This book was _very_ important to me after my miscarriage, because it was a kind book that provided comfort but also didn't dumb itself down in order to address the very real and complex stages of grief. Kohn and Moffitt also give an excellent portrait of what people on many sides of the loss experience--mothers, fathers, family members, friends--as they all respond differently to pregnancy loss. I particularly appreciated the chapter on Early Pregnancy Loss, given that the authors discuss how this can be an especially "silent sorrow" and one that has its own special challenges of bereavement. Highly recommended

In the words of the late Erma Bombeck, "Motherhood isn't just a series of contractions, it's a state of mind. From the moment we know life is inside us, we feel a responsibility to protect and defend that human being". Perhaps it is that fact that makes pregnancy loss, at any stage, such a devastating, life altering experience. For those of us in this unenviable club, "A Silent Sorrow" offers a powerful, therapeutic journey to recovery...a must read. Kohn and Moffit thoughtfully address every type of loss - from miscarriage to newborn, and those having to make painful choices. Throughout the book they inject real life narratives, validating our innermost thoughts and feelings, while presenting sound advice, comforting words and encouragement on how to cope with every aspect of life after loss. Their discussions include managing overwhelming grief, as well as the impact on our various relationships, careers, infertility and subsequent pregnancies. Chapters on religion and rituals, and the important roles they can play in the healing process, are extremely helpful. The extensive, fourteen page resource list with valuable support group information is a final gift from the authors. According to Kohn and Moffitt, the purpose of this book is to provide guidance, comfort and hope to those in need. I for one think they exceeded their goal and am forever grateful. Years after my loss this book continues to provide comfort when I need it. I would highly recommend "A Silent Sorrow" for anyone whose heart has been broken by the loss of a child.

In the days after my miscarriage, I found myself turning to A SILENT SORROW again and again. This is a helpful, compassionate, and informative resource.

I heard about this book by sheer coincidence shortly after my second consecutive miscarriage five months ago. It had taken my husband and me a year to conceive after the first miscarriage, and at age 41 my chances of having another baby didn't look good. We were devastated beyond belief; while my husband dealt with his grief by withdrawing, I turned to the Internet and the library for answers. A chance casual glance at an advice column referred me to this book, which I immediately ordered from Amazon. From the moment I started reading it, I could not put the book down. I found myself continuously nodding in agreement as I saw myself on page after page. It's all there: the sense of failure, the jealousy and avoidance of pregnant women and new mothers, the anger at friends and family who didn't acknowledge our loss because they either lacked understanding or couldn't find the right words -- or both.

This book was a huge source of comfort. It helped me over the hurdle of the initial grieving stage and eventually reach an understanding and acceptance of what happened to us. I recommend this book not only to those who have suffered a pregnancy loss, but to those close to the grieving parents who want to gain a better idea of what the parents are feeling, and find the right words and actions.

This book was sent to me by a friend after the stillbirth of my first child. It had been recommended to her by someone who had suffered multiple pregnancy losses. I'm giving it a mixed review because although there was much that was helpful in the book, I also felt there were ways it could be improved. The best parts of the book were the chapters you could share with your spouse and parents, the chapter on dealing with family & friends (especially the practical suggestions of what to say when someone says something thoughtless to you), and the list of rituals which was an appendix in the back. One of the things I had a hard time with was that the authors try to cover so much information relating to miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death. At times I thought they focused too much on the differences between the grief process for each of these types of loss, rather than the common ground. Although there are quotes from bereaved parents throughout the book, I felt somehow that the book lacked a personal touch, it seemed very clinical, professional to me. If in your grief you want to read the first person accounts of others this isn't the book for you.