The Science of Motherhood

Afleveringen

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  Ep 238. What to Expect From Private Midwifery Care on Day One 04.08.2026 50min

  You've probably never been told that a private midwife is even an option, not just the hospital care you default to. That gap in information can shape how safe, informed and supported you feel through pregnancy and birth.This conversation gives you a real look at what private midwifery care involves in practice, from early pregnancy through labour, and why having the same trusted person by your side changes the experience.This is part one of our six-part Pregnancy and Birth series.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Kelly Langford, endorsed private midwife and co-founder of MAMA Private Midwifery Practice, to explore what private midwifery care and home birth involve. Together they cover continuity of care, what non-negotiables matter for first-time mums, the physiology behind labour, and how to choose a care provider that feels right.You'll Hear AboutWhat private midwifery care actually includesWhy continuity of care changes birth outcomesHow physiological birth naturally worksWhat pain relief looks like without interventionHow to choose the right care providerYou don't need a radical plan to feel in control of your birth, only the right information and the right people around you. Understanding your options early gives you the confidence to make decisions that are truly your own.If this conversation shifted how you think about your birth options, share it with a friend who's navigating the same decisions. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🌐 Learn more about MAMA and their midwifery services 📲 Follow Kelly and the team at MAMA on Instagram @mamabirth.auThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.DisclaimerThe information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 237. Pregnancy Rewires Your Brain. Here's What You Gain 28.07.2026 41min

  That feeling of not quite recognising yourself after your baby arrives has a biological explanation. Pregnancy reshapes the structure of the brain, and those changes can still be measured years down the track. What you're experiencing is your brain doing exactly what it's built to do.If you've ever said out loud that you feel like a different person since becoming a mum, you're describing something researchers can now see on a scan. Understanding what's happening in there changes how the whole experience feels.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Elseline Hoekzema, neuroscientist and head of the Pregnancy Brain Lab at Amsterdam University Medical Center, to unpack what pregnancy does to the maternal brain. Together they explore the changes to brain tissue first mapped in 2017, what those changes mean for how you think and feel, and what shifts differently the second time around.Elseline also works through the questions that flooded in after Renee shared her research on Instagram, covering what might happen with a third or fourth baby, spacing between siblings, pregnancy loss, and what changes for fathers and adoptive parents. She's honest about how much this field still has left to uncover.You'll Hear About:What happens to grey matter during pregnancyWhy the changes peak in the third trimesterHow a second pregnancy rewires different brain networksWhat the research shows about perinatal depressionWhy your instincts are worth listening toYour brain has been quietly reorganising itself to meet the exact demands of the life you're now living. Knowing that gives you something solid to hold onto on the days you feel furthest from yourself.Share this with a friend who's been saying she doesn't feel like herself since having her baby. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesFollow Elseline's and the Pregnancy Brain Lab's work on Instagram: @pregnancybrainlabExplore the Hoekzema Lab research at pregnancyandthebrain.comStudies mentioned in this episode📄 Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure. Nature Neuroscience, 2017. PMID 27991897📄 Do pregnancy-induced brain changes reverse? The brain of a mother six years after parturition. Brain Sciences, 2021. PMID 33525512📄 Mapping the effects of pregnancy on resting state brain activity, white matter microstructure, neural metabolite concentrations and grey matter architecture. Nature Communications, 2022. PMID 36414622📄 The effects of a second pregnancy on women's brain structure and function. Nature Communications, 2026. PMID 41714315This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 236. What Your Child's Brain Is Doing Mid-Meltdown 21.07.2026 1u 21min

  Your child is banging on the wall, sobbing, and won't let you near them. In that moment, staying calm isn't about having the right words, it's about understanding what's happening in their brain and yours.This conversation gets into what's happening in your child's brain during a meltdown, and how you can stay regulated enough to help them find their way back.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Tina Payne Bryson, New York Times bestselling author of The Whole-Brain Child and founder of The Center for Connection, to explore what's happening in a child's brain during a meltdown and how parents can respond in ways that build resilience instead of reactivity. They talk through practical, science-backed strategies for staying regulated as a parent, repairing after the hard moments, and why play might be the most underrated tool in your parenting kit.You'll Hear AboutWhy the upstairs and downstairs brain matterWhat to do when your child melts downHow to stay regulated during a meltdownWhy repair matters more than perfectionHow play builds resilience and connectionYou don't need to get every moment right to raise a regulated, resilient child. What matters is showing up, staying steady in the hard moments, and repairing when you get it wrong.If this conversation shifted how you think about your child's big feelings, share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. Subscribe to The Science of Motherhood so you never miss an episode.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesGuest links:🌐 Website: tinabryson.com📩 Subscribe: tinabryson.com/subscribe📲 Instagram: instagram.com/tinapaynebryson📺 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCCXGwMEmoL_noUYgx8kpakw📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TinaPayneBrysonPhD🐦 X/Twitter: twitter.com/tinabryson🏢 The Center for Connection: thecenterforconnection.org🏢 Play Strong Institute: playstronginstitute.com🏢 CFC Santa Barbara: cfcsantabarbara.com🛍 Amazon shop (Tina's favourites): amazon.com/shop/tinapaynebryson📚 Books: The Bottom Line for Baby, The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, The Yes Brain, The Power of Showing Up, The Way of Play📱 HumanUp app: humanup.comThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer:The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 235. Does Fibre Affect Your Fertility? New Research Explained 14.07.2026 19min

  Have you ever seen a headline claiming a certain food can boost your fertility and rolled your eyes? You're not wrong to be sceptical, and most of what circulates online about diet and conception is wellness noise dressed up as science.This time, the science actually holds up. A new 2026 study traces a real, step by step mechanism from what's on your plate to whether an embryo implants.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White breaks down a new mouse study linking dietary fibre, gut bacteria and the uterine immune system. She walks through how the pathway works, where the research falls short, and what's reasonable to take from it if you're trying to conceive.You'll Hear About:Why mouse studies are used in fertility researchWhat the new 2026 fibre study foundHow gut bacteria influence uterine immune toleranceWhy this mechanism doesn't yet prove human benefitWhat foods support this specific fibre pathwayYou don't need to overhaul your diet to take this seriously. Paying attention to fibre quality, not only quantity, is a small, evidence-backed step available to you now. The mechanism is real, even if the guarantee isn't, and that still counts for something.If this episode helped you look at fertility diet advice differently, share it with a friend who's trying to conceive and wading through conflicting information. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 234. Why Doesn't My Midwife Ask About My Mental Health? 07.07.2026 1u 14min

  You've sat through an antenatal appointment focused on blood pressure and bump measurements, wishing there'd been room to talk about how you were actually feeling. Midwives want that room too, working inside appointments measured in minutes. There's real momentum building to bring emotional wellbeing further into that time together.Two researchers went looking at exactly what that momentum looks like in practice, and how to act on it without asking midwives to find time they don't have.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Lesley Pascuzzi, childbirth educator and perinatal mental health researcher, and her colleague Nicole Freeman, midwife and PhD researcher in early pregnancy care, to unpack what midwives told them about supporting mental health during pregnancy. Together they explore where the system falls short, and the pilot program already testing a different way forward.You'll Hear About:Why the current model centres illness over wellnessWhat midwives believe a well woman looks likeHow time pressure shapes mental health conversationsWhy continuity of care changes everythingWhat the new pilot program is testingKnowledge is the foundation of advocating for your own mental health, in pregnancy and beyond. The more you understand about your options, the more equipped you are to ask for exactly what you need.If you've ever left an appointment feeling rushed or unheard, send this to a friend who's navigating pregnancy right now. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with Lesley Pascuzzi on LinkedIn: Lesley PascuzziConnect with Nicole Freeman on LinkedIn: Nicole FreemanThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 233. Navigating Grandparents Without Losing Your Mind 30.06.2026 26min

  Your parents or your in-laws are going to tell you they did things differently and you turned out fine, right in the middle of a conversation about sleep safety or feeding choices, and you can feel the eye roll building before they've even finished the sentence. Their love is real, and you don't have to brace for it each time they visit.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White unpacks what grandparents and in-laws genuinely need to know before the baby arrives, cutting through outdated advice to share what the current evidence actually supports, what's changed, and what's genuinely worth doing differently.You might be pregnant or newly postpartum and quietly dreading the moment a well-meaning relative tells you how it used to be done. If you're the grandparent listening in, most of those moments come down to a gap in information that's easy to close. Start the conversation early, and you give your village the chance to actually hold you up, the way you deserve.You'll Hear About:Why vaccinations protect newborns before six weeksHow updated safety guidance differs from old adviceWhat matrescence means for the woman you loveWhy cuddles are something to be earnedHow to offer help without the unsolicited opinionsYou don't have to manage anyone else's feelings while you're still learning your own baby. The right people in your life will meet you with curiosity instead of correction, and that's the kind of village worth building around yourself and your baby.Share this with the grandparent, aunty, or friend who wants to support you well, and with the parent who needs the words to start this conversation early. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 232. Anxious, Overwhelmed, Numb: The Mental Health Reality of IVF 23.06.2026 55min

  The mental and emotional weight of trying to conceive doesn't disappear once you're pregnant, or once the baby arrives. For many women, it quietly shapes everything that comes after.Sometimes the hardest part isn't the fertility treatment itself. It's carrying the aftermath of it into motherhood without anyone acknowledging that you went through something significant to get there.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Edna Lekgabe, certified perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist practising in Melbourne, to explore the mental health dimensions of the trying to conceive journey. They cover the difference between normal anxiety and clinical anxiety, how IVF trauma shows up in the body long after treatment ends, and why perinatal mental health challenges are never a personal failing.This is the final episode of the six-part Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why what you're feeling is a nervous system response, not a character flawHow to recognise when anxiety has moved from visitor to renovationWhat IVF trauma looks like in the body and why it often goes unidentifiedHow medication decisions are made with a risk-versus-risk frameworkWhy reaching out early makes a differenceYour mental health through this journey is part of the journey. It deserves the same attention as everything else. There is support available, and you deserve to use it.If this resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The Science of Motherhood so you never miss an episode.Resources & LinksConnect with Renee📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services: ifillyourcup.com🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with Edna📲 Connect with Dr Edna on Instagram: @drednalekgabe🌐 Dr Edna Lekgabe's website: drednalekgabe.com.au🌐 Wraparound mental health care for women and parents: warmhealthcollective.com.auThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 231. Trying to Conceive: What to Expect Emotionally and Physically 16.06.2026 34min

  The emotional side of a fertility journey is real, and it's the part that often goes unspoken. You can walk into treatment prepared with every medical question imaginable and still feel blindsided by the weight of the waiting, the uncertainty, and the grief that can come when things don't go to plan.That gap deserves more airtime than it gets.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Giselle Crawford, fertility specialist and gynaecologist with more than ten years of experience in obstetrics, gynaecology, and infertility care, to explore the emotional terrain of fertility treatment and what genuinely good care looks like from the inside. They cover everything from managing expectations through the IVF process, to navigating grief, supporting your relationship, and knowing when to pause.This episode is Part 5 of the Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.You'll Hear About:Why emotional preparation matters as much as medical readinessHow to understand the concept of attrition in IVFWhat stress actually does (and doesn't) do to fertility outcomesHow partners can move from spectator to co-pilotWhy stopping treatment isn't giving upHaving language for what you're going through makes it easier to carry. This episode gives you that, alongside the science to back it up.If someone you love is navigating fertility treatment right now, this is the episode to share with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links:📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services: ifillyourcup.com🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🌐 Dr Giselle Crawford's website: www.drgisellecrawford.com.auThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 230. IVF, IUI, and Egg Freezing: A Guide to Trying to Conceive 09.06.2026 40min

  If you've been trying to conceive for a while, you've probably found yourself down a research rabbit hole at some point, reading forum threads at midnight and trying to decode acronyms you barely know. IVF, IUI, FSH, ICSI. The information is out there, but it doesn't always feel like it was written for you.Understanding the difference between your options, and knowing the right questions to ask, can make a conversation with a fertility specialist feel far less overwhelming.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Denise Nesbitt, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist at Hunter IVF, to unpack the key differences between IUI and IVF, including when each is recommended and what to actually expect from both processes. They explore sperm health, egg freezing, success rates, and what's really happening during the two-week wait.This episode is Part 4 of the Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.You'll Hear About:How doctors decide between IUI and IVFWhat actually happens during each fertility cycleWhy sperm health matters more than most people realiseWhat success rates mean and what influences themHow to emotionally prepare for the two-week waitStarting this journey is brave. Having the right information means you can walk into that appointment knowing the right questions to ask, and feeling far less alone in the process.If you know someone who's navigating fertility treatment, share this episode with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & LinksFollow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🔗 Learn more about Dr Denise Nesbitt and book an appointment at Hunter IVF 🔗 Your IVF Success — calculate your personalised IVF success rate using Australian data 🔗 Egg Freezing Australia — calculator to help you understand how many eggs you may needThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 229. Does Stress Affect Fertility? The Science Behind Your Hormones 02.06.2026 22min

  You've probably been told to "just relax" at some point on your fertility journey. Maybe by a friend, a family member, or even a health professional. And if you're anything like most people trying to conceive, you probably wanted to throw something at them.That advice isn't just unhelpful. It's both slightly right and completely missing the point.In this episode, Dr Renee White unpacks the real science behind stress, mindfulness, and fertility, cutting through the noise to tell you what the evidence actually supports, what it doesn't, and what's genuinely worth trying.This is part three of our six-part Trying to Conceive series.You'll Hear About:Why stress and reproduction are biologically competing systemsHow chronic stress disrupts your cycle and hormonesWhat mindfulness reliably improves (and what it doesn't)Why pregnancy rate claims need more evidence behind themFive evidence-backed practices worth integrating nowThe fertility journey asks so much of you. It can feel like your body is working against you, when the science tells a more nuanced story. Your nervous system and your reproductive system are in conversation, and understanding that relationship puts something real back in your hands.Share this episode with someone who's been told to "just relax" and deserves a better answer. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.DisclaimerThe information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 228. What Should You Actually Do Before Trying to Conceive? 26.05.2026 49min

  Most of us weren't taught that what happens before conception matters. You were told to take a folate supplement, book in when you got a positive test, and go from there. But there's a window of time before you even start trying that can shape not just your pregnancy, but your child's long-term health.The science on preconception care has moved significantly, and most people still aren't hearing about it.This is Part 2 of our six-part Trying to Conceive series.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Eliza Hannam, GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and founder of Nurtured Medical, a specialised perinatal clinic in Sydney, to explore what genuinely evidence-informed preconception care looks like. Together they unpack what the periconception window actually means, what testing is available and when to seek it, and what both partners can do to optimise health before pregnancy begins.You'll Hear About:Why preconception health affects your child's long-term metabolic healthWhat a thorough preconception GP appointment coversWhich supplements and nutrients matter most before conceptionHow to read your cycle beyond what any app can tell youWhen to seek fertility support without waiting 12 monthsThe periconception window is a gift of time, and knowing how to use it well changes things. You don't need to be a biochemist to understand it. You just need the right conversation.If you know someone who's thinking about starting a family, share this one with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links:Connect with Dr Renee White: 📲 Follow Renee on Instagram: fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with Dr Eliza Hannam: 🌐 Website — www.nurturedmedical.com.au perinatal GP clinic, Sydney Inner West (telehealth available Australia-wide) Follow Eliza on Instagram: @dr.eliza.hannam | @nurturedmedicalStart the Trying to Conceive series from the beginning — head to Episode 227 on The Science of Motherhood feed.Mentioned in this episode:Mackenzie's Mission — government-funded carrier screening for cystic fibrosis, fragile X, and spinal muscular atrophyMothersafe — free medication helpline, NSWIn the Flow by Alisa VittiThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 227. Fertility Preparation: What to Do Before You Try To Conceive 19.05.2026 56min

  Fertility preparation begins months, sometimes years, before you start trying to conceive. Knowing what to look for, and when, could change the entire shape of your conception journey.If you've ever wondered whether your body is actually ready for pregnancy, or whether there's something your results aren't telling you, this conversation will change how you think about your health.In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Megan Haralampou, degree-qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, and Biomedical Science graduate, to unpack what a truly comprehensive pre-conception blood panel looks like and why the standard tests often aren't enough. Together they explore iron absorption, thyroid antibodies, cycle tracking, postpartum blood work, and how to read your results through an optimal lens.This is episode one of our six-part Trying to Conceive series.You'll Hear About:Why "normal" blood results can miss a fertility concernWhat a complete iron picture actually looks likeHow to track your cycle beyond a period tracking appWhen to get blood tests done after having a babyWhat postpartum thyroiditis has to do with depressionUnderstanding your body before pregnancy, and after, is one of the most practical things you can do for your health. You deserve care that looks at the full picture, not just what fits inside a reference range.Share this episode with anyone who's thinking about trying to conceive and wants to go in prepared. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & LinksConnect with ReneeFollow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with MeganWebsite: thebiomedicalnaturopath.com.au📲 Follow Megan on Instagram: @thebiomedicalnaturopathThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 226. Why Hyperemesis Gravidarum Is Genetic, Not Psychological 12.05.2026 19min

  Have you ever been so sick in pregnancy that you couldn't keep water down, lost weight, or ended up in hospital wondering how your body was supposed to sustain a baby when it couldn't sustain itself? If that's your story, or the story of someone you love, you've probably also been told at some point that it was stress, anxiety, or something you just needed to push through.It wasn't. And the science has finally caught up with what HG patients have been saying for decades.In this episode, Dr Renee White unpacks the genetic and hormonal research that proved once and for all that hyperemesis gravidarum isn't psychological. It lives in a gene, it runs through a receptor, and it has nothing to do with how much you wanted your pregnancy.You'll Hear About:Why HG is a distinct condition from morning sicknessHow a placental hormone called GDF15 drives severe nauseaWhy your baseline levels before pregnancy predict your riskWhat the beta thalassemia finding revealed about sensitivityHow pre-pregnancy desensitisation could prevent HG entirelyYour body wasn't failing you. It was responding to a hormonal contrast it hadn't been prepared for, and now researchers know exactly why. The science sees you, and it's moving fast.If someone in your life has been through HG, share this episode with them. It might be the first time the biology's been explained in a way that finally makes sense. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 225. Could Holistic Care Improve Fertility and Prevent PTSD? 05.05.2026 1u 6min

  ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, suicide, and depression.If you've been through fertility treatment, you already know it's more than a medical process. It's months, sometimes years, of appointments and numbers and waiting, with very little space given to how you're actually doing.There's research showing that nearly 50% of people in fertility treatment develop PTSD, regardless of whether they get pregnant. Not because they're fragile. Because the system they're moving through wasn't built with their nervous system in mind.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Nicole Lange, a trauma-informed acupuncturist who has spent 20 years working exclusively at the intersection of women's reproductive health and trauma. They explore why stress matters more than we've been told, why it matters less than we've been blamed for, and what whole-person fertility care actually looks like in practice.You'll hear about:Why the stress of trying to conceive is on par with a cancer diagnosisHow chronic stress affects every system involved in fertilityWhat the 25/75 framework is and how it changes outcomesHow acupuncture supports circulation, immunity, and nervous system regulationWhy whole-person fertility care is the most evidence-based option availableYou are not just a fertility outcome. And the care you receive shouldn't treat you like one.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone navigating their own fertility journey. And subscribe to The Science of Motherhood so you never miss an episode.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with Nicole Lange Nicole's website: www.lifehealinglife.comFollow Nicole on Instagram @notafixer Follow Nicole on YouTube @thebabyyouwantThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 224. Why Your Joints Feel Loose and Unstable Postpartum 28.04.2026 9min

  Does it feel like your body hasn't quite come back together yet after you've had your baby? That clicking, that instability, that sense that your hips or knees might give way. It's not in your head, and it's not a sign that something is wrong.So many mums are told that by six weeks, things should be settling. But if you're still breastfeeding and still feeling like your body doesn't quite belong to you yet, that timeline was never based on what your hormones are actually doing.In this episode, Dr Renee White unpacks why so many postpartum women feel structurally unsound for months after birth, and why the answer has everything to do with a hormone your body is still responding to, whether anyone told you that or not.You'll Hear About:Why relaxin affects every joint, not just your pelvisWhat happens to hormone levels when you're breastfeedingHow the six-week clearance myth fails postpartum womenWhen to seek support from a women's health physioWhy your joint integrity will return, on its own timelineYour body isn't broken. It's doing something hormonally complex on a timeline that was never going to fit neatly into six weeks. The integrity will come back. It just takes longer than anyone tells you.If this episode helped something click for you, share it with a mum who's been told she should be fine by now. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 223. How OTs are helping Neurodivergent Mothers Navigate the System 21.04.2026 54min

  If you're neurodivergent, the maternity system wasn't built with your brain in mind. The appointments, the environments, the cognitive load of it all. Nobody tells you that's why it feels harder than it should. They just hand you the same pamphlet and send you on your way.That gap matters even more when you're navigating pregnancy, birth and early parenting. It's not just your body being stretched. It's every system you've built to keep yourself functioning.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Jennifer Curtis, registered occupational therapist and registered midwife, to explore what occupational therapy actually offers pregnant and postpartum women, and why that support is so often invisible. Together, they unpack the very real cost of a health system designed for neurotypical brains, and what it looks like when care is finally built around the whole person.This is the final episode of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series. If you missed Parts 1 and 2, head back to episodes 221 with Dr Abbey Love and 222 with Linda Hollenberg.You'll hear about:Why autistic women face higher perinatal health risksWhat occupational therapy actually is and doesHow sensory processing intensifies throughout the perinatal periodWhat to ask at your first midwifery appointment to get better supportWhy late autism diagnosis so often happens in pregnancy or motherhoodIf this conversation opened something up for you, share it with a mum or healthcare provider who needs to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_aus 🔗 Occupational Therapy Australia directory — find an OT near you: https://www.otaus.com.au 🔗 COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) service directory: https://www.cope.org.au📚 Somatic Maternal Healing by Helena Vissing (Psychodynamic and Somatic Trauma Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health) 📚 Matrescence by Lucy JonesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.DisclaimerThe information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 222. Being an Autistic Mother: Pregnancy, Birth and the Postpartum Period 14.04.2026 1u 10min

  Nobody tells you that the struggles so many neurodivergent women experience during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood might be connected to how their brain is wired. Because so often, nobody knows. Not the healthcare providers, and not the mothers themselves.That missing language doesn't just delay a diagnosis. It delays understanding, support, and the ability to make sense of your own experience.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Linda Hollenberg, Autistic mother, research advisor, and learning coordinator and parent educator for Reframing Autism, to explore what pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood can look like through a neurodivergent lens. Together they unpack what it means to move through those seasons without the framework to name what you're experiencing, and what changes when you finally have it.This is Part 2 of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series. If you haven't listened to Part 1 with Dr Abbey Love yet, it's a great place to start.You'll hear about:Why sensory sensitivity made HG uniquely devastating for LindaHow autistic shutdown during labour affects self-advocacyWhat continuity of care actually means when you're neurodivergentWhy executive functioning challenges are often invisible in postpartumHow normalising neediness builds community rather than dependenceUnderstanding your own experience is one of the most grounding things you can do. This conversation is a step toward that, whether you have a diagnosis or not.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might finally find the words for something they've been carrying. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_ausThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 221. How the Maternity System Is Failing Autistic Women and What Needs to Change 07.04.2026 50min

  Most women who are autistic don't find out until they're sitting in a room watching their child get diagnosed. And then everything clicks.And yet most of them navigated pregnancy and early parenthood without any evidence-based support specific to their experience, often without even knowing why things felt so much harder.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Abbey Love, Educational Psychologist and Research Fellow at Autism Spectrum Australia, to explore the lived experiences of autistic parents through the perinatal period and the research that led to the creation of the Aspect New Parents Hub. Together they unpack what the evidence actually shows about pregnancy, sensory experience, healthcare barriers and what genuine support can look like.The hub was built on Australian research co-produced with autistic parents themselves, and what they found has real implications for every neurodivergent woman navigating this season.This is Part 1 of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series, stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon.You'll hear about:Why sensory experiences intensify during pregnancy for neurodivergent womenHow autistic parents shaped the research behind the Aspect hubWhat healthcare providers say gets in the way of delivering good careWhy continuity of care matters so much for neurodivergent familiesHow a birth plan can become a communication and advocacy toolYou don't need a diagnosis to find something useful in this conversation. What Dr Abbey Love and her team found is that neurodivergent parents bring enormous strength and competence to this season, and the gap isn't in them, it's in the support around them.If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss the next episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies About Dr Abbey Love and Aspect 🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Learn more about Dr Abbey Love and the Aspect research team: Aspect Research Team 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_ausThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 220. Why Is My Hair Falling Out? The Science Behind Postpartum Hair Loss 31.03.2026 11min

  You survived birth, the sleepless nights and the newborn haze. And then somewhere around three or four months in, you reach up to wash your hair and pull your hand away covered in it.It's alarming, and for most of us, nobody warned us it was coming.This episode is for every mum who has stood over the shower drain wondering if something is seriously wrong. It isn't. But understanding the biology behind what's happening makes it so much easier to move through.This is part of The Science Behind series, where Dr Renee White takes your real questions and unpacks the science in a way that actually makes sense in real life.You'll hear about:Why pregnancy hormones cause your hair to stop shedding normallyWhat telogen effluvium is and why it hits at three to four monthsWhy you're not losing follicles, just catching up on stored hairWhich nutrient deficiencies can compound postpartum hair lossWhen your hair is likely to return to its pre-pregnancy densityYour body isn't falling apart. It's recalibrating. The shedding you're experiencing is a sign of how extraordinary your hormonal landscape was during pregnancy, and your body is simply finding its way back.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.If this episode helped, share it with a mum friend who's standing over the shower drain wondering what on earth is happening. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
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  Ep 219. Why Does Breastfeeding Protect Against Breast Cancer? 24.03.2026 34min

  We've known for decades that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. What we've never fully understood is why.That question is what makes this research so significant.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Professor Sherene Loi, Medical Oncologist and Group Leader at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, to discuss a landmark paper published in Nature that identifies the immune mechanism behind that long-observed link. Together they explore how pregnancy and breastfeeding appear to reprogram the breast's immune environment in ways that can persist for years, and what that could mean for the future of breast cancer prevention.It turns out the body's been doing something extraordinary all along. Science is only now catching up to explain it.You'll hear about:Why breastfeeding appears to reprogram a mother's immune systemHow T cells in breast tissue connect to long-term cancer protectionWhat "anything is better than nothing" actually means for breastfeeding durationWhy women's reproductive history has been missing from major cancer datasetsHow this research could shape future prevention strategies for all womenThis research doesn't add pressure to the breastfeeding conversation. It adds meaning to it.If this episode resonated, share it with someone who'd want to understand the science behind their own body. And subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies🔗 Learn more about Professor Sherene Loi and her lab hereThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.