A book review of A Silent Sorrow by Kirkus Reviews.
In this comforting, thorough second edition of the 1993 guide for those who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy, Kohn, a social worker (and founder of the National Council of Jewish Women’s Pregnancy Loss Support Program), and Moffit (a lay counselor for that program) sympathetically address the full range of tragedies, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, losses following a medical crisis, stillbirth, newborn death, and having to end a pregnancy because the baby’s or mother’s life or health is compromised. Using the term pregnancy loss to “embrace all losses that occur whenever a wanted pregnancy has ended,” they begin by explaining the special nature of grief that follows losing a baby. “No matter what kind of pregnancy you experienced,” they counsel, “you are probably unprepared for the anguish you feel . . . you have lost a baby who was a real part of you and your hoped-for future.” The authors consider the ways the experience of loss differs for mothers and fathers, the ways the relationship may be changed, and the medical, practical, and emotional issues for each type of pregnancy loss. “The Response of Others” considers the reactions of family and friends, and helping other children and grieving grandparents cope. Finally, “Special Circumstances” addresses career issues, infertility, and the possibility of subsequent pregnancies. A helpful update reflecting changes in both medical care and the social climate. — Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.