Menucha Talks

The Time Between: Marriage, Motherhood, and New Beginnings In this thoughtful episode of Menucha Talks, we are joined by Mrs. Judith Nemeth for an honest and sensitive discussion about navigating the postpartum period while observing the halachos of niddah. For many women, the weeks after birth are some of the most physically demanding and emotionally vulnerable times of life. Alongside recovering...

It’s Not Random – Understanding the Hormonal Patterns Behind Your Monthly Cycle In this insightful episode of Menucha Talks , Dr. Sturrage breaks down the science behind a woman’s monthly cycle, helping you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Exploring the four key stages of the cycle, this conversation uncovers how hormonal shifts influence your energy, mood, focus, and overal...

It’s By Design – A Torah Perspective on the Deeper Meaning of the Female Cycle In this meaningful episode of Menucha Talks , Faigy Pollock offers a thoughtful and uplifting exploration of the female cycle through a Torah lens. With depth and clarity, Faigy uncovers the spiritual meaning behind the natural rhythms of a woman’s body, helping listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the cycle as some...

This month on Menucha Talks , in honour of Purim, we’ve switched things up. Instead of speaking to the women, we’re speaking directly to the men. Rabbi Halberstadt shares from his own experience of being a husband, a hero, and a helper during the perinatal period, offering insight into the unique and vital role fathers play throughout pregnancy and beyond. With honesty and warmth, he explores what...

Secrets of the ‘Super-Carers’ Mrs. Adler, wife of Dr. Yossi Adler, reveals that heroic caregivers also care for themselves In this powerful and often overlooked episode of Menucha Talks , we turn the focus to the carers — the partners, family members, and friends supporting a woman struggling with a perinatal mood disorder. Mrs. Adler shares insight, perspective, and lived wisdom on what it really...

Whose Family Is It Anyway? Pre- and Post-Birth Relationships with Family and In-Laws In this thoughtful episode of Menucha Talks , Rebbetzin Miriam Simons, a Kallah teacher, and Menucha therapist Channi Kampf come together to explore the joys — and complexities — of navigating family and in-law relationships before and after the birth of a baby. This uniquely sensitive time can bring closeness, su...

How Will We Cope!? – Practical Preparation for Managing a Baby In this incredibly grounding episode of Menucha Talks , occupational therapist Chana Gordon joins us to explore the practical side of welcoming a new baby — whether it’s your first or your ninth. Chana breaks down the everyday skills, habits, and setups that make life with a newborn smoother and more manageable. From organising your ho...

In this eye-opening episode of Menucha Talks, Hormones: Heroic Helpers or Mood-Meddling Monsters? The Ups and Downs of Perinatal Hormones , Dr. Sturrage, an experienced GP, takes us on a guided journey through the world of perinatal hormones — from the very beginning of pregnancy all the way through the postnatal period. Together, we unpack what hormones actually do, why they have such a powerful...

In this very real episode of Menucha Talks , Menucha therapist Elisheva Fisher explores what mindfulness really means and how it can transform the way we manage our emotions. Far from being something reserved for long meditations or quiet retreats, mindfulness can be woven into the busiest of days — even in the middle of school runs, mealtimes, or bedtime chaos. Elisheva shares simple, practical w...

In this enlightening episode of Menucha Talks , we’re joined by Feigi Cymmerman, an Integrative Sleep Coach, to explore the hidden struggles of sleep that go beyond midnight feeds and crying babies. Together, we unpack the realities of why so many mothers find it hard to fall — or stay — asleep, even when the house is finally quiet. From understanding how your body’s natural rhythms work to recogn...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss and miscarriage, which some listeners may find distressing. In this sensitive and powerful episode of Menucha Talks , we are joined by Dr. Veronique Berman and Susie Holder from Chana to openly explore the often-silent experience of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Together, we talk about what actually happens — physically and emotionally — whe...

In this deeply reassuring episode of Menucha Talks , This Time Will Be Different: Putting Past Trauma Behind You as You Prepare for Your Next Pregnancy, we’re joined by Tsippy Kraus, Menuchas birth trauma resolution practitioner, to explore how to navigate pregnancy after experiencing trauma in a previous one. Whether it was a traumatic birth, a distressing pregnancy, or a difficult postnatal peri...

In this heartfelt episode of How to Cope with More Children? An Honest Conversation About Mental Resilience, we sit down with Rebbetzin Ruthie Halberstadt for an open and honest conversation about the emotional challenges of considering another pregnancy after a difficult or complicated experience. Whether it was a physically traumatic birth, a mentally exhausting postnatal period, or just the ove...

In this eye-opening episode of Menucha Talks , titled "All Change! From School to Sem to Wife to Mother," we’re joined by Menucha therapist Sue Schraer and Rebbetzin Zimmerman to explore the whirlwind of transitions that many young women in our community experience in a very short space of time. From school to seminary, engagement to marriage, and often straight into motherhood — each of these sta...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks , Menucha therapist Elisheva Fisher unpacks the fine line between normal maternal caution, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Motherhood naturally comes with worries—checking on your baby at night, being extra careful with hygiene, or double-checking safety measures. But when do these concerns cross into anxiety or even OCD? Elisheva breaks d...

Menucha Unmasked: The Inside Guide to the ‘Why,’ ‘What,’ and ‘How’ of Menucha In this special episode of Menucha Talks , Menucha Unmasked takes you behind the scenes to uncover the heart and mission of Menucha. Speaking with two of Menucha’s dedicated case managers, we explore the reasons behind its creation, the vital work happening every day, and how it continues to support women and families. J...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks , titled "Planning Your Motherhood: Options for Taking Control of Your Family," Dr. Sheryl Kaplan, a GP with EdgCARE Private GP Services, provides an informative and balanced discussion on contraception options and their potential effects on women’s health. Dr. Kaplan explores the wide range of choices available, empowering listeners to make informed decisi...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, titled "Ready? Steady? Check! Being Prepared for Your 6-Week Postnatal Check," Dr. Judy Sasto, a GP with JDoc365, shares her expert advice on making the most of this important milestone in your postnatal journey. Join us as Dr. Sasto discusses the value of being prepared for your 6-week check, including what to bring up with your GP and why it matters. Fro...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks , titled "Food Facts and Fiction: A Feast of Nutrition Knowledge," Esther Donoff, a knowledgeable nutritional therapist, takes the mystery out of healthy eating with a down-to-earth discussion on food, myths, and practical tips. Join us as Esther debunks common misconceptions, like the idea of "eating for two," and shares realistic strategies for incorporat...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, "Your Pelvic Floor – Every Woman’s Friend: The Help You Need for Birth and After," Rochelle Cowan, a skilled physiotherapist, sheds light on one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of women’s health: the pelvic floor. Join us as Rochelle dives into the vital role pelvic health plays not only in a woman’s general well-being but, more importan...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, titled "How to Say 'No': Here’s How, Why, and When You Should," Rebbetzin Yael Hamer takes on the challenge of speaking about setting healthy boundaries in a way you've never heard before. Join us for an empowering discussion on why saying "no" can be so difficult and how it’s crucial for protecting your time, energy, and well-being. Rebbetzin Hamer guides...

In this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, titled "Closeness Conundrums: Managing the Impact of Pregnancy and Birth on Your Relationship," join Faigy Pollock, an experienced Kallah teacher and intimacy coach, as she navigates the delicate balance between nurturing your relationship and caring for yourself during the transformative journey of pregnancy and motherhood. Faigy sheds light on the often-...

Step into the realm of maternal mental health with this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, titled "Classic Jewish Mum Worries or Anxiety? When to Ask for Help." Join Elisheva Fisher, a skilled Menucha therapist, as she delves into the fine line between normal motherhood worries and anxiety. In this enlightening discussion, Elisheva explores how typical parental concerns can escalate into...

Step into the world of summer survival with this month’s episode of Menucha Talks, titled "Surviving Summer: Tips for Avoiding a Breakdown When the Kids Break Up." Join Dena Sanger, a dedicated Menucha therapist, as she leads an insightful discussion on managing the chaos and stress that often accompanies summer break. Dive into practical advice and strategies to maintain your sanity and...

In this episode, "Mums, Emunah, and Mental Health: The Balanced Jewish Response to Perinatal Challenges,"  listen to Rebbetzin Zimmerman as she delves into the intersection of therapy and Torah perspectives on mental health. Exploring the importance of emotional well-being for new mothers, discussing how seeking therapy aligns with Torah values and the Jewish approach to holistic health....