Books & Movies

I have found it so helpful to read books and find resources to help me through the stillbirth of my daughter.  Here are some that I've read.

Books

Empty Cradle, Broken Heart - Deborah Davis (USA)

This was the best book I read in the early stages after my daughter died.  It answered so many questions I had and I found re-reading chapters at different stages very beneficial.

They Were Still Born: Personal Stories about Stillbirth - Edited by Janel C Atlas

This book was fantastic.  Every chapter spoke to me and I found myself earmarking paragraphs in each story that resonated with me.  I really liked the information at the end that provided research and information about stillbirth.

Baby Gone - Jenny Douche (NZ)

I was desperate to hear from other people that had survived the stillbirth of their children.  This book shares different experiences of New Zealanders who have been through stillbirth, infant death and infertility. 

An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination - Elizabeth McCracken

I found this a good and easy read (read in one afternoon).  Elizabeth shares her story of the stillbirth of her baby boy in a matter of fact account.  Some paragraphs really rung true for how I feel and in some spots I had a few tears in my eyes relating it back to my own story.  It let me be a little optimistic as she incorporates her new baby into the story and shares the story of him arriving and how it was different.

Life after baby loss - Nicola Miller-Clendon (NZ)

Similar to Empty Cradle, Broken Heart but from a New Zealand perspective.  Has a very good glossary of medical terms and reasons for stillbirth and miscarriage which I found helpful.  Takes you through the practical steps of everything you have to face.

A Piece of my Heart - Molly Fumia (USA)

I initially didn't connect to this book as it was set in the 1970's and I at the time I read this was so fresh in my grief I was looking for stories that I could easily relate to.  However it ended well and took an interesting association with holocaust survivor.  It allows you to see the transition that has happened to the present day, how we are encouraged to get to meet and get to know our babies.

Documentaries & Movies

Five Hours with Raja 

WARNING: This WILL make you cry

Anna McKessar's intimate and deeply moving film follows the brave journey of Claudia and Amit, two young New Zealand parents who decide to carry their unborn baby to full term despite a fatal birth defect, and it's profound impact on the family.