Bereavement Book Helps Expectant Mothers Deal with Grief, Love, and Loss

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Expectant mothers who are grieving over the death of their baby now have a book to help guide them through the bereavement process, "Empty Arms: Hope and Support for Those Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Tubal Pregnancy." The best-selling book, with over 100,000 copies sold, is now available in an updated new release published by Penguin Random House. "Empty Arms" is the essential guidebook to help women through the anguish of losing a baby.

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"The surprising, heartbreaking statistics of women who have lost children is a tragedy that society avoids discussing," says Pam Vredevelt, a Licensed Professional Counselor and best-selling author of "Empty Arms," a finalist in the Golden Medallion Book Awards. "Hope and healing can emerge from sadness and despair."

Vredevelt, who lost two children, offers empathy and personal wisdom that only experience can bring. She now speaks at women's conferences and health conferences to give hope to grieving mothers.

"The grief from losing a child is nearly unspeakable. But we must talk about it and bring this tragedy out of the shadows to help families heal," says Vredevelt. These heartbreaking losses are more common than many think.

According to Hope Exchange:

• 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Some estimates are as high as one in three.
• More than 500,000 pregnancies each year end in miscarriage (occurring during the first 20 weeks); 26,000 pregnancies end in stillbirth (considered stillbirth after 20 weeks).

About the Book

"I'm not picking up a heartbeat, Pam. There doesn't appear to be any fetal movement. I think the baby is…dead."

Those words plunged well-known inspirational speaker and author, Pam Vredevelt into a deep sea of overwhelming grief. Her book is the outcome of her clinical research and personal quest for understanding and encouragement after suffering the loss of her first baby. Then, 25 years later, she lost her 16-year-old son, Nathan, who had Down syndrome and was struck by a car when he wandered away from his family while attending a Trailblazer game.

The book, which is also available in Spanish, offers hope to other parents who are "still in the shadows" as Pam shares her story to help families suffering from this tragedy that is difficult to discuss.

Originally published in 1985, the best-selling love and loss book has been revised and will be available in February 2016 (ISBN: 978-1-57673-851-1).

About the Author, Pam Vredevelt

Pam Vredevelt has been in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor for more than 25 years at NW Counseling Services in Gresham, Oregon. She has Master of Science Degrees in Communications and Psychology, is the author of 13 books, and is a sought after inspirational speaker.

Featured on national television and radio talk shows, best-selling author, Pam Vredevelt, passionately shares helpful insights and her compelling story on a mission to:

• Dispel misconceptions and quiet fears about pregnancy loss.
• Validate painful questions that refuse to go away: "Why me? Did I do something wrong?"
• Offer simple tips for talking with young children about pregnancy loss.
• Provide meaningful ways family and friends can offer support.
• Give practical ideas on how to deal with blundering comforters who say dumb things.

For media interviews: Email, or Shirley G.: 503-459-7139. Pam has been a frequent guest on TV and radio shows and is fully media trained.

To learn more visit: MyEmptyArms.com for social dialogues and links; video book trailer: http://www.pamvredevelt.com/empty-arms/

Media who would like to request a review copy: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/request-review-copy/

Praise for "Empty Arms"

"Healing from a miscarriage or stillbirth is a complicated process, and having walked that road with several close friends, I know how essential Pam's counsel is. Both from personal and professional experience, she has been beautifully equipped to help the process of healing — physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Girded with biblical truth, this book will resonate with and help many, many readers."
- Shaunti Feldhahn, Social Researcher and author of "For Women Only"

"Pam captures the heart of what women experience when losing a baby. Her willingness to share her story is an inspiration! The practical advice and wisdom found in 'Empty Arms' is second to none." 
- Dr. Gary Smalley, Family Counselor, appearances on Oprah Winfrey, Larry King Live, and the NBC Today Show

"After four miscarriages, I seriously wondered if I'd ever NOT be sad. I wish I had known about Empty Arms. I highly recommend this book!"
- Lisa Jacobson, Founder of Club 31 Women blog

Media Contact: 
Shirley G.: 503-459-7139
Email

SOURCE Pam Vredevelt