy Withers Away, by Calvin D. Vander Meyden, deRuyter-Nelson Publications, Inc., 1994.
This booklet describes the emotions and experiences of a grandfather upon the unexpected death of his 3 1/2 month old grandson from SIDS. The author, a Christian minister, shares his story, addressing questions such as “why did this happen?” and “why weren’t my prayers answered?”. The author acknowledges the grief felt by extended family members, especially grandparents, at the loss of an infant. This short but well told story contains some biblical references and may be helpful for those questioning issues of faith.
Self-Care, by Susan Erling, Sherokee Isle, Lori Leininger, and Ronda Winterheiser, 1989; Pregnancy & Infant Loss Center of MN
This booklet offers suggestions which may provide grieving parents with a guideline for maintaining a balance of health, support, and well being as they mourn the loss of a child. Studies correlate health in these areas with better adaptation and more rapid adjustment to a loss. The authors identify and offer detailed suggestions to facilitate self-care in the following areas: support systems, nutrition, exercise, self-esteem, and spirituality. A list of other suggested readings is included.
More Than Surviving: Caring for Yourself While You Grieve by Kelly Osmont; Centering Corporation Resource, 1990.
This short book is a guide to taking care of yourself while working through the grieving process after the death of a loved one. It offers several resources if additional information is needed.
A Time To Decide, A Time To Heal: For patents making difficult decisions about babies they love. Pineapple Press, East Lansing, Michigan, 1990.
When Hello Means Goodbye: A guide for parents whose child dies before birth, at birth, or shortly after birth, by Oat Schwiebert, RN, and Paul Kirk, MD. Perinatal Loss, Portland, Oregon, 2010.
This Little While: For parents experiencing the death of a very small infant, by Joy and Dr. S.M. Johnson. Centering Corporation, Omaha, NE, 2000.
An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination, by Elizabeth McCracken. Back Bay Books/Little, Brown and Company, New York, NY, 2010.
Empty Cradle, Broken Heart: Surviving the Death of Your Baby, by Deborah L. Davis, PhD. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, CO, 1996