This comprehensive work helps to dispel such myths by shining a light on the many forms of miscarriage, how they are experienced and treated, the trauma that can ensue, how different cultures view pregnancy loss, the role played by exposure to certain chemicals and the toll of multiple miscarriages. Written with frankness and flashes of dark humour, Oderberg’s own story dramatically illustrates this ordeal. Read more.

Oderberg writes with fury and empathy while never losing her clear journalistic eye. The book covers everything from the language we use to talk about miscarriage to IVF, chapters on how pollution and climate change intersect with pregnancy loss, and even one on First Nations perspectives on miscarriages, written with Arrernte midwife Cherisse Buzzacott. Read More.

“What Oderberg “aims to deliver”, she does. It can’t have been easy to write. This carefully researched, rich resource has the capacity to bring change. For those who have experienced miscarriage, it is consolatory and attentive. For those who love and care for them, it is practical and supportive. Hard to Bear is a furious, insistent and tender work.” Read more.

Hard to Bear empowers, educates, and entertains, and offers countless valuable insights that will help us provide better care. I recommend it to anyone whose life is touched by miscarriage—which, as Oderberg points out, is nearly everyone. Read more.

While she’s on a mission to educate readers and provide empathetic company to fellow travellers, this thoughtful, sometimes challenging book, delivers much more than that.”

Hard to Bear is a challenging, wholesome and impactful book. A must-read for everyone, regardless of gender and personal experience around pregnancy. We need more books like this. 100% recommended. Read more.

“Hard to Bear is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of systemic inequality, empirical evidence and lived experience. The wisdom and warnings contained within will echo loudly in the hearts and minds of compassionate carers, victims of loss and – hopefully – future generations of ethical medical professionals. “ Read more

“The result is an intimate and unapologetic examination of our medical system and a case study for the need to centre the human experience in healthcare.

It’s a title that will appeal to a broad audience: practical solutions to improving outcomes for medical and allied health professionals; tips on comforting loved ones for family, friends and colleagues; and a narrative of hope for those with lived experience.” Read more.

“This book works on a number of levels: it provides comfort and companionship to those who’ve experienced miscarriage; it illuminates the experience for those who haven’t; and it investigates the research for better information on why and how it happens, and why miscarriage rates seem to be rising…” Read more.

“If you've experienced pregnancy loss, this book is likely to be a comfort, a validation or fuel for your own rage at the injustices you've experienced. If you haven't been through this journey yourself, and especially if you are not likely to: read. this. book.” Read more

With personal stories from a wide range of people, it is meticulously researched and shines a light on this mostly silent grief. Read more.