Anne Tracey

Stillbirth and Miscarriage, a Life-Changing Loss: 'Say My Baby's Name' Anne Tracey

The book walks the reader gently and gradually through the journey of loss experienced by the five men and twenty-seven women who courageously shared their stories. We learn about every aspect of the journey - from the moment news of the pregnancy breaks, to the sense of foreboding that something is not quite right, and on towards the devastating loss at different stages of pregnancy. The reader will gain insight into the emotional world of those bereaved of a much-wanted baby and learn that the loss impacts profoundly on parents mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The book is enlightening for all those interested in learning more about the life-changing loss of a baby. Embedded in the chapters are key messages for families, society, health professionals, employers and parents. The best way to research any sensitive topic is to give voice to those who 'know' and understand as they have the lived experience to speak about. Importantly, in this book, the experiences of fathers, whose voices also need to be heard, are included. Personal experience of loss, insights gained through studies in psychology and engaging in therapeutic work with bereaved people over many years have collectively drawn my attention to areas of study that are closely associated with my life and my history. This work is inspired by a personal life journey of growing up 'close to grief'. My brother Patrick was stillborn and the loss weighed heavy on my mam for all of her life, visibly so. The study and book are based on all of the work personally undertaken to give voice to the bereaved who are core to this book. The journey of learning began with ethical approval, organising and setting up 32 interviews, transcribing, analysing and formulating the chapters to bring the book to fruition.