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In a recent episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, “By Your Side, Part Two,” Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Chani Turk, an Israeli Midwife, about how the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel impacted her life both personally and professionally. Despite the devastating event, Chani continues to provide care amid the changes in the midwifery field. Chani’s story illustrates how tragedy can affect individuals and communities both personally and collectively.

Chani’s Story of October 7th

On October 7th, Israel experienced a terrorist attack that left the country in shock, with individuals being killed, kidnapped, and held hostage. Chani had not been working that day and spent the weekend with her family, but returned to work a few days after. 

At the hospital, staff played the news constantly and carried concern for their relatives affected. Delivery rooms, which were usually very positive, held feelings of worry and tension. Sirens for rocket fire blared in the hospital, urging patients to move into safe areas on the stairwell despite their need for medical care.

Chani’s Family

Chani’s son and her son-in-law were called into military service. At this time, daily routines began to change out of concern for loved ones, and Shabbat observance shifted, as families kept their phones on in case of calls from soldiers. Chani shared, “Every single person at the synagogue was walking around with their phones. It all of a sudden became okay to hear a phone ring on Shabbat. And it was okay for that person to leave the synagogue because they needed to talk to their son, because their son was finally calling for the first time in two weeks. It was completely different.”

Chani’s Hospital Experience

Hospitals also experienced changes after the terrorist attack. Chani discusses how they began allowing a support person to remain during epidural procedures. This was implemented to reduce stress for patients and staff. Chani shared, “Who’s used to doing a delivery with machine guns in the room and in the place in the corner, or dad’s passed out in the chair because they’re so tired? But yeah, no, in terms of policy, I think that’s probably the one thing that’s changed.”

Chani and the “By Your Side” Program

After October 7th, the national midwife organization launched its “By Your Side” initiative. The program connects volunteer midwives with women who have lost spouses or whose partners were injured in the war. Midwives provide consistent support through regular meetings, WhatsApp messages, and assistance during labor and delivery.

Chani volunteered to participate and helped a widow through her pregnancy and delivery. “I thought that was really a wonderful way to give and serve in our own way, since I’m not a soldier.” The program includes debriefing sessions and access to counseling for midwives, recognizing the strain on providers as well. Chani highlighted, “You don’t realize the depth of the pain that a woman who’s going through birth and life is going to feel death so strongly and so deeply.”

Chani is now partnered with another mother in the By Your Side program and continues to work with families affected by the situation. She views the program as a means to provide professional care during a time of crisis. 

Learn More

If you are interested in Chani’s story, listen to the full episode of the Healthful Woman podcast today. If you are in New York and seeking pregnancy care, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates through the online contact form.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!