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...

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 Fi...

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 experienc...

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...

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 co...

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...

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 mi...

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 th...

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 c...

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...

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...

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 S...

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 Melbou...

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 reall...

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 dow...

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 an...

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 a...

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 fro...

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 wom...

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 relationship...

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...

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 scien...

⚠️ 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 Motherh...

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. I...

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...