The Science of Motherhood

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 re...

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 t...

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 tr...

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...

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 ta...

Perimenopause is a rollercoaster, isn’t it? From hormone shifts to fluctuating energy levels, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed. But here’s the thing, this stage of life doesn’t have to feel out of control. In this episode Dr Renee White chats with Accredited Sports Dietitian and Eating Disorder Credentialed Clinician, Jaymeila Webb, about how the food you eat can make a massive differ...

The holidays are a magical time, but let’s be real if you’re a new or expectant mama, they can also feel overwhelming. Between unsolicited advice, endless gatherings, and everyone wanting to hold your baby, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. In this Check-In Tuesday episode, Dr. Renee White offers practical, empowering advice on setting boundaries so you can enjoy the holidays on your own terms. Re...

Parenting can feel like a whirlwind, especially when your kids are testing boundaries and emotions are running high. In this week’s episode, Dr. Renee White sits down with Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini, a child development researcher and passionate advocate for parents, to discuss how we can approach parenting challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Siobhan, the creator of Science Mi...

This week, Dr. Renee White chats with Kelly Langford, founder of MAMA, Victoria’s largest private midwifery practice. They dive into the growing trend of private midwifery and how it’s giving families more choice, flexibility, and support during pregnancy and birth. One exciting highlight? Recent legislative changes that are shaking up the midwifery landscape! These updates remove the need for pri...

In this week’s episode Dr. Renee White chats with Dr. Laura Gainche, Ph. D., a Family Sleep Educator, neuroscientist, and sleep scientist who is on a mission to help families turn sleepless nights into blissful ones. Through her Science for All Women platform, Dr. Laura uses science and connection to guide parents toward finding their unique way to parent at night. Together, Dr. Renee and Dr. Laur...

This week, Dr. Renee White is back for Check-In Tuesday, with her weekly dose of practical tips and light-hearted advice to make your parenting journey just a little smoother. In this episode, Dr Renee talks about the power of staycations for busy parents. Perfect for when you need a break but can’t handle the thought of flights, packing, and travel chaos. She's sharing why a nearby escape might b...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White chats with Alice Lucken, an IBCLC, nurse, and mother of three, who specialises in supporting families with unsettled babies. Together, they bust some common myths about reflux, providing clarity for parents who may be feeling overwhelmed. Key Takeaways: Learn to distinguish between normal spit-up and reflux. Discover the truth behind common misconceptions about ref...

In today's episode, Dr Renee White discuss some of the top infant sleep myths and how we can squash those misconceptions. Dr Renee talk about the following myths: Infants Should Sleep Through the Night by 3 Months? Holding My Baby to Sleep Will Spoil Them? A Warm Room is Best for Sleep? Co-Sleeping is Always Dangerous? All Babies Need the Same Sleep Schedule? If you want access to our Full Cup Vil...

In today's episode, Dr Renee White sits down with fertility specialist, Dr Cheryl Phua to discuss everything you need to consider when freezing your eggs: What are some of the reasons why a woman should consider freezing her eggs? What should you consider before embarking on the journey? How much does it cost in Australia> What's the best age to do this? What is the egg freezing process How suc...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White shares her top 4 must-read parenting books, including The Nurture Revolution by Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum. These books are packed with science-backed tips and insights into child development, helping parents navigate emotions and life’s big changes with ease. If you’re looking for practical advice to better understand and support your child, this episode is full of hel...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White speaks with internationally renowned body image expert Dr. Zali Yager on how parents can foster a positive body image in their children. Zali shares insights from her extensive research and development of evidence-based programs that aim to help kids feel more confident about their bodies. Tune in to discover practical tips for creating a healthier body image envir...

In this special episode, Dr. Renee White celebrates the fourth birthday of Fill Your Cup. Reflecting on the journey from its founding during COVID-19 to becoming a trusted village of doulas, Renee shares the profound impact they’ve had on new families. Tune in to hear some exciting birthday offers and the inspiring growth of this community, which continues to empower and support mothers across the...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White chats with Vanessa Barnard, a doula, childbirth educator, and mum, about how to best prepare for a premature baby in the NICU. Vanessa offers practical advice on how parents can feel empowered and confident, preparing emotionally, mentally, and logistically for the NICU experience. From understanding medical details to building a strong support network, Vanessa’s e...

In this episode, Renee opens up about the profound journey of parenthood, sharing her personal experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way. She highlights the emotional rollercoaster that new parents often face, from overwhelming joy to moments of uncertainty. Tune in to discover how you can better support the parents in your life and foster deeper connections that truly make a differe...

In this episode, Renee sits down with Dr. Elena Schneider-Futschik, a leading researcher in cystic fibrosis treatment. Dr. Schneider-Futschik shares groundbreaking insights into her latest research on treating cystic fibrosis in utero, offering hope for families and individuals affected by this genetic condition. Listen in as they discuss the science behind these new advancements, the potential im...

In this episode, Renee discusses the top questions new parents often turn to Google for, covering everything from sleep routines and feeding tips to managing baby milestones. She offers simple and reliable answers to help parents navigate the early stages of parenting with more confidence. Tune in! Learn more about Dr Renee White and Fill Your Cup Postpartum Doulas: Want to be nurtured and nourish...

In this episode, Renee chats with Kate Johnstone to explore the crucial topic of finding self-compassion in motherhood. Kate shares her insights on the pressures many mothers face and how to navigate feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and perfectionism. She discusses practical strategies to cultivate kindness toward oneself and the importance of embracing imperfections on the journey through motherhood...

In this episode, Renee reflects on her personal journey as a mother, marking seven years since the birth of her daughter. She shares the valuable lessons she's learned over the years, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to the unpredictable nature of motherhood, seeking support, and embracing shared experiences. Drawing from both research and her own challenges, including her experience wit...

In this episode, Renee shares helpful and practical tips on how to create the best birthing space for expecting mums. She dives into the elements that can make a birthing environment more comfortable and supportive, whether at home or in a hospital. From lighting and music to personal touches that help you feel more at ease, Renee offers guidance on how to set up a space that fosters calmness and...

In this episode, Dr. Renee White shares helpful tips on how to be an A+ visitor every new mum will appreciate. Inspired by real-life experiences and her work with Fill Your Cup, Dr. Renee walks us through the do’s and don’ts of visiting a new mum. From planning and bringing a meal to picking up a chore around the house, she highlights small but meaningful gestures that can make a big difference. W...