'You Will See Your Baby in Heaven,' Addresses Topic of Stillbirth

Thanks to a unique new book, "You Will See Your Baby in Heaven: A Man's Perspective of Stillbirth," fathers can learn how to handle the loss of a stillborn child from someone who has suffered the same tragedy.

"You Will See Your Baby in Heaven" is distinctive on a number of levels. Unlike other books that are written as memorials to the authors and their lost children, it does not focus on author Drew Kelly, his wife, Mai, and his deceased son, Reagan. Instead, the book was created as a resource to parents, particularly fathers, who need help and hope while dealing with such a life-altering event. In addition, "You Will See Your Baby in Heaven" was written by an "average Joe" who has been through the experience about which he writes. "It's not theoretical; it's from a dad to a dad who needs help," Kelly explained. "There are virtually no other resources out there for men on this subject."

While "You Will See Your Baby in Heaven" is primarily geared for fathers of stillborn babies, mothers who have experienced stillbirth can also benefit from reading the faith-based material. The book is filled with spiritual and practical information that can help parents immediately. It informs fathers of stillborn children how to lead their families through their devastating circumstances, as well as provides both parents hope that they will meet their stillborn child in heaven. It also addresses some of the challenges and painful situations that parents of stillborn babies will encounter in the future, such as seeing pregnant women, newborns and other reminders of their loss. The author's personal tragedy, interestingly, took place in Japan, where the traditions surrounding death, birth and religion are quite different from the West. "Many readers have commented that although they have lost children, seeing about how Japan and other cultures deal with death made the book a fascinating read," Kelly said.

Kelly did not set out to write a book. In fact, he had no desire to share his experience in such an open format. However, he was driven by a belief that God wanted him to pen the book. Writing and editing the book was so challenging and stressful that Kelly gained 20 pounds during the process. His efforts culminated with nearly 150 pages of powerful material carefully crafted to help heal the hearts and lives of hurting parents of stillborn children. Kelly's informative book includes chapters, such as Is My Baby in Heaven, Should I Have a Funeral, Will I Ever Be Able to Live Normally Again, How Can I Best Support My Wife, What About Having More Children and A Message of Hope.

So far, "You Will See Your Baby in Heaven" has garnered favorable reviews from pastors, parents and other readers. For example, Sister Pat Thompson, RSM, wrote: "The reader hears from the father of the child as well as from the mother. You learn what is helpful and what is awkward. I believe anyone responding to the death of a newborn will gain wisdom, insight, understanding, and empathy for what the parents experience and suffer at a time like this." Other examples include:

• "Every pastor and Christian counselor should have this book on their resource list."
• "His book helped me through the healing process, and I know it will help many, many more."
• "I would recommend this book both to grieving couples and anyone close to them. Not only does it provide powerful guidance for navigating the pain and grief of stillbirth, it also provides practical insight on how to handle the many challenges faced by couples experiencing such an incredible loss."
• "Drew really brought me to peace with this belief with his own conversation with a pastor. Anyone that is going through the loss of a child should read this book."
• "Filled with quotes from the mother, perspectives from the father, and helpful advice, I would say this is one of the most useful books I have come across for people who find themselves in this situation."
• "The book isn't just about commiserating with someone that's been through it. The book actually gives hope that there is life beyond the pain. If you've lost a child I highly recommend that you get this book right away."

Stillbirth-when fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy-is a devastating event that affects a significant number of parents and unborn babies. These tragic deaths occur in about 1 in 160 pregnancies in the United States, according to the March of Dimes. However, Kelly's new book is working to help parents deal with the aftermath of such heart-wrenching situations.

"You Will See Your Baby in Heaven" is currently on sale at Amazon.com in paperback and as a Kindle download. For more information about the book or the Kellys, please visit Babyinheaven.com.

About Drew Kelly
Drew Kelly is a husband and father who enjoys photography, running, and reading. He grew up near Detroit and spent several years in Japan, where he fell in love with the mountains, ocean and rivers. Kelly is also an avid fan of farmers' markets, which he attends with his family nearly every Saturday during the summer season. His best friend-besides his wife-is his pug, Buster, who is always at his side. The Kellys live in West Bloomfield, Mich.

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