Grief + Loss Resources -

Books

Miles Apart - A heartfelt guide to surviving miscarriage, stillbirth and baby loss - Annabel Bower

Annabel is an Australian mum and writer, Miles is her 4th child who was stillborn. Miles Apart is an immediate source of comfort, guidance and solidarity during a deeply distressing time. The loss of a baby is heartbreaking, lonely and overwhelming. By sharing her story Annabel hopes to help others enduring similar grief, open up much needed conversation about baby loss and end the deafening silence which often follows. I personally found this book to be of a huge comfort to me immediately after losing Herbert.

A Heart That Works - Rob Delaney

Possibly the hardest, most painful book I’ve ever read, this short novel is probably the most important book I’ve ever read. Rob writes about his son’s death from brain cancer in such a raw, honest, heart warming, funny, light-hearted but emotional way. Understanding pain, resilience, human behaviour and emotion can only build empathy and compassion in other people, and if you don’t feel anything reading this book, you need to check you have a heartbeat.

Life After Baby Loss - Nicola Gaskin

In this very gentle guide, Nicola Gaskin opens up the conversation around baby loss offering raw, honest and deeply empathetic support to all parents. “This is the book I wish I’d been given – it will help you to not only survive the loss of your baby but to celebrate the life they had, no matter how brief. This is my hard won gift to you.” This was THE first book I read once home from the hospital and I managed to put together a Booktopia order for a bunch of baby loss and grief books. I found this set the bar for me - succinct, to the point, no bullshit and I found myself nodding a lot and feeling very seen and acknowledged.

Any Ordinary Day — Leigh Sales.

Whilst this is not baby loss specific (although Leigh does talk about her terrifying experience almost losing her life and her second child’s life during birth) Leigh Sales (renowned journalist and Walkley award winner) writes about - “Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life”. A book about the worst possible tragedies can happen on any ordinary day. This is an excellent book to provide insight, comfort and hope from those who have been through some of the most unimaginable and tragic events to ever occur. I personally found this very useful from the perspective of all these ordinary Australian’s having experienced a trauma and loss even greater than mine (and often very publicly) and they’re still here, still living, still loving and finding the small joys in life. It was and is an inspiring read.

Ask Me His Name - Learning to live and laugh again after the loss of my baby - Elle Wright

Elle writes beautifully about her son Teddy, who lived for three days. She discusses her experience of the taboo subject that is baby loss. From the UK she had a normal pregnancy and no cause for concern. He was born without complication but it was quickly realised there was something wrong when he stopped breathing in his first night. “Dear Reader, When I found myself experiencing a motherhood that I never expected, one that I was terrified of living, I didn't know how I would carry on being 'normal'. I didn't know how much I would long for people to say my son Teddy's name, to not treat him like he didn't exist. Maybe you're in this boat too, or maybe you want to support someone who is? Whatever your reason, I hope our story goes a little way to help. Love, Elle”. I came to read this about 6 months after Herb and found it comforting and helpful in how to navigate this new normal I would now find myself living.

The Baby Loss Guide - Practical and compassionate support with a day-to-day resource to navigate the path of grief - Zoe Clark-Coates

A book on baby loss which combines lived experience and practical guidance. It provides information, support and advice to parents experiencing loss as well those who are supporting loved ones through grief. There is a day-to-day guide which may be useful for some. Personally, I found this a worthwhile read but some parts I found to be a little frustrating. Whilst I absolutely those that have faith, I would consider myself to somewhat spiritual but not religious, the emphasis on religion in this book means it does not resonate for everyone. There are many useful parts however and is still a worthwhile resource.

Still A Birth - Collette Butler

Based in Launceston, Collette (a nurse and midwife) experienced the devastating loss of her first child Amelia in 2020. In addition to her release of her book this year (2023) she has been providing Loss boxes to the local hospital with beautiful memory keepsakes, resources and comfort for those that have experienced a loss through still birth, TFMR or miscarriage. Her book is a great source of support, information and learning about her own story of grief and healing.

The Grief Companion - Ngaio Parr

A beautifully thought through deck of cards, created after the loss of one of her parents. Categorised in to 3 x sections: Insight, Action and Prompt, they are an excellent way to help you through the journey of healing with some beautiful pieces to reflect on, put in to action or to contemplate. I personally found this really useful to remind me the things that I know and still find it helpful as a guide to this day.

Good Mourning - Honest conversations about grief and loss - Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn

From the creators of the popular podcast “Good Mourning”, the two met and connected after both losing their mum’s. Good Mourning is a compassionate survival guide for anyone dealing with grief. Here they shine a light on the many ways grief can impact our lives (hello ugly crying, exhaustion and 'grief brain'). Along with expert advice from clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett and warm words and insights from hundreds of others who've experienced grief, the authors offer practical tips on coping with isolation and loneliness, navigating grief at work, managing milestones and so much more. Whether you're one month in or ten years down the track, Good Mourning will help you make sense of life after loss - and know that you're not alone.