Always Within: Grieving the Loss of Your Infant

by Melissa Eshleman

Have you or someone you know experienced an infant or pregnancy loss? You are not alone. Always Within; Grieving the Loss of Your Infant is like having a caring and compassionate support group at your fingertips. It's a compilation of stories from people who have had to endure such a loss. Over twenty parents have dedicated their time and energy to recount the events of the moments before and after their losses to help guide and alleviate some of the pain and confusion often associated with unexpected miscarriages and/or infant loss. Most parents who experience a loss of this nature have no idea what to do or where to turn. Always Within; Grieving the Loss of Your Infant is a stepping stone towards healing. Each chapter includes: *An individual heartfelt story to help inspire and comfort those who have lost or know someone who has. *Helpful advice from people who have been there, on how to cope with the devastating loss of a pregnancy or infant. *Thoughts on what family and friends can do and say to help during such a difficult time. *Ideas on how grieving parents can keep their child's memory alive through the years. *A comforting poem, quote or bible verse. Melissa Eshleman lost her four-day-old infant son, Lucas on May 20, 2001. She is a member of several infant loss groups and found that by helping others she was healing in the process. Melissa worked together with other parents like herself, who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or infant loss to create this book of hope and healing. www.findyourwaypublishing.com

228 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2011

Reviews

[Archie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt journey!
The book is focused on the experiences of families who have had a devastating loss of an infant or pregnancy. It has a collection of about 20 families who share their experiences before and after the loss and methods they have used to recover but keep the memories still alive. This a very devastating loss and I cannot even image how painful journey this may be for any parents especially mom. A book to read with heartfelt emotions, advice from people for comfort, ideas to keep those memories alive and spiritual angle.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for not only those who have miscarried or lost a young child, but also for grandparents, relatives, and friends who want to know how they can help those they love get through such a devastating loss. The stories are heartfelt and personal. They let you know that you are not alone and despite how you may feel now, things do get better. There are tips for family members and friends on what they can do to help. There are also words of encouragement offered by parents who went through and survived the loss of their child.

The only reason I gave this book four stars is because there are a lot of bible quotes throughout the book. This might put off someone who is agnostic or does not believe in the christian god. Still, I think those who are not religious would find this book helpful in handling such a loss.

[Nicolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I was looking for. I needed to connect with other mothers who had lost a child. Hearing their story an how they coped with the loss was helpful. Each mother wrote down what they do to keep their baby's memory alive. Also, what helpful things other people did for them while they are grieving and what got them through the situation. As I am on my own pathway of grieving, this book was inspirit atonal an healing.

[Robynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

A wonderful support group in a book.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Within: Grieving the Loss of Your Infant by Melissa L. Eshleman is an emotional tribute to the author's infant son, who died at just four days old. This book is a compilation of stories put together by the author that recount what people experience upon the loss of an infant, whether still in utero or after birth. Heart rending stories fill this book and act as a catalyst to promote healing, letting others in similar situations know they are not alone. That is simply the most important aspect of the book, to know that while a horrendous and life altering experience, the death of an infant for a parent doesn't have to be isolating. When people reach out to others who have experienced the same thing, there is a huge opportunity for healing and support. There is a religious aspect to this book as well that some readers may find comforting in a time of great loss. Strongly recommend for anyone grieving the loss of an infant.

[Julius Blitzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sad and touching topic, which also requires attention and understanding. This book, which will help families in such a difficult situation, when there are such situations that the child is not born. The book contains stories of families, where it happened and how they deal with it. I believe that this will definitely help people overcome fears and change lives. Obviously, this will not happen immediately, but gradually this book can help someone. Friends and relatives can also help, they can support and give advice. In the book you can find useful tips, such as helpful advices and an individual heartfelt story to help inspire and comfort those who have lost and so on. I believe that everyone who has this problem or knows someone who has it should read the book in order to find an approach to such families, to know how to support them all.

[Michellej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Eshleman wrote “….Grieving the Loss….” as a form of help to families, mothers who lost their babies, to grieve. She too lost a baby and it was the ability to express her feelings and thoughts with others that helped her to manage her grief.
The book presents very heartfelt, emotional stories that at times are very hard to absorb. The stories are tastefully balanced with statements of “what I have learned from this”, “how I keep my infant’s memory alive”, words of scriptures or meaningful poems.
A very courageous project that I hope will continue to lend strength and help to others.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of experiences from women who have endured the loss of their child, Always Within, is a must read to start the healing process and relieve grief. Grief can be one of the most solitary emotions to feel and this book of shared experiences allows the grief to be spread in a productive and healthy way.
There are a wide range of circumstances addressed, giving credence to the purpose of the book as it puts your life, you experience into perspective; there is something to identify your pain with. Soothing reflections blended with extracts and poems show how to use your loss in a positive way. There is a sense of community written into this book, reminding the reader that they are not alone and with the experiences related, can start the healing process.
A must read for anyone in a similar situation as well as those who are looking in from the outside. This book can help someone comprehend and empathise with such a tragic grief and be useful in the healing process by having a line of communication that comes from a place of understanding.