Understanding Perinatal Grief with ATIME

In this episode of the Franciska Show, host Franciska speaks with Chumi Friedman and Yonina Kaufman from ATIME's HUG program, which provides support to Jewish couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. They discuss the complexities of emotional and physical grief, common misconceptions around pregnancy loss, and the importance of community and cultural sensitivity. The conversation also includes insights into how HUG offers medical, emotional, and spiritual support, along with details on personalized care packages and training doulas and medical staff to help families through these challenging experiences. The episode aims to raise awareness and offer practical advice for listeners who might be supporting someone undergoing a similar journey. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Franciska Show 00:40 Updates on Personal Projects 01:59 Introducing Today's Guests 02:21 Meet Chumi Friedman 03:37 Meet Yonina Kaufman 04:50 Personal Stories of Loss 12:12 Halakhic and Cultural Considerations 16:54 Day-to-Day Operations of ATIME Hug 25:54 Impact on Marriages and Personal Stories 32:16 Emotional Turmoil and Grief 32:44 Communicating Needs and Self-Care 33:20 Navigating Trauma and Community Support 34:25 Coping with Loss in a Baby-Filled World 35:29 The Struggle with Faith and Internal Conflict 36:42 Seeking Therapy and Understanding Grief 40:30 Physical Aspects of Loss 41:50 Navigating Mikvah and Physical Triggers 56:47 Training and Support for Doulas 01:04:29 Closing Remarks and Organizational Support About Chumi Friedman: Chumi Friedman is the Director of HUG, a program of ATIME supporting couples who have experienced perinatal and infant loss. She is a trained peer support counselor, doula and chaplain. @atimehug About Yonina Kaufman: Yonina is a specialist in Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health which includes infertility, perinatal loss, and Postpartum Depression and / or Anxiety. Yonina is clinically trained in maternal mental health, grief and bereavement, trauma, child development and parent training. Yonina presents nationally on compassionate bereavement support, on issues facing women post perinatal death and on other women's health matters. While using evidenced based approaches, Yonina helps clients untangle their thoughts and feelings, while they go through their grieving, mourning, and/or parenting journey. As the Clinical Coordinator for ATIME HUG, Yonina supports women and couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. In Yonina's private practice, she provides tele-mental health services by phone or online. Additionally, Yonina provides clinical supervision for therapists and social work interns, as well as conduct parenting classes for parents with children of all ages and stages. @yoninakaufman