Birthing Conversations

In this reflective episode, we welcome back Malky Shoob to explore the delicate yet powerful theme of self-intimacy. As a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s health, Malky provides insightful perspectives on nurturing our relationship with ourselves. About the Guest: Malky Shoob, Malky Shoob is a single mother of four and a talented makeup artist turned pro-women health activist, brings...

In this episode, we delve into the personal and transformative journey of Malky Shoob. From her experience in an arranged marriage to becoming a fervent advocate for personal choice in marriage, Malky's story intertwines with themes of mental health, perinatal health, and self-empowerment. About the Guest: Malky Shoob, a talented makeup artist turned pro-women health activist, brings a deeply...

Pregnancy and motherhood often brings with it an array of new mental and physical challenges. In this episode, we invite listeners to explore the concept of nurturing a secure and playful relationship with oneself through our conversation with Yasmin Sofian, a laughter yoga teacher and a mental health student. About the Guest: Yasmin Sofian is a life coach and laughter & mindfulness practition...

In this episode we delve into a vital aspect of the birthing process - hormonal changes with Dr. Elissa Hellman, obstetrician, gynecologist, abd physician at The Confident Kallah, a telemedicine gynecology practice focused on the health needs of Jewish women. We explore why hormonal fluctuations are not just normal but a significant part of a woman's life journey. While these fluctuations can...

In this episode, we delve into the world of emotional well-being with Rus Devorah Wallen, founder of Toratherapeutics®. Discover how integrating short yet impactful meditation practices, like the transformative "four gratitudes," can shape emotional resilience and mental clarity. While the modern world can be a whirlwind of anxiety and distractions, Rus Devorah offers insights into harne...

In this episode, we delve into the oft-unspoken complexities of pregnancy and birth with Chumie Friedman, Director of HUG at ATIME, shedding light on the experiences of women navigating through infertility and perinatal loss. ABOUT THE GUEST: Chumi Friedman is the Director of HUG, a program of ATIME supporting couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. She is RTS trained and a certified doula...

In this episode, we're joined by an expectant father to have an open conversation about the often-unspoken complexities of postpartum disorders (PPD). Together, we'll confront the full scope of PPD—from its subtle beginnings to its most acute manifestations—and unpack how it affects both mothers and fathers. Our conversation will also delve into prevention, and early intervention strategie...

In this episode we sit down with Blimie Heller, a renowned parenting expert, to discuss the significance of building a strong relationship with your child instead of creating a power dynamic. Drawing on her own experiences as a child and mother, Blimie will share how she overcame conflicting thoughts and sought help to develop a better relationship with her child. We will why discuss why utilizing...

In this week's episode, we delve into a captivating conversation with Chani Rosengarten, exploring the significance of self-love and empowerment for women. We discuss how women can create the life they desire without losing their sense of self amidst the multiple roles they play as mothers, partners, and community members. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for moving beyond negative societal...

In this week’s episode Libby Kenigsberg, daughter of Sparks founder Esther Kenigsberg, sits down with her mother to discuss the frequently asked questions that her mother gets, the motivations behind her work, and the insights she has gained from her experiences helping women navigate this challenging condition. About the Guest: As the daughter of the founder of Sparks, an organization dedicated t...

Perinatal health challenges have a sweeping effect on women across the societal spectrum, every situation is a specific depiction of the challenges brought up when faced with it.  In this week's episode, we speak to Amanda Weisz who has gone through some of these challenges and has found the healing necessary to thrive in her life.  ABOUT THE GUEST: Amanda Weisz is a Mom to four beautiful chil...

There are various methods of healing and every woman is on their own journey to find what works for them. One prominent aspect of healing that is so powerful yet often overlooked is holistic general self-care. In this episode, we sit down with Suri Wolhendler, a certified health coach, and discuss the importance of general self-care and offer practical guidance on how to do so. About the Guest: Sa...

Most people think that perinatal health issues are solely a challenge affecting women. This is far from the truth. In this week’s episode, we discuss the very real challenges that the perinatal period can have on husbands. These can include struggling because of the new responsibilities, such as supporting a wife who needs to heal, caring for a new baby, and new financial realities. We also speak...

In this week's episode, we speak to Rivky Friedman, a woman who has personally experienced PPD. She discusses her personal struggle with bonding, guilt, and postpartum depression and how she found methods and modalities to heal as well as how she forwards the lessons she learned to others. ABOUT THE GUEST: Rivky Friedman is a mom, grandmother, holistic coach, and a woman who has experienced PP...

In this week’s episode, we share anecdotal experiences about the diverse forms and unique challenges perinatal health takes in people’s lives. Esther Kenigsberg and Devorah Kozlik discuss the red flags that a mom should watch out for after birth. They also dive deep into the trauma that can result from, or be reawakened by, the birth experience and discuss some of the healing methods that are avai...

In this week’s episode, we discuss the importance of trust between a clinician and patient, particularly for young mothers. We also explore the need for a woman to have the proper support after birth as well as the fact that our current culture may not encourage the most supportive path toward postpartum healing. About the Guest: Yocheved Silk RPA-C was born in NYC, raised mainly in Brooklyn, and...

Esther Kenigsberg and Yisroel Isaacs LCSW discuss how the lack of widespread education regarding perinatal issues, even amongst the very people that are supposed to help those struggling, prevents people from getting the proper help and healing needed to recover. About the Guest: Yisrael Isaacs is the founder and CEO of Essence Mental Health . Along with counseling individuals as a licensed mental...

Esther Kenigsberg and Yehudis Karbal LCPC, speak about the dramatic changes in a woman's life that occur after giving birth. They discuss how these changes affect women's mental health, and most of all, how the biggest problem for women is the very thinking that feeling the way they are feeling is a problem. Birthing Conversations is a podcast by Sparks, an organization helping women who are strug...

While the problems presented by perinatal mental health are widespread and diverse, they are still stigmatized; the conversation around them lies in the shadows. In this week's episode, we sit down with Zissy Rosenberg, a case manager at Sparks to explain the need for the Birthing Conversations podcast and begin the process of opening the floor to the right types of conversations. In this way, we...

Welcome to Birthing Conversations!  Birthing Conversations is a podcast by Sparks, an organization helping women who are struggling with PPD For more information about sparks visit: https://www.sparkscenter.org/ Follow Sparks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkswomen/ This podcast is produced and edited by Montebello Media