Deborah L. Davis Ph.D.

About

Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D., is a developmental psychologist who writes books that support parents through heart-wrenching crises, such as the death of a baby during pregnancy or infancy, premature birth, parenting in the NICU, perinatal hospice and palliative care, and making end-of-life medical decisions. She has also contributed to a number of other parent books as well as medical books, guidelines, and workshops that inform and support health care practitioners on the topics of developmentally supportive care, relationship-centered care, perinatal bereavement care, and medical ethics. She is best known for her books Empty Cradle, Broken Heart: Surviving the Death of Your Baby (1991; 1996; 2016; in press) and A Gift of Time: Continuing Your Pregnancy When Your Baby’s Life is Expected to Be Brief (2011; 2023). She is forever inspired by the resilience of bereaved parents and the healing transformations they experience on their journeys.

Books by Deborah L. Davis Ph.D.

Recent Posts

5 Mindfulness Practices that Help a Grieving Brain Heal

Here are 5 mindfulness practices for calming your grieving brain and boosting its ability to update its neural map so you can adjust and heal.

How Schools Can Support LGBTQ Youth

For LGBTQ youth, coming out is easier in a compassionate climate. Educators can creatively encourage all students to share messages of support.

5 Ways We Can Help Youth Cope With an Anti-LGBTQ Climate

An unprecedented wave of anti-LGTBQ legislation is creating a mental health crisis for LGTBQ youth. Positive guidance can help them navigate the hate and even thrive.

The Benefits of Mindfulness for Surviving a Painful Break-Up

Are you suffering through a painful break-up? Mindfulness can nurture your grieving brain, reduce your suffering, and enrich your healing transformation.

To Heal From a Heart-Wrenching Breakup, Review the Red Flags

When you’ve been devalued and discarded by an ex, looking back to consider missed red flags can help you make sense of the breakup and move on.

The Power of Mindfully Embracing Positive Experiences

Is life overwhelming and hard? Boost your happiness and resilience by embracing positive experiences. Doing so rewires your brain and creates more positive neural pathways.

Why "Denise, Heaven's Receptionist" Is Going Viral

Wonder what it's like to go to Heaven? Need reassurance about a deceased loved one? See TikTok's "Denise, Heaven's Receptionist."

In Honor of Bereaved Mothers on Mother's Day

If you are a bereaved mother, Mother's Day can be heart-wrenching. Here are some tips for getting through that day and seeing yourself as a good mother who deserves to be honored.

5 Ways to Boost Your Brain’s Grieving Process

When you’re grieving and feeling too overwhelmed or stuck to make any progress, how can you help your brain get going on redrawing its neural map?

How the Brain Rewires as We Grieve

After your partner dies or leaves, grieving can be lengthy, painful, and bewildering because your brain is engaged in the monumental task of redrawing its neural map.