Ep 179 - What Every Mum Needs to Know: Highlights from The Complete Guide to Postpartum

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 Sophie Walker (Australian Birth Stories), The Complete Guide to Postpartum, a practical, grounded and deeply reassuring resource for new mums, partners and support teams.

Together, Renee and Jodi unpack the common myths and mental load of the early weeks, what’s “normal and expected,” and why support, not perfection, is the real goal. With gentle wisdom and lived experience, Jodi offers insight into sleep, feeding, mood shifts and the complex identity changes that come with becoming a mother.

Whether you're preparing for your first baby or navigating the newborn fog once again, this episode is filled with warmth, honesty and the kind of support every mum deserves.

You’ll hear about:

• Why postpartum isn’t just a phase to survive, but a life-changing transition
• The difference between baby blues, postpartum anxiety and psychosis
• What science and evolutionary biology tell us about infant sleep and feeding
• Why mothers need informed, kind and realistic care
• The value of saying “you’re doing enough” and actually meaning it

Resources and Links:

📲 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!

📚 The Complete Guide to Postpartum by Sophie Walker and Jodi Wilson will be released in Australia, July 1, UK, July 3 and US, July 6. Pre-order your copy now: Amazon and Booktopia

📝 Subscribe to Jodi’s newsletters:

Practising Simplicity

Dear New Mum

📲 Follow Jodi on Instagram: @practisingsimplicity

🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a mum who’s in the thick of the early days or someone who’s preparing to support one. Subscribe, leave a review and help more women find the support they deserve.

Because every mum deserves to feel seen, supported and safe. Not just in birth, but every day after. 💛

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.