Since its inception, the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health has focused on the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in pregnant and postpartum individuals. Over the last 20 years, thanks to the perseverance and dedication of many organizations and tireless advocates, we have made significant strides in recognizing perinatal psychiatric disorders and highlighting the importance of maternal mental health.
However, despite increased awareness among healthcare providers and the general public, there remain substantial gaps in the resources and care available to new moms and their families.
While pregnancy and motherhood are often portrayed as miraculous, beautiful, precious, awe-inspiring, and life-changing, the journey from pregnancy to parenthood presents many challenges. Even with the best laid plans, moms often face a disconnect between what they expected and their actual experiences.
The pressure to have a “perfect” pregnancy and to be a “perfect” mother, coupled with unrealistic societal norms, can make it difficult for women to ask for help. Many moms struggle with the emotional and physical changes associated with pregnancy, exhaustion, breastfeeding challenges, and the demands of caring for a newborn, all while navigating significant changes in personal identity and relationships. As moms search for answers online, they may find it hard to relate to the idealized portrayals of motherhood, leaving them feeling unsupported and alone. These challenges can make the transition to parenthood more difficult and may also increase a mom’s vulnerability to depression and anxiety, which are critical issues that we aim to address through education, support, and resources.
How Can We Better Support Moms and New Families?
We are thrilled to introduce our new podcast, So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs, as part of our ongoing efforts to bridge these gaps. This podcast is designed to answer many of the questions surrounding the challenges faced by new moms and families. In each episode, we will engage with real moms, hear their questions, and provide answers from experts—both medical professionals and moms with lived experience.
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Some of the questions we’ll tackle include:
- Breastfeeding Challenges & Choices: “With all the pressure to breastfeed, what if it isn’t working out for me? I feel like I am failing as a mother.”
- Sleep Issues: “Why can’t I sleep as a new mom?”
- Postpartum Anxiety: “I’m afraid to be alone with my baby—is that normal?”
- Medications and Pregnancy: “I have a history of depression. What antidepressants are safe to take during pregnancy?”
Beyond the Podcast: A Resource Hub
The podcast is just the beginning. Each episode of So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs will be complemented by a comprehensive Resource Hub. This hub will include user-friendly educational materials and information on how to access support or professional help when needed.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Share your questions, concerns, and experiences with us. Together, we can create a supportive community that provides real answers from real experts in real-time. Whether you’re postpartum, thinking about starting a family, or navigating your first pregnancy, we’re here to help.
Contact Us: Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you would like to participate in the show, submit topics for the podcast,, or contribute other feedback.
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