So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs and Allie Hales

MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

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 and Allie Hales," 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. 

  1. What Should I Know About My Mental Health During Pregnancy?

    2d ago

    What Should I Know About My Mental Health During Pregnancy?

    Mental health during pregnancy plays a critical role in postpartum well-being, yet many people aren’t sure what’s safe or where to start. If you’ve ever wondered how to get help or how to support someone you love, you’re not alone. It’s important that pregnant people have access to safe, effective mental health care. That’s why reproductive psychiatrists and OB-GYNs often work together to provide the best support. In this episode, Dr. Ruta and Allie are joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Marlene Freeman, MD, and OB-GYN Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C, to talk through what to look for, how to ask for help, and how to decide what treatment is right for you. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, navigating new symptoms, supporting someone you love, caring for a patient, or looking for evidence-based guidance on medication safety, Drs. Nonacs, Freeman, and Vernon walk you through your next steps. Resources: Learn about pregnancy and breastfeeding medication safety from MotherToBaby. Listen to their podcast to hear more about everything from sushi to the RSV vaccine.Read more on psychiatric medications safety in pregnancy from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health.For more information on research about psychiatric medication use during pregnancy visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications website. 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** Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    38 min
  2. Why Does Miscarriage Feel so Isolating?

    May 27

    Why Does Miscarriage Feel so Isolating?

    Stigma is, unfortunately, a common thread across So Glad You Asked. In this episode, we explore the silence, stigma, and shame that can surround miscarriage. Even though 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, much of the grief and recovery still happens in private. Dr. Jessica Zucker, a Los Angeles–based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and author of the award-winning books NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives and I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement, joins Dr. Ruta and Allie for a thoughtful and deeply important conversation about bringing miscarriage into the open. Dr. Zucker shares the story behind her viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, offers guidance on what to say—and what not to say—and discusses ways to cope with anxiety in future pregnancies. We hope this conversation helps break some of the silence and reminds you that you’re not alone. Resources: NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s LivesI HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a MovementSaying it Loudly: I Had a Miscarriage - The New York Times Loss and Grief in Pregnancy & Postpartum - Postpartum Support InternationalMore from Dr. Ruta on womensmentalhealth.org 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** Miscarriage, depression, anxiety, trauma  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    35 min
  3. What Happens When Pregnancy Doesn’t Go as Planned?

    May 13

    What Happens When Pregnancy Doesn’t Go as Planned?

    50% of pregnancies involve some type of complication, yet we often don’t know why they happen or how to prevent them. Pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting come with so much uncertainty, and that can be incredibly hard to navigate. Our expert guest today is someone who, like Dr. Ruta, has dedicated her career to helping people understand what the data actually says. Dr. Emily Oster, PhD—Professor of Economics at Brown University, and founder and CEO of ParentData—joins Dr. Ruta and Allie for a conversation about navigating the complex decisions of parenthood. Together, they discuss how common pregnancy complications really are, how to sift through endless information, and how to make decisions when there’s no perfect solution. The Bottom Line:  Recognize you will have to live with some uncertainty, and there is no getting around that.Structure your decisions so they force you to make choices that are hard.Remember that this is hard, and give yourself a break.Resources: Read The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications by Emily Oster and Nathan FoxReach out to a Postpartum Support International Specialized CoordinatorLearn more about pregnancy complications 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** Pregnancy complications, pregnancy loss, trauma  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    39 min
  4. When Does Normal Worry Become Postpartum Anxiety?

    Apr 29

    When Does Normal Worry Become Postpartum Anxiety?

    Welcome back to So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs and Allie Hales! We’re starting off this season with such an important episode. We talk all the time about postpartum depression but what about postpartum anxiety? In this advice-packed episode, Dr. Ruta and Allie sit down with Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, and Author of the book RATTLED, How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain. They discuss how the new mom's brain changes and what that means for mental health. Plus, Dr. Ruta shares tips for distinguishing normal worry from postpartum anxiety. If you’re preparing for the postpartum, have a history of anxiety, are caring for a loved one with postpartum anxiety, or just looking to learn about matrescence, this episode is for you. Recommended Resources: Rattled by Nicole PensakPostpartum Support InternationalLearn more on our Resource Hub 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 depression, anxiety, and OCD.  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    39 min
  5. Welcome Back: So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs Season 2

    Season 2 Trailer

    Welcome Back: So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs Season 2

    So Glad You Asked  returns April 29 with Season 2. Hosted by psychiatrist Dr. Ruta Nonacs and Allie Hales, So Glad You Asked is the maternal mental health podcast that tackles the questions keeping moms up at night clearly, compassionately, and with expert guidance you can trust. This season, we’re featuring more expert voices, covering the topics listeners have been asking for, and sharing new resources handpicked by Dr. Ruta. Because moms deserve high‑quality, easy‑to‑access mental health information. Subscribe now and listen when Season 2 drops on April 29.  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    3 min
  6. We're Here To Help You Answer: Do I Have Postpartum Depression or Anxiety?

    06/25/2025

    We're Here To Help You Answer: Do I Have Postpartum Depression or Anxiety?

    Welcome to the season 1 finale of So Glad You Asked! In this powerful episode, we’re unpacking some of the most essential questions about maternal mental health — including one that many moms quietly struggle with: Do I have postpartum depression or anxiety? To help us understand this important topic, we’re joined by Dr. Lee Cohen and Dr. Marlene Freeman, Director and Associate Director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women’s Mental Health at Mass General Hospital. Alongside Dr. Ruta, they’ll break down how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, when to seek help, and where to find support. Whether you’re navigating postpartum challenges yourself or want to better understand these conditions to support someone you care about, this episode offers practical insights and actionable tools to help you manage postpartum mental health with confidence. As we head into our summer hiatus, follow us on Instagram @mghcwmh to hear Dr. Ruta answer more listener questions and explore our resource hub at womensmentalhealth.org for more support and information. Take care, and we’ll see you next season! Recommended Resources: Learn more about Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders at womensmentalhealth.orgLearn more about Perinatal OCD and PsychosisFind a therapist or join a support group at postpartum.net Watch the trailer for More Than Blue, a documentary on postpartum depression across America 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 depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    40 min
  7. Everyone Has an Opinion. Is There a “Right” Way to Feed My Baby?

    06/11/2025

    Everyone Has an Opinion. Is There a “Right” Way to Feed My Baby?

    Infant feeding looks different for every family. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, formula feeding, or somewhere in between, feeding your baby can come with challenges — and plenty of stigma. In this episode of So Glad You Asked, Allie sits down with three amazing moms who’ve tried it all: Susie, a stay-at-home mom; Kriti, a marketing executive and maternal mental health advocate; and Desiree Cameron, Birthing Abundantly Maternal Services, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Full Spectrum Doula. They share honest stories about what worked, what didn’t, and how we can support parents in making feeding choices without guilt or judgment. Whether you’re a new parent, navigating feeding challenges with multiple kids, or reflecting on decisions from years ago, you’ll find practical insights and actionable tips to help you feel confident in your feeding journey. Remember, fed is best! Recommended Resources: More on breastfeeding and psychiatric medications at womensmentalhealth.orgFind a support group with Postpartum Support InternationalRead more about Fed is Best 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** NICU stay, postpartum psychosis  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    28 min
  8. I Lost My Mom While Pregnant. How Do I Move Forward?

    05/28/2025

    I Lost My Mom While Pregnant. How Do I Move Forward?

    Welcome back to So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs! In this episode, we’re holding space for the often overlooked experience of grief during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We hear from a mother who navigated the loss of her own mom while pregnant with her second child — and how that profound loss shaped her postpartum experience, including her struggle with postpartum depression. Later, we sit down with Hannah Bonoyer, BSN, RN, PMH-C, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and perinatal behavioral health coach. She offers compassionate guidance for navigating grief in the perinatal period. Whether you’re in the midst of grief or walking alongside someone who is, we hope this episode offers you practical insights, gentle validation, and a sense of connection — wherever you are in your story. As always, we’re so glad you asked! Recommended Resources: More of postpartum depression at womensmentalhealth.orgLearn more about Hope Edelman and the Motherless Daughters CommunityConnect with a Specialized Coordinator at 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**  Cancer, COVID-19, loss, grief, depression  Like What You Heard? Subscribe so you never miss an episodeLeave us a review to share your feedbackLearn more at sogladyouasked.orgSign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for show updates and bonus clipsSo 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.

    26 min
See All (13)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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 and Allie Hales," 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. 

Information

You Might Also Like