The Science of Motherhood

When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, most mums are handed the same tired checklist of what not to eat. But what about what your body actually needs?

In this episode, Dr Renee White is joined by Lily Nichols, a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and bestselling author of Real Food for Pregnancy. Together, they explore the real story behind prenatal nutrition, busting common myths and diving into what the research actually says...

We hear a lot about postnatal depression, but anxiety in motherhood? Not so much. And yet, it's something so many mums face quietly.

In this episode, Dr Renee White opens up about her personal experience with postpartum anxiety. From sleepless nights and constant worry to the moment she realised something wasn’t right, Renee shares how this chapter shaped her journey as a mum and the founder of Fill Your Cup.

She also breaks down the...

When it comes to preparing for postpartum, the spotlight often falls on the mum, as it should. But what about dads?

In this episode, Dr Renee White chats with Jason Seeman, fatherhood guide and founder of Raising Fathers, about how we can better prepare and support men through the transition into fatherhood. With a background in rites of passage, community leadership and over a decade of experience in men’s wellbeing, Jason brings p...

Miscarriage affects one in four pregnancies, yet many mums are left with little support or clarity around what comes next.

In this Check-In Tuesday episode, Dr Renee White unpacks the newly released national guidelines for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss in Australia. Developed by RANZCOG, these are the first of their kind and aim to bring consistency and compassion to miscarriage care.

Renee walks through the key updates from m...

Ever looked at your baby mid-meltdown and thought, “If only you could tell me what you need?” You’re not alone.

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White speaks with Megan Mahon, an early childhood intervention teacher, Auslan interpreter and founder of Baby Sign. More importantly, she’s a mum of two who knows what it’s like to want more connection, more calm and fewer communication breakdowns with your lit...

If you've ever felt like the postpartum experience caught you off guard, you're not alone. So many new mothers are left wondering, “Why didn’t anyone tell me it would be like this?”

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White is joined by bestselling author, postpartum doula and mother of four, Jodi Wilson. Known for her honest, poetic reflections on motherhood, Jodi returns with her latest book co-authored by Sophi...

Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming and, at times, defeating. For many women, it means being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms are just “part of being a woman.” But what if there was a better way forward?

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White speaks with Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks, medical doctor and founder of Ovum. Ariella is on a mission to revolutionise the way women...

If you’ve ever wondered why birth support feels like a patchwork, with a different midwife at every appointment and no one on the same page, this episode is for you. It’s time we talk about why doulas are the missing piece in Australian maternity care and why every mother deserves more than just check-ups and rushed visits.

In this episode, Dr. Renee White unpacks the research, the numbers, and the real stories behind birth and post...

What if being a good parent isn’t about doing more, but simply being present? In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White sits down with award-winning filmmaker Hailey Bartholomew to explore what it really means to show up for our kids and ourselves.

Hailey’s latest documentary, Seen, is a heartfelt reflection on parenting, presence and the stories we carry from our own childhoods. With powerful insights fro...

We hear it all the time “It takes a village to raise a child” but what happens when that village is nowhere to be found? What if your friends are too busy, your family is far away, or the support you thought you'd have just isn’t showing up?

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White responds to a listener who asked a very real, very relatable question, “How do I build a village when I can’t rely on anyone around ...

Motherhood can shake your sense of self like nothing else. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or just feeling like you're not doing enough, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, soften, and reconnect with what confidence can truly feel like. Think steady, spacious and grounded in who you already are.

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White chats with Fleur Chambers, in...

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...