Losing a pregnancy or newborn is a grievous experience. Today the perinatal death rate in the U.S.-which refers to fetuses 20 weeks old through babies 4 weeks old-is about 14 per 1,000 births. Many more children die earlier in pregnancy and later in childhood. In Parenthood Lost, Dr. Michael Berman shares his insights from his experiences helping parents deal with their grief and unravels the confusing genetic and medical causes of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. Through original poetry, firsthand stories told by parents, and articles describing genetic and medical disorders, Parenthood Lost offers clarification and hope for parents who have suffered this tragedy.

Dr. Berman includes a section on the most common reasons for perinatal losses, with detailed medical information written by practicing obstetricians, and a helpful glossary of terms.