A local author launched her first book at the Okotoks Public Library this week.

Pamela Larocque is a writer, speaker, social worker and counsellor and her book Ryken's Journey looks to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss.

She says she draws from personal experience in her book.

"Our second son had a rare genetic condition and it was very clear that he had nonketotic hyperglycinemia and that he was not going to come off life support," Larocque says. "Then the gift of getting to speak with him after he passed through a medium, Ryken told me why he was born and what his life was about, and I'm here now to honour what Ryken chose for his life."

Larocque says dealing with grief is hard but parents can get through it.

"First my goal was to help other grieving parents, maybe give them some hope that they signed up to be these courageous parents to these babies that passed away and they're on the other side and happy and joyful and full of love and life, and they can get through their grief and find joy and love again."

According to Larocque, self care, self love, and supportive and loving friends and family are key in finding peace through grief.

To learn more about Ryken's Journey click here.