Waiting

Waiting is an honest, in-depth account of one woman's experiences of pregnancy and miscarriage. Author Ellen Judith Reich's journal, kept through her third pregnancy, reflects upon two previous miscarriages. She explores not only the terror that can accompany the prospect of becoming a mother, but the loss of innocence and fear of future loss that haunt any woman who has miscarried. Reich focuses on grief and hope and on learning to cope with change and loss of control. She has recorded her thoughts and expectations about motherhood, children, being in control, and being betrayed by her body. She reveals much by examining the vivid dreams she had during pregnancy and recounting conversations with family, friends, health care professionals, and other grieving parents. This poignant and personal book should be read by every woman contemplating motherhood, particularly career women who, having postponed childbearing to establish their careers, face a greater likelihood of miscarriage and/or infertility. And any woman who has already experienced miscarriage will come away from Waiting with a sense of renewed optimism and a feeling of not being so alone with her pain. This insightful book should also be required reading for obstetricians and family practitioners and their staffs and medical students who can glean an enormous amount of information about the emotional aspects of miscarriage and help them to better understand their patients'needs and concerns. Counselors and therapists will also benefit from reading this valuable book.