This post was last updated on January 22, 2025
Each book is linked to Amazon. Additional links to Spotify Premium audiobooks or Audible audiobooks if it's available in that platform.
“Unimaginable: Life After Baby Loss” by Brooke D Taylor
My favorite book on mental health and emotions when it comes to pregnancy and infant loss. A gentle, relevant book on stillbirth and the emotions of living afterwards. The author started with a pristine pregnancy and it ended so tragically, and the stark difference in the two rings so true for many. Brooke works in a higher-education environment.
"Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss" by Rachel Lewiss
My favorite all-around infant loss book. Pairing gentle, loving chapters on different topics with raw and brutally real stories of Rachel's losses as well as other moms, it's a fantastic book packed full of resources and truths. There is a section on faith for those who have one, and the end of the book covers pregnancy after loss (PAL). Rachel runs the Facebook group, Brave Mamas, which is a safe place for any mom struggling with infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, and foster/adoption loss and grief.
"I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief & Joy" by Angie Smith
My favorite for the categories of 'faith-based' book and 'congenital abnormalities/genetics/anticipatory grief'. I would recommend this to a mother who has relied on her faith through it all. I wish I had read this as soon as I had learned of Gemma's diagnosis, as it would have strengthened my quivering faith.
My favorite and most relatable memoir. A raw, spiritually neutral story of love and loss. Losing her twin babies prematurely, Christy recounts the aftermath, the emotions, and how she found true community when most people fear death. Christy is a school teacher and has authored a children's book as well as a newly released book on pregnancy after loss (PAL) "After All".
A beautiful little Christian book written by a therapist about the loss of her stillborn daughter. It "leads readers through a healing process that makes space for heartbreak, despair, guilt, questions, and anger." A lot of perspectives from partners and grandparents are presented as well which is so good to see.
My favorite quick read. A brief no-nonsense book on grieving the death of a child. An excellent choice for a book if you are looking to give a gift.
“Empty Cradle, Broken Heart: Surviving the Death of Your Baby” by Deborah Davis, PhD
My favorite clinical read. A practical perspective on grief in infant loss. Phenomenal book for friends, relatives, pastors, or medical workers who want to know how they can help and understand the grief better. Much larger book.
My favorite loss/grief generic book. A phenomenal book for normalizing the difficulties of functioning in society after loss. Extremely relatable.
The author’s personal story of his son’s death as a teenager along with practical advice for grievers and friends-of-grievers. Excellent choice for parents losing a teenager or adult child, or for dads. Small, easy read.
“Notes for the Everlost: A Field Guide to Grief” by Kate Inglis
This book is pure magic when it comes to describing grief and the memories of losing one of her twins. It's a "part memoir, part handbook", and it reaches so deep into the soul that I almost want to consider it poetry.
"Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss" by Jennifer Saake
This book is a Christian favorite in terms of the unique side of loss that relates to infertility, recurring miscarriage, and adoption loss. "Hannah’s Hope is intended as a guide to assist you in making wise decisions as you struggle through your grief of not yet conceiving, losing a child, or struggling through the adoption process."
"Changed: Living with Stillbirth" by Lisa Jankowski
Lisa's recounting of the stillbirth of her first child, Olivia, is a beautiful story of love through loss. She includes some poetry she wrote about Olivia and her grief journey. She describes her experience with "SANDS", an Australian based grief support organization after baby loss. Audiobook version available on Spotify Premium & Audible.
"Holding on to Love After You've Lost a Baby: The 5 Love Languages for Grieving Parents" by Gary Chapman, Candy McVicar
BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Books
"The Matter of Little Losses: Finding Grace to Grieve the Big (and Small) Things" by Rachel Marie Kang
"Pregnant With Promise: A Spiritual Journey of Pregnancy, Bed Rest, and Childbirth" by Dorienna M. Alfred
Books That Mention Pregnancy or Infant Loss (but are not directly focused on the subject, or are focused on other types of grief/loss)
"Suffering is Never for Nothing" by Elliot, Elisabeth
"Glad You're Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences" by Hayes, Walker
"Just Be Honest: How to Worship through Tears and Pray without Pretending" by Clint Watkins
"The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans
"Sorry For Your Loss: What Working with the Dead Taught Me About Life" by Marshall, Kate
"Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament" by Vroegop, Mark
"Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?" by Wilson, Pete
Books We Don't Recommend
We don't recommend this book because there are some statements that are not inclusive of all types of loss situations, particularly neonatal and infant loss. Mental health stigma is also supported in this book and we don't believe it to be helpful to the vast majority of bereaved families.
We don't recommend this devotional because there are some statements that are not inclusive of all types of loss situations, particuarly neonatal and infant loss. The book also can feel a bit "fluffy" at times, and is scattered with quotes and phrases that are often triggering to bereaved families. It is written with a thick "Christianese" accent, so many non or new believers of the Christian faith may find it frustrating and confusing.