Into Motherhood

Julie Pernikoff
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  • Mental Health

Into Motherhood is a place for women and mothers to learn, grow, connect and feel supported. We'll hear from experts in the fields of pregnancy, postpartum, child development and more. I can't wait to learn and grow alongside you and I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to the community!

Episodes

  1. 4 Sept

    Ruthie Pollak on Living with Grief and Keeping the Memory of Her Beloved Son, Ezra a"h, Alive

    Ruthie Pollak is the proud mother of 5 boys. She joins Into Motherhood to tell us the story of how her second born, Ezra, tragically passed away just four years ago, at the age of 2 years and 4 months while they were vacationing in the Bahamas. She shares the story of who he was: a baby born during COVID who later became an energetic toddler with a radiant smile, a love for mischief and a close bond with his big brother, Akiva. She shares the details of his passing and how the Jewish community came together to ensure he have a respectful and swift burial while supporting her family through a tumultuous time. Ruthie discusses how she and her husband Tani cope with this immense loss and how she functions on a day to day basis. Having recently given birth to her fifth child, she shares what it's like to parent after this tragedy. To keep Ezra's memory alive as she manages the daily rigors of mothering her young children. She shows courage and strength as she speaks of her feelings, her journey, what her marriage looks like and how her immediate and extended family has transformed through this tragedy. Please check out: Ruthie's Substack linked here Donation Page to ZAKA in Ezra's a"h memory linked here TRIGGER WARNING: Child loss 00:00 — Meet Ruthie & Her Family 03:43 — Supporting a Grieving Parent: What Helps and What Doesn’t 14:55 — Ezra’s Story: From His Birth to the Bahamas 28:31 — Unanswered Questions, Grief & Faith 39:13 — Keeping Ezra’s Memory and Legacy Alive 46:05 — Parenting Akiva After Losing His Brother & Best Friend 56:37 — Raising a Family While Living With Grief 1:04:49 — Marriage, Different Ways of Grieving & Supporting Each Other 1:15:28 — Milestones, Holidays, New Babies & Life Continuing 1:29:44 — Looking Ahead, Remembering Ezra & What Ruthie Wants Others to Know 1:47:26 — Remembering Ezra a”h: A Photo Slideshow 1:48:58 — Rabbi Bluming Sings “Hamalach Hagoel”

  2. 21 Aug

    Navigating Maternal Mental Health with Gabrielle Moskovitz LCSW, PMH-C

    In this episode, Gabrielle Moskovitz LCSW, PMH-C discusses postpartum challenges faced by mothers and postpartum planning, the impact of a new baby on a marriage, and the role of medication and therapy in this stage. She continues by covering coping mechanisms for overstimulated mothers and tools for couples to use experiencing challenges, including those concerning intimacy, during the postpartum stage and thereafter. Gabrielle talks about pregnancy loss, secondary infertility, pregnancy complications, birth trauma, C-sections and VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean). TRIGGER WARNING-topics such as infertility and pregnancy loss are discussed. Gabrielle Moskovitz, LCSW, PMH-C is the founder and practice owner of MomWell Therapy- a boutique private practice specializing in maternal mental health. Gabrielle is a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified clinician (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.  As a boy mom of three, Gabrielle understands firsthand the many ups and downs that come with motherhood. She specializes in supporting women navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, postpartum anxiety and depression, and the everyday stressors and transitions of motherhood. Gabrielle combines a variety of therapeutic modalities to help clients better navigate the emotional, relational, and personal challenges that can come with becoming and being a mother. She also offers couples therapy and believes strongly in the importance of intentionally nurturing and strengthening your relationship throughout the motherhood phase.  Reach out to Gabrielle: momwelltherapy@gmail.com or 201-579-0381  (www.momwelltherapy.com) Into Motherhood Podcast Streaming Platforms: https://intomotherhood.riverside.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maternal Mental Health01:28 Challenges Faced by Postpartum Mothers06:33 Coping Mechanisms and TIPP Skills13:39 Impact on Marriage and Intimacy32:26 The Role of Medication in Maternal Mental Health35:15 Reproductive Psychiatry and Medication36:18 Challenges of Motherhood41:48 Secondary Infertility and Pregnancy Losses01:01:57 C-Sections and VBAC Deliveries

  3. 6 Aug

    Pelvic Floor Health with Rachel Schacht DPT and The Importance of Comprehensive Care

    In this episode, we get to hear from Rachel Schacht DPT speak about the importance of pelvic floor health and why women deserve good care. She helps listeners distinguish between what is normal and what is common when it comes to pelvic floor issues. She cares deeply about her work and her patients and speaks with such enthusiasm and passion for the field. Rachel addresses the many biological stages in a woman's life and delves into the topics of penetration pain, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Rachel emphasizes the importance of patient education and encourages women to ask questions and seek help as soon as they need it. A mother of two and currently pregnant, Rachel shares with us her unique perspectives on her two c-sections and recoveries along with her hopes for the future. Rachel Schacht is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy. She lives in Sharon MA with her husband and 2 kids. Rachel has experience treating a diverse patient population including pelvic health, orthopedics, post surgical recovery and geriatrics. She has always been passionate about human anatomy and exercise science, which serves as the driving force behind the desire to help people overcome their health challenges through movement. Reach out to Rachel at rachel@momlifehealth.com with questions or see her in person at Momlife Health and Wellness in Medfield, MA. Chapters 00:00 Long-standing Friendship and Professional Background02:53 Distinguishing Between Normal and Common in Pelvic Floor Health06:10 Comprehensive Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy20:32 Journey of Becoming a Pelvic Floor Therapist25:33 Perinatal Care and Patient Experience26:26 Perineal Massage and Birth Preparation43:26 Perineal Tearing and C-Section Recovery58:08 Understanding Postpartum and Perimenopause58:52 Symptoms and Treatment Options01:02:17 Challenges and Decision-Making01:13:05 Personal Experiences and Patient Education

  4. 20 Jul

    Social Worker, Business Woman, Visionary, and Mother: Sara Schreiber LCSW CGP

    In this episode, Sara Schreiber shares her journey of becoming a mother and starting her career at the same time in her early 20's. She speaks of balancing her work as a group practice owner and consultant with motherhood. We get down to the details of her daily schedule from work meetings, to counseling calls, to meal prep, carpool and family time. She shares what it's like for her to have ADHD as a mother and entrepreneur and delves into finances with us. Sara encourages jewish women to strive for career independence and financial freedom so that they can be less stressed and more present with their families. Sara is real, easy to talk to and filled with insight. Enjoy! Sara Schreiber, LCSW, CGP, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist, and the founder of the group practice, Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC. She is passionate about supporting clients through group therapy and helping therapists successfully start, market, fill, and run therapy groups in private practice through her consulting business, Groups in Private Practice LLC.  Into Motherhood podcast website: https://intomotherhood.riverside.com/ Reach Sara: Instagram: groupsinprivatepractice Website: collaborativeminds.net and groupsinprivatepractice.com Chapters 00:00 Long-lasting Friendship04:42 Transition to Group Therapy24:42 Balancing Career and Family27:39 Challenges of Parenting and Work-Life Balance52:37 Visionary and Integrator54:03 Challenges of ADHD58:13 Balancing Work and Family59:49 Financial Transparency and Empowerment

  5. 8 Jul

    Building Capacity for Uncertainty: Rachel Pekarsky's Journey Through Egg Freezing

    In this episode, Rachel Pekarsky brings us into her journey of egg freezing as a single woman. She talks about faith and faith, the experience of building capacity for uncertainty and above all how one can turn pain into purpose-all through the lens of freezing her eggs. Rachel Pekarsky is a speech-language pathologist, collector of passport stamps, and firm believer that life rarely follows the timeline you imagined. Rachel has firsthand experience with egg freezing and joins us to talk candidly about the medical, emotional, and social sides of the journey, from making the decision to freeze her eggs to navigating dating and uncertainty along the way. In this episode, she discusses the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons she's learned about fertility, dating, resilience, and building a future family that may still feel a long way off.   Reach out to Rachel: Instagram @koshercompassco Listen to this episode on other platforms: https://intomotherhood.riverside.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Bio00:26 Facing the Fear of Needles00:54 The Decision to Freeze Eggs01:03 The Emotional and Physical Process03:01 Impact on Relationships and Faith04:28 Misconceptions and Technical Details08:04 The Egg Freezing Process10:15 The Medication and Injections11:50 The Timing and Cycle of the Process18:00 Support and Supervision28:53 The Journey of Egg Freezing29:48 Community Support and Accessibility30:00 Financial Assistance and Storage Options31:28 Insurance and Healthcare Challenges35:41 Halachic Considerations41:15 Emotional and Social Support01:02:45 Resilience and Uncertainty

  6. 18 Jun

    "The Pediatrician and The Parent" with Dr. Jennie Berkovich

    In our second episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Jennie Berkovich, board certified pediatrician and Director of Education at The Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA). In this interview, we hear about the important work of JOWMA, the Jewish Woman's Health Handbook, which Dr. Berkovich recently co-authored, how visits with the pediatrician as a new mom might look, how to know when to call the doctor, the breakdown of what vaccines actually are and the misinformation being presented about them, among other topics. Dr. Berkovich addresses challenges that new moms face and how she helps them navigate what can be an overwhelming transition. She talks to us about her own experiences as a mother and pediatrician and how she handles having both roles. I truly feel fortunate to have been able to interview Dr. Berkovich. Please tune in and enjoy! Dr. Berkovich is passionate about community health education, using movement as medicine and empowering parents with tools and knowledge. She lives in Chicago with her husband and four children and is the co-author of the recently published Jewish Woman’s Health Handbook, available on Amazon or your local Jewish bookstore  Reach out to Dr. Jennie Berkovich: info@jowma.org https://intomotherhood.podview.com/ Chapters 00:00 Vaccine Hesitancy and Importance of Vaccines25:52 Navigating Differing Opinions in Healthcare32:49 Empowering Parents to Be Advocates39:11 The Value of Pediatrician-Patient Relationships49:12 Balancing Work and Family as a Doctor and Parent

  7. 3 Jun

    "Right Here, Right Now" with Ariella Azaraf Schur LCSW

    Please join me in this first episode of Into Motherhood! In this episode we interview Ariella Azaraf Schur LCSW on all things motherhood. We discuss the transition of becoming a mother, the challenges of the postpartum stage, the impact of a new child on a marriage and effective coping mechanisms to "settle" onself and communicate one's needs successfully. Ariella guides us in understanding the complex yet soft, fast yet slow, experience of becoming a mother. Ariella Azaraf Schur, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice and speaker based in New York City and New Jersey. She works with adults and emerging adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, and boundary-setting, while supporting them in cultivating a deeper sense of self-love.Through a lens of self-compassion and self-acceptance, Ariella is passionate about helping individuals move through trauma and life’s challenges while building emotional resilience and inner stability. In her own journey into motherhood, she brings an added depth to her work—honoring the complexity of identity, attachment, and emotional growth across life transitions. Reach out to Ariella: https://www.ariellaazaraflcsw.com/ ariellaazaraflcsw@gmail.com Instagram: ariellaazaraflcsw Access Into Motherhood on other platforms: https://intomotherhood.podview.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Transition to Motherhood02:03 Professional Journey and Identity06:03 Challenges of Motherhood12:51 Settling into Motherhood21:59 Finding Support and Coping30:14 Navigating Motherhood and Anxiety36:24 The Impact on Marriage and Relationships55:27 Practical Tools for Self-Care and Communication

  8. 3 Jun

    Introducing "Into Motherhood"

    Into Motherhood is a podcast for women and mothers to learn, grow, connect, and feel supported. Hosted by Julie Pernikoff, the podcast features experts in pregnancy, postpartum, and child development. Welcome to the community! Access Into Motherhood: https://intomotherhood.podview.com/

  • 8 Episodes

About

Into Motherhood is a place for women and mothers to learn, grow, connect and feel supported. We'll hear from experts in the fields of pregnancy, postpartum, child development and more. I can't wait to learn and grow alongside you and I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to the community!

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Pernikoff
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Julie Pernikoff
  • Show Website
    Into Motherhood

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