Shining a Light on Chana: Supporting Jewish Families Through Infertility and Baby Loss
As part of Baby Loss Awareness Month, CuddleCot is honoured to highlight the incredible work of Chana, a UK-based charity providing support to Jewish couples experiencing infertility and baby loss. For over 31 years, Chana has been a source of strength for families, offering medical, emotional, and practical guidance during some of their most challenging times. Their personalised services ensure that no couple faces these difficult moments alone.
Can you share the story behind the founding of your charity and what inspired you to create it?
A: After long and lonely struggles with infertility, 3 determined women of our community decided to build an organisation that would ensure no Jewish couple struggled with infertility alone, and Chana was created. 31 years later Chana continues to provide emotional and practical support to Jewish couples who are experiencing primary or secondary infertility or are struggling with other reproductive health issues. It continues to grow and flourish as the leading Jewish Fertility Charity in the UK, currently supporting over 350 couples struggling with infertility.
What are the core missions and goals of your organisation in supporting bereaved families?
A: Chana can provide medical, emotional and Halachic support to hold Jewish couples through their grief and guide them through any practical decisions they may need to make during this difficult time. Chana can be contacted at any stage of a bereavement, or with any concerns during pregnancy.
We acknowledge that everyone grieves in very different ways. Chana can support Jewish men and Jewish women, whether you need to reach out immediately, months or even years after your loss.
Could you highlight some of the most impactful programs and services you offer to families experiencing baby loss?
A: Chana provides holistic support for couples after baby loss. Please see our new resource for immediate practical and emotional support after pregnancy or baby loss.chana.org.uk/babyloss
What specific support do you provide for siblings, grandparents, dads, and the extended family who are also affected by the loss?
A: Chana offers a set number of counselling sessions for grandparents affected by baby loss.
What have been some of your most significant achievements or milestones since the charity’s inception?
A: Since the charity’s inception in 1993, we have supported thousands of couples in the Jewish community through their infertility challenges and has helped to bring more than 950 ‘Chana babies’ into the world.
How do you ensure that your support services are accessible and effective for all bereaved parents?
A: Every package of care here at Chana is bespoke for every couple and their individual needs. We have a free confidential helpline and a website filled with helpful information for couples struggling with infertility or baby loss.
Can you discuss any recent projects or initiatives your charity is working on to further support families?
A: We have recently completed a baby loss leaflet that will be available in maternity wards across the UK that details helpful information and services for newly bereaved parents, and the quickest ways for them to get in touch for support.
Chana’s podcast series ‘Unexpecting’, featuring personal stories, and medical and mental-health professionals, has 2 episodes focused on baby loss. To listen to the podcast: chana.org.uk/podcast
What are your future plans and visions for the charity over the next five years?
A: We at Chana would like to support as many couples as we can that are struggling with baby loss, pregnancy loss and infertility and to raise awareness about these important topics.
How can individuals and communities get involved in supporting your charity and its mission
A: Chana is not government-funded organisation and relies solely on the generosity of the community.
Can you share a particular story or testimonial from a family who has been positively impacted by your charity’s work
A:
“I never thought that I would be a mother to one child, let alone 3!! I am not sure if you all know the story of my journey to having my children. It really was not an easy one, and probably the hardest and most terrifying time of my life so far. After having multiple miscarriages and finding out that I carry a genetic translocation, I truly began to believe that I would never be a mum. Those who have known me for years would know that that was all I had ever wanted. Chana changed my life over those difficult years. They gave me a shoulder to cry on and advice on which direction to take. Without them I really do not know how I would have survived those dark years.
Sadly, miscarriages, stillbirths and infertility are so common. Without a charity like Chana many couples would be struggling alone. When my world was falling apart, they helped me and I wish for them to be able to continue helping and being a life a lifeline to other couples.” Nicole, mother of three
Chana’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jewish families through the complex and painful experiences of infertility and baby loss has transformed countless lives. Their work continues to provide comfort and essential resources to families across the UK, helping them navigate grief and healing. As we observe Baby Loss Awareness Month, we invite everyone to recognize and support the vital work of Chana and their role in helping families move forward.
To learn more about the work of Chana, visit: www.chana.org.uk