The Science of Motherhood

If you’re expecting your first baby and feeling unsure about what kind of support you’ll actually need after birth, this episode is the gentle guide you’ve been looking for. You might have a loving partner, a helpful family, and a stack of baby books on the go… but still find yourself wondering, what's normal? Is this okay? Why didn’t anyone tell me about this part?

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee Whit...

If you’ve ever been told that painful periods are just something you have to put up with, or you’ve found yourself spiralling down a Google rabbit hole trying to work out how endometriosis might affect your chances of falling pregnant… this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Kokum Jayasinghe, a highly awarded fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF who brings both deep clinica...

We’re mixing things up this week with a special podcast take-over. Dr. Renee White steps into the guest seat in a heartfelt episode originally recorded for the Not Another Onesie miniseries. This conversation is one every mum needs to hear.

Renee joins Louise and Elisha, the co-founders of Not Another Onesie, for an honest and deeply personal chat about matrescence, identity shifts, and what really happens when you become a mother. ...

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to walk beside women through birth, to witness transformation in its rawest, most powerful form, then you're going to love this chat. It's for the mums who’ve felt unsure of their birth choices, those curious about home birth, or anyone who’s ever questioned the systems that hold us during pregnancy and labour.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White sits down with Oceane Campbell, midwife, mot...

If you've had a caesarean birth or think you might, you’ll know just how much there is to think about, prepare for, and recover from. And let’s be honest, mama... it’s often not talked about in the same empowering way as other births. But knowledge is power, and this episode is here to give you just that.

In this personal solo episode, Dr. Renee White shares what she’d do differently if she had another caesarean birth. Renee reflect...

Let’s be honest, mama, the fourth trimester can feel like total chaos. From sore boobs and broken sleep to cold coffee and toast crusts, it's a full sensory experience. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, touched out, or like you might actually dissolve from sleep deprivation... this one’s for you.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Amelia Lamont, also known as The Midwife Mumma. Amelia is a mi...

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I really need a doula?” you’re not alone, mama. So many of us hear the word and think it’s just for a certain “type” of parent. But the truth is, a doula can offer the kind of steady, nurturing support that makes a huge difference during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White walks us through the four types of people who benefit the most from having a doula by their side. Whet...

Let’s be real, mama. When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, the information (or lack of it) can feel like a confusing mess. One minute, you’re cruising along in life, and the next, your body is doing things you never expected. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White is joined by Dr. Shauna Watts, a GP, business owner, mum of four, and a passionate advocate for women's health, especially when it come...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White takes a moment to celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising the incredible women who have shaped her personal and professional journey. Motherhood, business, and life are all easier with a strong support system. Whether it’s a friend who always knows the right thing to say, a mentor who pushes us to grow, or a colleague who has our back, these relationships help us thrive.

Renee shares the c...

If you’re in your 30s or 40s, you might not be thinking about menopause just yet, but now is the perfect time to start the conversation. Understanding what’s ahead can help you feel more prepared, confident and in control of your health.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White chats with Dr. Cheryl Phua, a highly respected fertility specialist at IVF Australia, to break down what every woman should know about perimenopause and menopause. D...

Ever feel like your brain is running on empty and the thought of adding one more thing to your plate, like reading a book, feels impossible? You’re not alone, mama. But what if picking up a book, even for just six minutes a day, could lower your stress, boost your mood, and help you feel more like you again?

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White talks about the science behind reading and why it’s more ...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses postnatal depression, anxiety, and psychosis from a mother’s perspective. If you’re not feeling up to it today, consider pausing and coming back when you feel ready. If you need support, the PANDA National Helpline is available on 1300 726 306 (Monday to Saturday, Australia-wide). Please take care of yourself. 💛

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White sits down with D...

Returning to work while still breastfeeding? You’re not alone mama, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

This transition can feel overwhelming, from wondering how you’ll pump at work, to whether your baby will take a bottle, to managing the emotions of this next chapter. But with the right support, strategies, and mindset, you can make it work in a way that suits you and your family.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White share...

Trying to conceive can be an emotional roller coaster. From tracking cycles to navigating fertility treatments, the whole process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're bombarded with advice, acronyms, and uncertainty. If you've ever wished for a clear, no-stress guide to fertility, this episode is for you.

This week, Dr. Renee White sits down with Dr. Cheryl Phua, a fertility specialist at IVF Australia, to break it all down...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the kitchen or wondered how to balance feeding your family with the chaos of everyday life, this episode is for you!

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White is joined by the incredible Justine Schofield, MasterChef alum and author of Cook Ahead. Together, they dive into the world of family meals, freezer-friendly recipes, and the real-life journey of cooking while juggl...

In this weeks episode, Dr Renee White is joined by Melissa Hays, a seasoned IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and Holistic Sleep Coach, to tackle some of the most common and frustrating breastfeeding myths. Together, they dive into the misconceptions and misinformation that often overwhelm mums, offering clarity and confidence to navigate your feeding journey.

Navigating the sea of advice, unsolicited opinio...

Heading back to work after maternity leave is no small feat. It’s a time of juggling emotions, adjusting routines, and finding a new rhythm, and let’s be real, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr Renee White dives into what workplaces can do to support parents during this pivotal transition and how we, as parents, can advocate for what we need.

From flexible work options to creating a truly family-friendly culture, we’re e...

Motherhood is a journey full of transformations. We talk so much about how our bodies change, but what about our brains? In this episode, Dr Renee White chats with the incredible neuroscientist Dr. Magdalena Martínez García, who shares her groundbreaking research on how pregnancy and postpartum literally reshape the maternal brain.

Dr. Magdalena, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Santa Barbara, has devoted her career to exploring the ...

Motherhood is a whirlwind of emotions, and sometimes, despite our best intentions, the overwhelm takes over. Maybe it’s the relentless to-do list, the school holiday chaos, or just the weight of juggling everything, there comes a moment when we snap. And then? The guilt creeps in.

In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down to reflect on one of those raw parenting moments, the kind we don’t often talk about. Just two hours after an em...