The Science of Motherhood

Dr Renee White
  • 4.3 (8)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Knowledge is power and we are all about empowering the mothers of the world! In each episode we will unravel and interpret the latest research and evidence-based practices for pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.

  1. Ep 214. Should Surrogates Be Paid? What Australia's Proposed Law Reforms Mean for Families

    20H AGO

    Ep 214. Should Surrogates Be Paid? What Australia's Proposed Law Reforms Mean for Families

    Have you ever wondered why some Australian families travel overseas for surrogacy? Or been confused by headlines about proposed payments for surrogates and whether that crosses a line? Australia's surrogacy laws have been called "confusing, restrictive, and not fit for purpose." Now there's talk of reform, including monthly payments to surrogates. But it raises questions about whether we're finally acknowledging the labour involved, or creating new problems. In this episode, Dr Renee White explores Australia's proposed surrogacy law reforms and sits with some uncomfortable questions that don't have simple answers. Like whether it's more exploitative to pay someone for nine months of physical and emotional labour, or to expect them to do it for free while the doctors, lawyers and agencies all get paid. This isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating space to think about what fair support and real protection actually look like. You'll hear about: Why 369 families a year go offshore for surrogacy and whether our current laws are protecting anyoneThe thinking behind altruistic surrogacy and why surrogates are the only ones not compensatedWhat the proposed reforms actually include and why people are so dividedWhether we can put a price on pregnancy and who gets to decide what counts as exploitationHow this connects to bigger questions about valuing reproductive labour and care work Whether you've considered surrogacy, know someone who has, or you're just trying to understand this complex issue, this episode offers space to think critically about what we owe to surrogates, children and families navigating this path. 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 ✨ This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village. If this episode sparked something for you, share it with someone who'd value the conversation. And don't forget to hit 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.

    17 min
  2. Ep 213. How breast milk can protect our babies against allergies

    FEB 9

    Ep 213. How breast milk can protect our babies against allergies

    You've heard breastfeeding protects against allergies and asthma. But have you ever wondered what's actually happening inside your baby's body to make that possible? It's one of those things people say all the time, but rarely explain. And when you're in the thick of feeding, you deserve more than soundbites. In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Toby Mansell, a researcher from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute here in Australia. His team studied nearly 900 babies from pregnancy through childhood, and what they found is genuinely fascinating. Together they talk about what happens at the molecular level when babies breastfeed, why certain fats in breast milk seem to reduce inflammation, and what this might mean for immune health down the track. It's science, yes. But it's also context. And hopefully, it helps things make a bit more sense. You'll hear about: How the Barwon Infant Study tracked 900 babies to understand what influences health from early lifePlasmalogens, lipids abundant in breast milk but absent in formula, and why they reduce inflammationWhat chronic inflammation in infancy means for allergies, asthma, and metabolic health laterHow breastfeeding changes infant metabolism at the cellular levelWhat this could mean for formula composition and supplements for all babies Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you understand what's happening biologically. It's research-based clarity without pressure or judgment. 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 🔗 Connect with Dr Toby Mansell: Murdoch Children's Research Institute - Inflammatory Origins Group 🌐 Resources mentioned: Barwon Infant StudyMurdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's Hospital Melbourne This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village. If this episode helped you feel more informed or less alone, share it with a mum who needs a steadier perspective. And don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. 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...

    40 min
  3. Ep 212. Returning to Work While Breastfeeding: A Guide for Mums Who Want to Keep Feeding

    FEB 2

    Ep 212. Returning to Work While Breastfeeding: A Guide for Mums Who Want to Keep Feeding

    If you’re staring at a breast pump late at night and wondering how this is meant to work once you’re back at work, you’re not alone. Returning to work while breastfeeding is one of the most common and least supported transitions in early motherhood. It’s practical, emotional and deeply personal. Many mums feel caught between feeding their baby, returning to their role at work and trying to hold onto a sense of themselves in the process. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White offers a calm, evidence-informed conversation about what this transition really looks like. Not the Instagram version. The real one. With practical guidance, emotional reassurance and permission to do this in a way that works for you and your family. Renee explores the realities of combining breastfeeding and paid work, including the systemic gaps that make it harder than it needs to be. She shares practical strategies to prepare before you return, alongside gentle reminders that there is no single right way to feed or work. This episode is about clarity, choice and giving yourself room to adapt as your needs change. You’ll hear about: How to talk to your workplace about expressing, your rights and the space you needWhen to introduce bottles, and what to try if your baby won’t take oneSetting up a pumping and feeding rhythm that actually fits your workdayWhat usually happens to supply when you go back, and why small dips are commonThe emotional load of this season, and why guilt, grief and relief can all show up at once Success isn’t about how long you breastfeed or how often you pump. It’s finding what works for your body, your baby, your work and your mind, and letting that be enough. You don’t have to nail it on day one. You’re allowed to tweak, change your mind and ask for support as you go. 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 ✨ This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. If this episode helped, share it with a mum who needs a break but doesn’t want the chaos. And don’t forget to hit 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.

    21 min
  4. Ep 211. Is Breastfeeding Feeling More Complicated Than You Expected?

    JAN 26

    Ep 211. Is Breastfeeding Feeling More Complicated Than You Expected?

    Breastfeeding is often spoken about as something that should feel natural, intuitive, and just click. But for many mums, the reality looks very different. Pain that doesn’t settle. A baby who feels tense, sleepy, or unsettled at the breast. And a quiet question running in the background, why is this so hard for us? In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Emily Jones, an Advanced Paediatric Osteopath, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, mother, and founder of Align & Nurture, to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface when feeding feels challenging, and why struggling does not mean you’re doing anything wrong. Together, they explore breastfeeding through both a physical and emotional lens, helping make sense of how birth experiences, body tension, positioning, and nervous system regulation can all shape early feeding journeys. You’ll hear about: How different birth types can shape early feedingSigns your baby’s body might be making latching harderWhen breastfeeding pain needs more than “pushing through”Simple positioning tweaks to ease feeding for you bothWays to look after your mental health while you work on feeding Breastfeeding challenges are rarely about effort. They’re often about your baby’s body, your recovery from birth, and the support around you. This episode gives you practical context for what might be going on, and what you can do next, without blame. 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 Australian Breastfeeding Association https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/ 🔗 Connect with Emily and Align & Nurture Website: https://www.alignandnurture.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignandnurture This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. If this episode helped, share it with a mum who needs a break but doesn’t want the chaos. And don’t forget to hit 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.

    55 min
  5. Ep 210. Postpartum Food Made Simple: What Your Body Really Needs

    JAN 19

    Ep 210. Postpartum Food Made Simple: What Your Body Really Needs

    Have you ever wondered why you’re still so hungry after having a baby, or why postpartum recovery feels heavier than you expected? For many mums, the early months after birth are a mix of healing, feeding, broken sleep and trying to make sense of advice that often feels confusing or contradictory. Especially when food and blood sugar have already felt closely monitored during pregnancy. This episode is part of The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your most listened to conversations, the ones that help you feel calmer, more informed, and less alone. In this replay, Renee is joined by Lily Nichols, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, researcher and author, known for her evidence based approach to prenatal and postpartum nutrition. Together, they unpack what the research actually shows about postpartum nutrient needs, breastfeeding hunger, and recovery after gestational diabetes. It’s a steadying conversation that offers clarity without pressure, and context for why your body might be asking for more right now. You’ll hear about:Why postpartum hunger can feel intense and persistent, especially while breastfeedingHow pregnancy and breastfeeding draw on nutrient stores, and which ones are commonly depletedWhy protein needs are higher postpartum than many mums are toldWhat follow up after gestational diabetes is actually for, and why constant monitoring isn’t always neededHow to think about food, rest and recovery in a way that supports your body, not controls it If postpartum nutrition or life after gestational diabetes has felt confusing, overwhelming, or loaded with pressure, this episode offers reassurance and evidence to help you breathe out. Links and Resources 📲 Want to chat more about this? Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Want to learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 If you want to gobble up our famous Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies, look no further! 📲 Follow Lily on Instagram: @lilynicholsrdn 🌐 Explore Lily’s work and resources: lilynicholsrdn.com 📘 Learn more about her bestselling book: realfoodforpregnancy.com 🎧 If this episode gave you a little more clarity or confidence, share it with a fellow mum or mama-to-be. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by the Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this podcast 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.

    1h 5m
  6. Ep 209. The Baby Sleep Myths Mums Are Told (and What Science Actually Says)

    JAN 12

    Ep 209. The Baby Sleep Myths Mums Are Told (and What Science Actually Says)

    Have you ever wondered if you’re doing something wrong because your baby won’t sleep the way you were told they “should”? Because it’s not just the broken sleep. It’s the pressure. The timelines. The numbers. The feeling that everyone else has it figured out, and you somehow missed the memo. This episode is part of The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your favourite conversations, the ones that made you feel calmer, more informed, and less alone. In this replay, Renee is joined by Dr Laura Gainche Ph.D., a Family Sleep Educator with a background as a neuroscientist and sleep scientist. Through her Scienceforallwomen platform, Laura helps parents turn sleepless into more blissful nights using science and connection, and supports families to find their own unique way to parent at night. Together, Renee and Laura unpack how modern sleep expectations have been shaped, why the “12-hour night” has become such a powerful benchmark, and what the research actually shows about normal baby sleep. It’s a conversation that offers science, yes, but also permission to breathe out and stop treating night waking like a personal failure. Together they explore: Why the “12-hour night” expectation sets so many families up to feel like they’re failingWhat sleep research actually shows about normal baby sleep and night wakingWhy the “best” approach at night depends on your family, not one set of rulesHow fear-based sleep messaging can fuel guilt and self-doubtWhat it can look like to find your way at night, with science and connection If baby sleep has been making you question yourself, this conversation is a steadying one. Share it with a parent who needs the reminder that they’re not broken, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next replay. 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 📲 Connect with Dr Laura Gainche on Instagram: @scienceforallwomen This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. 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.

    1h 29m
  7. Ep 208. Breastfeeding Myths Busted: Feeding to Sleep, Milk Supply, and Returning to Work

    JAN 5

    Ep 208. Breastfeeding Myths Busted: Feeding to Sleep, Milk Supply, and Returning to Work

    Have you ever googled something at 2am and walked away feeling more confused than before? Feeding and sleep advice can be loud, conflicting, and often loaded with unnecessary pressure, especially in the early weeks when you’re already tired and trying to figure everything out as you go. This episode is part of The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your favourite conversations, the ones that made you feel calmer, more informed, and less alone. In this replay, Renee chats with Melissa Hays, international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), holistic sleep coach, and former paediatric nurse and midwife, about the myths that cause the most stress for new mums. They talk about feeding to sleep, milk supply, breast size, contact sleep, and the belief that going back to work means breastfeeding has to end. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it wrong because your baby feeds often, settles best close to you, or doesn’t fit the “should” advice you’ve heard, this episode brings things back to what’s normal and what’s actually supported by evidence. You’ll hear about: Why feeding to sleep is normal, and why guilt around it is so commonWhy breast size has nothing to do with supply, and what affects feeding patterns insteadWhat’s happening in the early weeks when milk supply regulatesWhy newborns are wired for closeness, and why “only sleeps on me” is so commonWhy you don’t have to wean to return to work, and what continuing can look like If feeding or sleep has felt heavier than you expected, this one will help you breathe out. Share it with a mum who needs a steady voice, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next replay. 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 📲 Connect with Melissa Hays on Instagram: @cocoonandcradle 🌐 Learn more about Melissa’s breastfeeding & sleep support services This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. 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.

    1h 4m
  8. Ep 207. Why You Feel Different After Having a Baby (Matrescence, Explained)

    12/29/2025

    Ep 207. Why You Feel Different After Having a Baby (Matrescence, Explained)

    Have you ever felt like becoming a mum changed more than your daily routine? Like it changed you? If you’ve felt a shift in your identity, confidence, or sense of self since having a baby, this episode will put words to it. This episode opens The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your favourite episodes, the ones that made you feel seen, understood, and less alone in your motherhood journey. In this replay, Renee sits down with Lucy Jones, science writer and author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, to unpack the real transformation that happens in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Not just emotionally, but biologically and socially too. You’ll hear about: What matrescence is, and why motherhood can feel like a full-body identity shiftHow your brain and body change through pregnancy and postpartumWhy the “this should be natural” narrative can fuel shame and silenceWhat helps mums feel steadier, supported, and more like themselves again If you’ve been thinking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me it could feel like this?”, you’re not alone. This episode gives you language, validation, and a way to make sense of what you’re experiencing. If it helped, share it with a mum who needs it, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next replay. 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 📚 Lucy Jones’ book: Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood 🌐 Lucy’s website: https://lucyfjones.com/ 📲 Lucy on Instagram: @lucyfjones This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. 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.

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Knowledge is power and we are all about empowering the mothers of the world! In each episode we will unravel and interpret the latest research and evidence-based practices for pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Renee White
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 The Science of Motherhood
  • Show Website
    The Science of Motherhood

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