(Mis)carriage: A Mother's Story of Why Pregnancy Loss Matters

“This was supposed to be an exciting moment, the announcement that my baby was coming. I realized that I was going through labor, but at the end of it, I would have nothing.”(Mis)carriage is one woman’s honest, intimate journey through the loss of her child after eight weeks of pregnancy. Her candid account of loss, grief, and new beginnings shines as comforting proof that hope awaits in the aftermath, and that the loss of her baby matters. Although an estimated one in four women experiences a miscarriage, there is a stark absence of resources available to these women and their families. Regan Parker’s personal yet universal story of love, life, and loss boldly explores the complexities of grief, while calling plaintively for the resources that would help others cope with the pain of losing a child. In an endorsement for (Mis)carriage, the American Pregnancy Association agrees with Regan Parker. It writes that “getting people talking about miscarriage, sharing their stories, and getting help and support is vital for emotional health and healing. We believe as you read her story and share your story, that healing is available for you.”Through her grief, Parker grappled with the unanswered questions of why. Why did she lose her baby? Why was her miscarriage largely disregarded by the medical community and our society? Why wasn’t she supposed to mourn a loss in the first trimester? Why wasn’t anyone talking about this? The book raises vital questions intended to spark change in current medical policies and open conversations among women and their communities.Parker’s memoir explores the essence of human nature and finds that beneath the heartbreaking experience of losing a child and the newfound hope that blossoms in parenthood, there is the truth that in the end is the beginning.“This book will not only help those who feel lonely in their journey of their loss but also the hope of a future. I truly recommend this to anyone who has felt the pain that miscarriage has caused.” - Jana Kramer, actress and singer.Regan’s story makes clear that it matters that these women are mothers without babies. It matters that they want to know the reasons for their early pregnancy loss. It matters that miscarriage is a universal experience shared by tens of thousands of women, but is hardly mentioned among women and medical practitioners.“(Mis)carriage is a heartfelt and heartbreaking book. It is written with raw emotion, and fills a huge void in the literature.” - Mary Morrill Chuba, M.D.Parker boldly confesses, “I am offering my story, in all of its painful and raw beauty, as a way to try to give a voice to those who suffer in silence. I hear you. I see you. I am you. I am the one in four.”Praise for (Mis)carriage:“Regan Parker is bravely exploring a topic that is widely regarded in our culture as too taboo or embarrassing to discuss. The sharing of her detailed experience with miscarriage is not only a compelling and engrossing read, but one that I believe will continue to pivot the subject away from secrecy, normalizing it, and allowing women to speak more freely in the future about their own pain and strength. I am grateful for her dedication to this cause.” Ashley Williams, Actress“Regan Parker is a gifted writer. Her gutsy, eloquent and raw retelling of her experience with miscarriage stirs our deepest emotions. Not only does Regan shine a spotlight on something that is often swept under the rug but she also gives voice and courage to all of us who have had miscarriages as well as insights for practitioners on how to be more supportive and helpful.” Alana Ramey-Bernard, Owner, Vitality Wellness Center"The bravery and vulnerability of writing her story in hopes that it will help others is her greatest strength, in my opinion. It humbles me." Anonymous Beta Reader"It’s the right time, and overdue, as well. This might be Kafka’s ax on this archaically-frozen subject matter."

Regan Parker is a mother, lawyer, speaker, and author who has written about business and politics for the Huffington Post and other publications. She holds a juris doctorate, degrees in literature and anthropology, and is passionate about women's issues and the future of work. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two sons and is a proud stepmom. (Mis)carriage is her first book.