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So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs

So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs

By: MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
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About this listen

Motherhood comes with a million questions. So why is it so hard to get real answers? Why does society tell moms to just “push through” - like it’s just part of the job? And when moms do ask for help, why is the first place we turn to Google? Why are we left scrolling social media or scouring the internet for answers?


That's why we created "So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs" - a show where you bring your toughest maternal and mental health questions to top experts and get real, evidence-based answers and actionable resources.


Co-hosted by Dr. Ruta Nonacs, a clinical psychiatrist at Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Allie Hales, a mom of four - this show isn't just for real moms, it's by real moms. Because moms don't just deserve support, they deserve solutions - whether before or during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.


Each episode we take on questions that keep moms up at night. Every conversation is led by YOU. Your questions, your experiences, your mental health—front and center. No question is too small. No topic is off-limits. You ask. We answer.


🎧 Subscribe now and send us your questions at podcast@womensmentalhealth.org or leave us a voicemail at (617) 643-9232.


Brought to you by the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

© 2025 So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • This Isn’t What I Expected: What Comes Next After a Traumatic Birth?
    May 14 2025

    Welcome back to So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs! Birth is a journey that can bring incredible joy—but for many, it can also come with unexpected challenges. This week, we hear from Kara about a topic that hits home for so many parents: healing from a traumatic birth and deciding whether to have another child. Then, our host Allie Hales speaks to her own birth experiences—the highs, the lows, and what she wishes she knew. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by your birth experience or unsure about what comes next, this episode is for you. We hope you come away from this episode with practical insights, actionable tips, and a reminder to be compassionate with yourself as you navigate the unexpected challenges that come with pregnancy and parenthood.

    Recommended Resources:

    • More on trauma and PTSD at womensmentalhealth.org
    • Find a support group with Postpartum Support International


    Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Birth trauma, PTSD, OCD

    Love the show? Text us your feedback!

    Like What You Heard?

    • Hit follow so you never miss an episode
    • Leave us a review to share your feedback
    • Have a question for Dr. Ruta? Leave us a voicemail at (617) 643-9232 or email us at podcast@womensmentalhealth.org for a chance to join us on air.

    So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • I Have Bipolar Disorder. Can I Keep Taking My Meds While Pregnant?
    Apr 30 2025

    Welcome back to So Glad you Asked! In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial but often overlooked topic: the safe use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy. You'll hear from a listener with bipolar disorder who asks Dr. Ruta if it’s safe to stay on her medications while planning for pregnancy. Plus, author and advocate Michelle Yang shares her personal journey navigating pregnancy with mental illness, as well as her unique cultural experiences as an Asian mom. We hope you leave today’s conversation with tangible insights and actionable tips to make the best decisions for your health and your family. As always, we’re so glad you asked!

    Recommended Resources:

    • More on medication safety in pregnancy @ Dr. Ruta’s Resource Hub
    • Are you taking psychiatric medications during pregnancy? Learn more about the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications
    • Get to know Michelle Yang and order your copy of Phoenix Girl today


    Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Bipolar Disorder


    Love the show? Text us your feedback!

    Like What You Heard?

    • Hit follow so you never miss an episode
    • Leave us a review to share your feedback
    • Have a question for Dr. Ruta? Leave us a voicemail at (617) 643-9232 or email us at podcast@womensmentalhealth.org for a chance to join us on air.

    So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • We Asked, She Answered: Dr. Jade Wu - What Every Mom Should Know About Sleep
    Apr 23 2025

    Today, our hosts dive even deeper into a conversation with Dr. Jade Wu - a leading sleep expert and psychologist - on a topic that literally keeps moms up at night - Sleep. From understanding the science of how sleep changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, to practical tips you can use right away, this is a must-listen: what every mom should know about sleep.

    Recommended Resources:

    • Check out Dr. Ruta’s Resource Hub
    • Learn More about Dr. Jade Wu
    • Find your copy of Hello Sleep here


    Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **
    Trigger Warning** Postpartum Anxiety, Depression


    Love the show? Text us your feedback!

    Like What You Heard?

    • Hit follow so you never miss an episode
    • Leave us a review to share your feedback
    • Have a question for Dr. Ruta? Leave us a voicemail at (617) 643-9232 or email us at podcast@womensmentalhealth.org for a chance to join us on air.

    So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins

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