The loss of a child is the worst pain a woman can ever experience. Most folks recognize the gravity of a live child’s death, but some don’t realize how debilitating the loss of an unborn child can be. Whether from abortion, tubal pregnancy/miscarriage, stillbirth, or SIDS, moving on can be a huge challenge. (Including abortion in that list may be controversial, but I feel so strongly that their loss should also be acknowledged. Millions of women are suffering from post-abortion trauma, often in total silence and isolation. Hopefully we can agree that regardless of circumstance, every woman has the right to grieve.)

Author Kathe Wunneberg knows this level of unbearable anguish too well: She has dealt with 3 miscarriages and the death of an infant son. Inspired to help other women in similar situations, she wrote Grieving the Child I Never Knew. Filled with relevant Scriptures, encouragement, and journaling space, this book offers hope and healing.

I really liked how Kathe shared her own journey and things that helped/hurt her recovery. A lot guilt/fear/anger and shame is connected to pregnancy loss, making the mother wonder if she did something wrong or in some way “deserved to be punished.” Kathe assures us that the answer is always “NO!” and that blame shouldn’t be part of the equation. (Best advice in the book: Having to hear one more well-intentioned person ask “Are you over it yet?” will make the mother cringe and cry!)

Because it’s written from a religious perspective, some may find its tone a bit preachy. Believers will enjoy the Biblical references and find them comforting. I think this would make an excellent gift for any woman because the unfortunately high statistic is that 1 in 5 will experience it personally.