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Pregnancy after a Loss - A Guide to Pregnancy after a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death by Carol Cirulli Lanham: 1999, The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 ISBN 0-425-17047-0 $14.95

A few years ago, Carol contacted the National Office to share her idea about a book for those considering or who were in a subsequent pregnancy after loss. Even though many books had been written on perinatal loss which included this issue, none were dedicated exclusively to the dynamics and challenges of a subsequent pregnancy. Having researched thoroughly, Carol provides a guide with up-dated medical information on the causes of pregnancy loss and respected treatment.

So often bereaved parents are bombarded by well-meaning friends who think the cure-all will be "Have another baby!" Carol provides insights and direction for families that addresses their readiness to consider another pregnancy, as well as to try to get pregnant.

Since each trimester of pregnancy has specific challenges and joys, families can refer their many questions to the particular chapter covering each trimester. The chapter on high risk pregnancies sensitively addresses the reasons for a pregnancy to be designated as high risk and offers positive ways of coping with testing, difficult decisions, multiple pregnancy and bedrest. The chapter on labor and delivery is filled with coping strategies for the long awaited day. Her final chapters address the mixed feelings of joy and sadness after the baby arrives and also father's reactions to pregnancy after loss.

The book is well researched, provides much needed information and resources but the true highlight of the book centers around the beautiful stories of the bereaved parents who have been there. Their narratives truly give validation and a sense of hope.