I am lucky that I have never experienced a miscarriage first hand, but I do know several friends and relatives who sadly have.

As someone reading this as an outsider, I was worried it would all be filled with scary stories, putting me off the very idea of pregnancy for fear of loss. But it didn’t. It doesn’t sugar coat things, it calls a spade a space, but it’s done in a positive, constructive way.

Due to a neurological condition, I have recently concluded I will probably be unable to physically bear a child or safely raise one, and whilst I fully acknowledge that is not the same thing as losing a baby you’re already expecting or already have, I do feel a kinship to the descriptions of grief and loss, as I’ve had to learn to accept that I may not get the family I’ve always dreamed of, and that can be hard to explain to someone.

I liked the personal stories. It could have so easily turned into a medical book full of scientific facts that overwhelm, but by balancing it with real-life experiences, it makes it a more human and relatable book.

I think it was important to show the father’s side as well as the mother’s. Everyone focussed on the woman who is pregnant because she’s the one who has Physio’s lost the baby, but the dads (or same-sex partner) have still lost their child, but they so often get pushed aside like their grief isn’t as important.

As bizarre as it sound, it isn’t an overly sad book - or it wasn’t for me. Yes I admit there were a few times I had to have a break as I was getting too emotional to continue, but there’s also such hope in the stories.

There are a number of activities you can do that, for obvious reasons, k did not do, but they’re clearly explained and I imagine would be of great help for some.

I do think that no matter your gender, relationship status or views on parenthood, this book should be read. Whilst expecting parents may not want to see it in the maternity wards, it might be good to have it accessible in medical places for those “just in case” moments that we all hope will never happen.

Overall I would describe the book as a friend, as a shoulder to cry on, and as a lifeline.

I was familiar with TWGGE and intrigued by the idea of their book. It's written in their usual style; open, blunt and feeling. It's a heavy topic, there's no denying that but is spoken about so sensitively and candidly, to begin the process of normalising the grief and other feeling around baby loss at all stages. There are personal stories, ideas and helpful hints/exercises throughout, all with the caveat of 'if it feels right for you'... It's not a 'how to' but rather a 'You could try'...

Having personal experience of this, I was slightly weary about it and actually mostly I found this book useful with regards to talking to others who have gone through or are going through a loss. Yes the book enabled me to reflect and definitely helped me to validate/accept some feelings that I haven't been able to, but ultimately it is a wonderful guide for navigating all routes into motherhood and how to sail those stormy seas with your loved ones. I think you have t o be in the right place to read this if you're in the midst of loss yourself however I certainly think it's a brilliant book to read to support your loved ones through baby loss.