Firstly, and a big 'Thank You'. DP and I spent quite a bit of time on Tuesday night looking at the website you made for Taite and Seth. I had my NT scan the next morning (yesterday) and I must say, that it was because of you and your smiling face that we were able to get any sleep at all that night. We kept talking about how you looked so strong and so beautiful holding your boys and regardless of what happened at our appointment the next morning, you were living proof that I would indeed survive. So again, thank you - you are an amazing example of a living Goddess and I envy your strength more than I could ever put in words.

Back on topic - I work in the recruitment industry and when I was starting out, I spent a couple of years working in the Job Network side, dealing with people who were receiving Centrelink assistance of any sort: anyone from parents returning to work, the general short and very long-term unemployed, people with disabilities or mental illness, those just released from jail, etc...

As you can imagine, it was quite common for people to have long or short periods of absence from employment and we needed to be quite creative at times to present their skills, abilities, qualifications and passion in the most positive light while not glossing over the gaps in their resumes. My advice to you is once you figure out what industry it is in which you wish to work, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. For example: I read your original post to mean that you are not interested in returning to FDC/it's not a viable option at this time. If that's the case, then including expired qualifications on your resume won't really be of much benefit unless you are looking for work in a field where these will be useful.

Also, I agree with Mel that you don't want to be working for an employer who is a judgmental prat that would look unkindly on the assumption that you're a parent or someone is grieving- whether their assumption was right or wrong. I think the best way to handle this is to briefly mention the pregnancy and bereavement on your cover letter as you suggested and say something along the lines that 'while this was admittedly a time of profound sadness, I believe I have come away from this experience with a heightened awareness of my own strength and determination which I feel will greatly benefit you as my employer.' May sound a tad cheesy, which could be due to my North American lingo, but believe me, employers like this stuff.

Finally, there are heaps of skills that you would have demonstrated while staying at home with DH's son. Everything from organisational skills to budgeting, time management, etc... These can all also be reflected on your cover letter.

If you ever want any help with your cover letter or resume, my services are available for the one-time low fee of $299. (Sorry, insomnia has left me with late-night infomercials stuck on replay in my head). No in all seriousness, just PM me at any time and I'll help you out as much as I can.

Best of luck (and sorry this was so long)!!!
Shari xo