12 Books for Grieving Mothers

I’ll Hold You in Heaven:  Healing and Hope for the Parent Who has Lost a Child through Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Abortion or Early Infant Death by Jack W. Hayford

Jack Hayford is founding pastor of The Church on the Way.  He uses scripture and refers to God often in this book to show that we will hold our children in heaven one day.  I enjoyed this book and how it helped me think of God, even in the darkest of times.

Grieving the Child I Never Knew by Kathe Wunnenberg

 Kathe Wunnenberg wrote this from her own personal experience.  She had three miscarriages and a stillbirth herself, so the pain of loss is something she knows all too well.  She shares her experience, thoughts, pain, prayers, scripture, and even poses questions for you to think about.  As I read this book, I could really feel the connection to her and knew that she had feeling similar to mine.

Empty Arms: Coping With Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death by Sherokee Isle

Sherokee Isle, the author, lost her son and shares her experience with grief, support, and coping.  She shares ideas of the things that you could do when you first find out or first lose your child.  She also talks about what to do when returning to work, during anniversaries of loss, and how others can support you in this time of loss.

Empty Arms:  Hope and Support for Those Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Tubal Pregnancy by Pam Vredevelt

Pam Vredevelt also suffered a miscarriage.  She is a strong Christian woman and licensed counselor, who shares her experience in hopes of helping others.  She discusses and answers questions that we all may have, “Why me?”, “How could God do this?”, and “What did I do wrong?”. 

Naming the Child: Hope-Filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death by Jenny Schroedel

Many stories of loss are shared in Naming the Child.  You feel a connection to the people sharing and feel that you are not alone.  This book gave me hope that I could get through the loss of my son, but also made me feel sad knowing there were so many people with similar stories.  

Inheritance of Tears:  Trusting the Lord of Life When Death Visits the Womb by Jessalyn Hutto

I have not read this book but it was recommended to me by a friend.  It is a short book where Jessalyn Hutto shares her story of 2 miscarriages.  She talks about how people should look to the gospel of God to find answers and strength to cope with their loss. 

You are Not Alone:  Love Letters from Loss Mom to Loss Mom by Emily Long

This book was published in March of 2016, after I had lost Jay and looked for books to read.  It is filled with letters of love from mothers who have heard those horrible words, “I’m sorry, there’s no heartbeat!”  They share their experience and love to other mothers dealing with grief in hopes of supporting and helping you through tough times.

Always Within:  Grieving the Loss of your Infant by Melissa Eshleman

Melissa lost her son Lucas in 2001.  Her thoughts and experiences sound so similar to mine.  She decided to stay home with her other children and left the cooperate world behind.  She had joined an infant loss group and learned that through sharing her story and talking to others she was helping herself in the healing process.  This is why she decided to write this book, to share with others in hopes of helping them and helping herself heal.

I Will Carry You:  The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith

I did not read this book, but thought it might bring comfort to those who lost their child to medical conditions out of your control or only got to spend a few hours with your child after birth.  Angie Smith, wife to the lead singer of Selah, wrote this book to share her experience of loss.  When they found out their unborn daughter would not survive outside of the womb, doctors recommended she abort the baby.  They choose not to and share the experience of waiting for her arrival and spending that small amount of time that they had with her.

Grief Diaries:  Loss of an Infant by Linda Fell

 This is part of an award winning Grief Diaries series, where several women share their stories of loss.  All of their losses are different.  The way they cope with their loss is different.  Their stories show that everyone deals with things differently and there is no right way to grieve.

Loved Baby:  31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child after Pregnancy Loss by Sarah Philpott

Sarah shares her story of loss, as well as the loss of others.  She offers Christ-filled hope to women who are grieving and shares tips of dealing with the loss of a child.

When Skies are Gray: A Grieving Mother’s Lullaby by Lindsey M. Henke

Lindsey tells the story of the loss of her child when she went in to labor at full term. This book just came out this year, 2024. While I have not read it yet, I’m looking forward to reading about Lindsey’s story.  It’s on my nightstand in my books to be read list.

All book titles are linked to Amazon, where you can go to purchase or view other recommendations similiar to the book you click on.