Book Recs and Support Groups?

jess123456

Hey ladies,

Does anyone have any book recommendations relating to healing and grief?  My baby girl passed away last week during my second trimester so everything is still very raw but I find myself reaching out for books and additional support.

We have two other angel babies in Heaven without any living children yet so a book that touches on hope would also be helpful. 

Additionally, has anyone here had any success with in-person support groups? I feel at this point that I am desperate to speak to others about this but I don't want to jump into something too quickly.  

Thanks so much! 

jbranden12

Just after our loss, I read Empty Cradle, Broken Heart and A Silent Sorrow: Pregnancy Loss. Both were helpful and I keep meaning to open them again.

We don't have any support groups nearby, but we did visit Faith's Lodge and found it very healing to be around others who understood our pain. We laughed and joked about silly things without fearing that anyone would judge us for forgetting our daughter. It was really good for my husband to be around other dads, because I had this board but he didn't have anyone to talk to.  

Bayberry12

I also read most of "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart".  I had to put it down for a little while though because I needed to stop replaying what I went through and thinking about what should have been.  But it really did help me understand grief, and helped me realize everything I was feeling was normal.  

I also attend a monthly support group for pregnancy loss at a local hospital.  I was relieved that there was another couple there who suffered the same kind of loss we did, so we could really relate to each other (unfortunately). I have also met up with other moms who lost their babies due to stillbirth, I find it very helpful to talk with other women who have been through this.  I found it most helpful to speak with a mom who was much further out from her loss.  Seeing how she lives now, and how she was able to go on and have more children really gives me so much hope.  I found support through The Miss Foundation and UNITE.   

jess123456

Thanks ladies!  I just ordered Empty Cradle... on Amazon to start with. I will let you know how it goes. I am finding at this part of my grief that I am desperate for reading material, feel good quotes or anything positive to keep me sane.

ally2011

I am incredibly sorry for your loss.  We are all here for you.

I would recommend Grieving the Child I Never Knew, The One Year Book of Hope, Empty Cradle Broken Heart and Good Grief by Westberg.

You could also consider a respite retreat: https://www.nancyguthrie.com/retreats/

There is probably someone at your hospital that deals w/ loss moms....they should have references for support groups or other local orgs that might could help.  Our local Hospice provides free grief counseling to anyone experiencing any loss within the first year....up to 12 sessions.  You could try your local office as well.   

I am so sorry again for your loss.

Hugs,

Jenn