Prenatal Bombshell

Stephanie Azri has worked as a clinical social worker and in the field of child and family with a major in women’s health since 2002. She has written multiple academic journal articles, magazine articles, website blogs and books which are available worldwide. She also presents regularly at conferences about women’s health issues. She is the founder and coordinator of PDS Australia (Prenatal Diagnosis Support Australia) a support group for women who have receiving an adverse prenatal diagnosis. The support group offers email support, discussion forums, peer support, referrals to services and advocacy. It also holds a strong research agenda with academic and clinical input from various experts in the field. Her website is www.stephanieazri.comSherokee Ilse has both personal and professional experience with loss. The parent of two babies who died in miscarriage and full term son, who was stillborn, she has been a pioneer and a leader in the baby loss movement. The author of 18 books on infant loss and bereavement, she wrote her first book, Empty Arms: Coping with Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Deaths as a self-help guide for newly bereaved parents. Sherokee is a consultant to medical and other support professionals. She also offers mentoring and direct support as a Baby Loss Family Advisor. Ilse is a parent advocate and an international trainer who is passionate about her mission of helping improve the care of the bereaved and their families, as well as inspire and support the caregivers.

Azri, a clinical social worker, and Ilse, the author of numerous books for parents dealing with the death of an infant (Empty Arms), approach their subject as professionals, but also as women who have suffered the loss of newborns. They cover the physical and mental states that parents are likely to go through, with plentiful advice ('Save everything, even if you're unsure you will want such mementos later') on taking care of oneself and one's family. The book is divided into two separate sections based on whether parents terminate or continue the pregnancy, as well as a jointly applicable section on how to move on after a difficult diagnosis. They address difficult but important practical considerations in chapters like 'If Your Baby Dies.' The book's underlying message for parents is to look clearly at what is happening and to accept, not try to deny, the difficult emotions that it will bring. This book is an excellent vehicle for coming to grips with a very difficult situation.

• Foreword by Kiley Hanish of the movie Return to ZeroMessage from the AuthorsAcknowledgementsSetting the StageHow to Use This BookDecisions Made after Receiving the NewsQuestioning One’s FaithGuilt, Blame, and ShameHow to Tell OthersPART 1 The Journey of Continuing the PregnancyIntroduction1: Embrace your pregnancy2: Palliative Care and Perinatal Hospice3: Pressure from others to change your mind4: Family Dynamics5: Medical Issues6: Birth Plans and Preparation7: The Labor and Birth8: If Your Baby is Born Alive9: If Your Baby Dies10: Memory Creation11: Saying GoodbyePART 2 The Journey of Ending the PregnancyIntroduction12: Living Beyond the Decision13: Regrets and Guilt14: Family Dynamics15: Holding onto MemoriesPART 3 Continuing Your Healing Journey16: Early days17: Building support from others18: How Men and Women Grieve and Get Along20419: Single Moms20: Supporting Your Children21: Workplace Issues22: Postpartum and Self-Care23: Grief and Healing24: Down the Road a Bit25: Trying Again26: Rainbow BabyResourcesBibliographyAuthor Biographies