The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle of Crown Heights hosted this week a powerful and informative event about a topic rarely discussed in the open in the frum Jewish world: postpartum depression, or PPD.
Possibly the first event of its kind to be held in the neighborhood, the topic was sparked by Nechamy Rabin‘s brave blog about her ordeal with the type of clinical depression which can affect women, typically after childbirth.
Rabin shared her personal story as well as tips and advice for all mothers. She offered suggestions like “get dressed every morning, even if you aren’t planning on leaving the house” and “put yourself in time-out. Go hide in your bedroom with a chocolate bar.”
Shayna Eliav, Doula, Childbirth Educator and Licensed Massage Therapist spoke about the various physiological causes of PPD and ways to combat them before and after giving birth. The psychological side of the illness was tackled by Sorele Witkes, LMSW who discussed different forms of post-partum depression, how to know if you need professional help or are experiencing typical baby blues, and various healing methods.
The standing-room only crowd of 80 women was kept spellbound during the presentation and ensuing question-and-answer period.
An incredible array of homemade cookies by the talented Dvora Lakein and Mirel Deitsch were craftily displayed in white bakery boxes.
Due to popular demand, we are offering the audio from the event for COLlive readers.
Click here for audio:
The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle Fundraiser
Be warned. Do not open the envelope from The Beis Medrash Women’s Circle unless you are prepared to get caught up in their shoe fad. They’re serious about this shoe-in as they raise the funds needed to launch their third year!
If you’ve received the letter (lucky you!) you know the drill. But even if you did not, you can still be a part of this mitzvah by making your donation online (www.thebeismedrash.com/donate). You can also mail a check payable to The Beis Medrash WC to 1650 Carroll St., Brooklyn, NY 11213.
One size does not fit all: choose yours to ensure the Women’s Circle’s continued success and enjoy a place of distinction at the Shoe Display at their third annual Women’s Circle melava malka.
Special thanks to Zeesy Silberberg, shlucha in West Bloomfield, MI for sharing her great idea.
excellent comment
anyone know how I can get onto their email list to know about upcoming events?
also, how do I sign up to junior nishei email list?
thanks!
As 32 says please make available the rest. It will truly save a nechama. Tell us where we can hear it or read it.
I disagree with your postscript for a number of reasons: 1. Today’s bochurim are tomorrow’s husbands and fathers, if we can’t read about PPD when someone is strong and mature enough to speak about it in public how can we be expected to support our wives through this ordeal? Waiting till it slaps you in the face and threatens to pull you down too is not the answer. Also hearing real life stories is a lot more effective than what a book can tell you. 2. When was the last time someone who suffered with something like this had the… Read more »
Mrs. D. Laiken desreves a huge Yasher Koach for all the koach she put into this event and the growth of the Circle. May Hashem reward you with health, wealth, and nachas from many children.
PS Shouldnt comment 30 say “As a bochur……i didnt read this article!” ???
WOOOHOOOO!! 🙂 BEST TEACHER EVER!!!!!!!!!! 😀
THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR BRINGING TO THE FOREFRONT THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE! THIS IS WHY IT BOTHERS ME SO MUCH WHEN SOME ORGINIZATIONS (INCLUDING THE NESHEI CHABAD) ADVOCATE NURSING YOUR BABY, AS IF BOTTLE FEEDING IS THE WORST THING FOR YOUR BABY LITTLE DO THEY KNOW THAT MANY WOMEN CAN NOT NURSE, SINCE THEY ARE ON MEDICATION FOR PPD! I REMEMBER LIKE YESTERDAY THE NURSE COMING IN TO DAUGHTERS ROOM AND MADE HER FEEL SO GUILTY FOR NOT NURSING! I WISH PEOPLE WOULD BE MORE SENSITIVE TO THIS. NOT TO SAY THAT MOST WOMEN WHO BOTTLE FEED ARE ON MEDS.… Read more »
I would like to say that it is normal for women to be after birth and in the recovering months more emotional and that is ok. It does not mean that they are post partum depression and it does not lead to sholom bayis problems. From A Torah perspective men are suppose to treat women kindly and gently during those times of separations as the Torah understands women are more sensitive then. It does not mean if a women cries then that theyre are depressed. It is never a cause for divorce. If husbands which is usually the case do… Read more »
we love u mrs. rabin!
Pls have a write up written for the nshei!!!!
I try to go to as many activitys for women arround ch. I thank all the hard working woman who dedicates their lifes to inspire others. I get inspire. I reflect on what i experienced, heard. Sometimes i like a topic better than.others. Sometimes a speaker is more powerfull, regardless i go to keep reminding myself who im and how much im doing for mu family. The problem is that my husband has little intrested to hear “vaibishe zachn”. His reaction is ok ok ok. You had a good time? Thats great. And i feel stuck. Because he as a… Read more »
I read the rest of your blog and it is so so funny! keep writing!
Chanel,
This was amazing to listen to. I’ve been through a lot of what was spoken about and it was so helpful for me to see how common it is and all the information given was extremely helpful. Is there anyway for you to write up somewhere, (here on line or maybe in the n’shei) the ending that was cut off because I think it would be really helpful for everyone going through any sort of postpartum disorder!!
After my second baby was born, my doula turned to my husband and asked him if he could make sure to leave a sandwich or salad in the fridge so that I would make sure to have something ready to eat. Because something as small as preparing something to eat can be too overwhelming with a new baby.
As a bochur with Bipolar Disorder I salute Nechami’s efforts to bring more awareness about MH issues to the frum world. The only way to combat stigma is to show that we can be as successful in life as other people. I can only hope that more people will see that going for help is not a problem and there is no need to suffer in silence. Along my journey so far I have met people who I believe to be of the strongest people the world has to offer. BH I have an amazing support network including family and… Read more »
BH amazing Nechamy! THANK YOU! I myself, am one of those ” post partum depression members”:-) and had the same experience as Nechamy, re trying natural treatment first and then ended up on medication. BH first of all and thank you to all of the support I had #1 support = your husband secondly and VERY IMPORTANT IS A GOOD THERAPIST AND OFCOURSE A CIRCLE OF A TEAM WORK OF HELP FOR HOUSE KEEPING, baby sitting and much more. I, personally am still on medication now and got so much strength and chizuk from Nechamy mentioning. That she was on… Read more »
Lets call it as it is, and commend HER MATURITY!!
HER COURAGE AND WISDOM!
Its not brave its MATURITY! something we must all begin to accept and learn from!
Thank you Nechamy for your bravery and honesty.
You’re right, the men are TOTALLY off the hook!!! Let’s blame the women!
I’m so impressed by Nechamy’s bravery and sincerity in sharing her story to help others.
What a gift to our community.
Mental health is a very misunderstood and stigmatized topic and you shed lots of light on the topic.
May Hashem bentch you with only revealed good.
awesome awesome awesome!
where can I get a recording of the whole thing?!
go mrs rabin we love ur history clas!!!!
love 8th grade of bnos menachem
Because it’s a mental illness/mood disorder
GO U!
ur the cutest history teacher!
but i never knew u can bcome so famous
ps- yes Mrs. Rabin, im using short-hand (if ur reading this)
The recorder turned itself off in middle of Mrs. Witkes’s talk. You only get the build up– symptoms, etc but you miss her suggestions on how to deal via therapy. What a shame.
Chanel
wow u rock nechamy!
You addressed a serious issue that still carries a huge stigma. You will never know how many people you helped through your talk….it will make them feel they are not alone in this misery.
You are brave. PPD is so common! Thank you for taking away the stigma for something that could happen to anyone!
its true that untreated emotional stresses can escalate and spiral chv to far worse situations
treatment and early intervention is key
Make such beautiful events! Yaasher Koach for all your hard work. It is noticed!
Lack of education. There is a huge stigma regarding mental health issues in the frum world. Most mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc) can be treated successfully with proper diagnosis, therapy and/ or medication and support from loved ones. People can recover from mental illness. I applaud this woman for coming forward to share her story. When people are willing to talk about their experiences/ struggles with mental health, it can help to lift some of the shame that some experience when dealing with some of the same issues. As a health care provider, I can tell you that… Read more »
Why is this topic rarely discussed openly in the frum world?
were can i hear the rest of the audio ?
its really interesting
too often things go down hill starting at PPD
This women’s circle is really something special, it’s what Crown Heights has been waiting for all these years!!!
Lots of ladies keep pushing themselves, compare their situations to others, and try to look perfect, cook perfect, act perfect, and keep PT jobs/FT jobs, etc……
It’s too much pressure; especially when you are the primary caregiver to you baby (and perhaps other young children, as well). These assessments, treatments, and care must take top priority in raising the next generation of emotionally and physically healthy children.
Best sister in law ever!
It was a beautiful event. I feel better after attending already! I always thought there was something wrong with me for always being down..
It would be wonderful to have a PPD event for men too for them to be informed..
Was so fantastic. Truthful, helpful and even funny 🙂
Once again tbm women’s circle touches such an important topic for young women of crown heights
And of course with the perfect delicious refreshments 🙂
Thanks chanel and Dvora!!!
Go Nechamy. Thanks for sharing this with others. When Hashem gives us a challenge it is for us to be able to reach out to others and help them. Chazak Veematz. Much Nachas from your beautiful family.
WOW! WHAT A STRONG WOMAN! I AM SURE THIS ARTICLE WILL HELP MANY WOMAN IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Tragically many divorces (and disfunctional non-divorces) can be traced back unrecognized (undiagnosed) post pardom depression…
since the women is THE akeres habayis, sets the tone and ambiance for the entire family, SHE (the jewish women) has disproportionate power!! to bring out the best in everyone around her, yes she has a disproportionate gift for positively influencing the whole home for the good…
its critically important that women/mothers be in a good,(positive upbeat) emotional and mental state of well being!
Bravo for this movement!
look good. where are they from. just gained 10 pounds looking at them