Advertise on podcast: The Science of Motherhood

If you're neurodivergent, the maternity system wasn't built with your brain in mind. The appointments, the environments, the cognitive load of it all. Nobody tells you that's why it feels harder than it should. They just hand you the same pamphlet and send you on your way. That gap matters even more when you're navigating pregnancy, birth and early parenting. It's not just your body being stretched. It's every system you've built to keep yourself functioning. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Jennifer Curtis, registered occupational therapist and registered midwife, to explore what occupational therapy actually offers pregnant and postpartum women, and why that support is so often invisible. Together, they unpack the very real cost of a health system designed for neurotypical brains, and what it looks like when care is finally built around the whole person. This is the final episode of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series. If you missed Parts 1 and 2, head back to episodes 221 with Dr Abbey Love and 222 with Linda Hollenberg. You'll hear about: Why autistic women face higher perinatal health risksWhat occupational therapy actually is and doesHow sensory processing intensifies throughout the perinatal periodWhat to ask at your first midwifery appointment to get better supportWhy late autism diagnosis so often happens in pregnancy or motherhood If this conversation opened something up for you, share it with a mum or healthcare provider who needs to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_aus 🔗 Occupational Therapy Australia directory — find an OT near you: https://www.otaus.com.au 🔗 COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) service directory: https://www.cope.org.au 📚 Somatic Maternal Healing by Helena Vissing (Psychodynamic and Somatic Trauma Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health) 📚 Matrescence by Lucy Jones This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Nobody tells you that the struggles so many neurodivergent women experience during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood might be connected to how their brain is wired. Because so often, nobody knows. Not the healthcare providers, and not the mothers themselves. That missing language doesn't just delay a diagnosis. It delays understanding, support, and the ability to make sense of your own experience. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Linda Hollenberg, Autistic mother, research advisor, and learning coordinator and parent educator for Reframing Autism, to explore what pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood can look like through a neurodivergent lens. Together they unpack what it means to move through those seasons without the framework to name what you're experiencing, and what changes when you finally have it. This is Part 2 of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series. If you haven't listened to Part 1 with Dr Abbey Love yet, it's a great place to start. You'll hear about: Why sensory sensitivity made HG uniquely devastating for LindaHow autistic shutdown during labour affects self-advocacyWhat continuity of care actually means when you're neurodivergentWhy executive functioning challenges are often invisible in postpartumHow normalising neediness builds community rather than dependence Understanding your own experience is one of the most grounding things you can do. This conversation is a step toward that, whether you have a diagnosis or not. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might finally find the words for something they've been carrying. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_aus This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Most women who are autistic don't find out until they're sitting in a room watching their child get diagnosed. And then everything clicks. And yet most of them navigated pregnancy and early parenthood without any evidence-based support specific to their experience, often without even knowing why things felt so much harder. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Abbey Love, Educational Psychologist and Research Fellow at Autism Spectrum Australia, to explore the lived experiences of autistic parents through the perinatal period and the research that led to the creation of the Aspect New Parents Hub. Together they unpack what the evidence actually shows about pregnancy, sensory experience, healthcare barriers and what genuine support can look like. The hub was built on Australian research co-produced with autistic parents themselves, and what they found has real implications for every neurodivergent woman navigating this season. This is Part 1 of The Science of Motherhood's three-part autism series, stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon. You'll hear about: Why sensory experiences intensify during pregnancy for neurodivergent womenHow autistic parents shaped the research behind the Aspect hubWhat healthcare providers say gets in the way of delivering good careWhy continuity of care matters so much for neurodivergent familiesHow a birth plan can become a communication and advocacy tool You don't need a diagnosis to find something useful in this conversation. What Dr Abbey Love and her team found is that neurodivergent parents bring enormous strength and competence to this season, and the gap isn't in them, it's in the support around them. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss the next episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies About Dr Abbey Love and Aspect 🔗 Explore the Aspect New Parents Hub: Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 🔗 Learn more about Dr Abbey Love and the Aspect research team: Aspect Research Team 🔗 Connect with Aspect on Instagram: @aspect_aus This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

You survived birth, the sleepless nights and the newborn haze. And then somewhere around three or four months in, you reach up to wash your hair and pull your hand away covered in it. It's alarming, and for most of us, nobody warned us it was coming. This episode is for every mum who has stood over the shower drain wondering if something is seriously wrong. It isn't. But understanding the biology behind what's happening makes it so much easier to move through. This is part of The Science Behind series, where Dr Renee White takes your real questions and unpacks the science in a way that actually makes sense in real life. You'll hear about: Why pregnancy hormones cause your hair to stop shedding normallyWhat telogen effluvium is and why it hits at three to four monthsWhy you're not losing follicles, just catching up on stored hairWhich nutrient deficiencies can compound postpartum hair lossWhen your hair is likely to return to its pre-pregnancy density Your body isn't falling apart. It's recalibrating. The shedding you're experiencing is a sign of how extraordinary your hormonal landscape was during pregnancy, and your body is simply finding its way back. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. If this episode helped, share it with a mum friend who's standing over the shower drain wondering what on earth is happening. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

We've known for decades that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. What we've never fully understood is why. That question is what makes this research so significant. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Professor Sherene Loi, Medical Oncologist and Group Leader at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, to discuss a landmark paper published in Nature that identifies the immune mechanism behind that long-observed link. Together they explore how pregnancy and breastfeeding appear to reprogram the breast's immune environment in ways that can persist for years, and what that could mean for the future of breast cancer prevention. It turns out the body's been doing something extraordinary all along. Science is only now catching up to explain it. You'll hear about: Why breastfeeding appears to reprogram a mother's immune systemHow T cells in breast tissue connect to long-term cancer protectionWhat "anything is better than nothing" actually means for breastfeeding durationWhy women's reproductive history has been missing from major cancer datasetsHow this research could shape future prevention strategies for all women This research doesn't add pressure to the breastfeeding conversation. It adds meaning to it. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who'd want to understand the science behind their own body. And subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Learn more about Professor Sherene Loi and her lab here This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

If you've ever been nap trapped and spent the whole time quietly worrying that you're creating a dependency your baby will never grow out of, this one's for you. What's actually happening in your baby's brain while they sleep on your chest is one of the most compelling pieces of science in early infancy, and you deserve to know it. This episode is for every mum who has sat there convinced she should be doing something more productive, or that the way her baby sleeps is somehow a problem she created. Understanding the biology behind contact napping doesn't just answer the question. It changes how this whole season feels. This is part of The Science Behind series, where Dr Renee White takes the questions every mama is asking and unpacks the actual biology behind them. You'll hear about: Why your baby's brain is still under construction at birthWhat oxytocin and cortisol are doing during contact napsHow your body regulates your baby's nervous systemWhy your baby's nervous system is designed for a body, not a cotWhat the research actually says about contact napping and independence Contact napping isn't something you stumbled into by accident. It's one of the most neurologically productive things your baby can do, and your presence, even when it feels passive, is actively building their brain. You're not doing nothing. You're doing everything. If this episode gave you something to hold onto, share it with a mum who needs to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Most conversations about maternal mental health start in the same place: the one in five women who experience postnatal depression or anxiety. But what about the other four in five? What are we doing to help them thrive? It is a question that stops you in your tracks, because most of us have never thought to ask it. In this episode Dr Renee White sits down with Lesley Pascuzzi, an Applied Psychologist and PhD candidate at Curtin University whose research focuses on optimising the mental health and emotional wellbeing of women on their journey to parenthood, to explore what it actually means to feel emotionally well, not just the absence of illness, but something richer and more personal than that. Together, they unpack why so many women struggle to define their own wellbeing, and what it would look like to change that. It turns out that when women are given the space to think about it, they know what they need. The challenge is creating the conditions for them to hear themselves. You'll hear about: Why emotional wellbeing is so hard to defineWhat perspectives on wellbeing can teach us about inner knowingHow social media falls short for maternal mental healthWhy midwifery-led care is key to helping women thriveHow to start trusting your instincts with yourself You already have more answers about what you need than you might realise. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, get quiet, and start listening for them. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Connect with Lesley Pascuzzi on LinkedIn Research mentioned in this episode Lesley Pascuzzi's research paper: Exploring emotional wellbeing in the perinatal period: A qualitative study in Australia Best Beginnings study — Hannah Dahlen and Hazel Keedle, Western Sydney University: linked here This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need permission to think about their own wellbeing for a change. And subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

If you've just had your baby and your milk hasn't arrived yet, the first thing to know is that your body is not failing you. It's actually doing something remarkably complex behind the scenes, and most people, including most healthcare providers, never take the time to explain what that actually looks like. This episode is for every mum who has found herself Googling this question at 2am, wondering if something has gone wrong. It hasn't. But understanding the biology of what's happening can make all the difference in how you feel about it. This is the first episode of our brand new series, The Science Behind, where Dr Renee White takes your real questions and unpacks the science in a way that actually makes sense in real life. You'll Hear About: Why your milk supply started months before your baby arrivedWhat progesterone, prolactin and oxytocin are actually doing to establish your supplyWhy stress has a measurable impact on your letdown reflexHow the demand and supply loop works, and what it means for those early feedsWhen a delay beyond day five is worth a conversation with your midwife or GP What your body is doing right now is extraordinary. Coordinating multiple hormonal systems, responding to your baby's cues, producing something completely new, all while recovering from one of the most physically demanding experiences a human body goes through. The timing of your milk coming in is biology, not a measure of how well you're doing. If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth. Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Have you been to your six-week checkup and walked out with only a script for the pill? Or found yourself wondering what your actual options are now that you've had a baby? This week, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Natasha Vavrek, women's health GP and clinical director at The Bubble, to break down all the contraceptive options available after birth. Not just the pill. Everything. This conversation started from a real question from a listener who felt her options weren't fully discussed at her six-week check. So Natasha walks through what's actually available, how breastfeeding affects your choices, when timing matters and what you need to know to have an informed conversation with your GP. You'll hear about: The full range of contraceptive options available after birthHow breastfeeding affects different contraceptives and milk supplyThe differences between Mirena, Kyleena and copper IUDsWhat to expect with side effects, costs and return to fertilityWhy vasectomy should be part of the conversation Whether you're heading into your six-week checkup, feeling unsure about what you're using or just wanting to understand your options, this episode gives you what you need to make informed choices that work for your body and your life. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 📲 Connect with Dr Natasha Vavrek and The Bubble on Instagram: @thebubbletasmania 🌐 Learn more about The Bubble and women's health services in Tasmania 🎧 If this episode helped you understand your options better, share it with a friend who might need it too. And if you haven't already, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Have you ever wondered why some Australian families travel overseas for surrogacy? Or been confused by headlines about proposed payments for surrogates and whether that crosses a line? Australia's surrogacy laws have been called "confusing, restrictive, and not fit for purpose." Now there's talk of reform, including monthly payments to surrogates. But it raises questions about whether we're finally acknowledging the labour involved, or creating new problems. In this episode, Dr Renee White explores Australia's proposed surrogacy law reforms and sits with some uncomfortable questions that don't have simple answers. Like whether it's more exploitative to pay someone for nine months of physical and emotional labour, or to expect them to do it for free while the doctors, lawyers and agencies all get paid. This isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating space to think about what fair support and real protection actually look like. You'll hear about: Why 369 families a year go offshore for surrogacy and whether our current laws are protecting anyoneThe thinking behind altruistic surrogacy and why surrogates are the only ones not compensatedWhat the proposed reforms actually include and why people are so dividedWhether we can put a price on pregnancy and who gets to decide what counts as exploitationHow this connects to bigger questions about valuing reproductive labour and care work Whether you've considered surrogacy, know someone who has, or you're just trying to understand this complex issue, this episode offers space to think critically about what we owe to surrogates, children and families navigating this path. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies ✨ This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village. If this episode sparked something for you, share it with someone who'd value the conversation. And don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

You've heard breastfeeding protects against allergies and asthma. But have you ever wondered what's actually happening inside your baby's body to make that possible? It's one of those things people say all the time, but rarely explain. And when you're in the thick of feeding, you deserve more than soundbites. In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Toby Mansell, a researcher from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute here in Australia. His team studied nearly 900 babies from pregnancy through childhood, and what they found is genuinely fascinating. Together they talk about what happens at the molecular level when babies breastfeed, why certain fats in breast milk seem to reduce inflammation, and what this might mean for immune health down the track. It's science, yes. But it's also context. And hopefully, it helps things make a bit more sense. You'll hear about: How the Barwon Infant Study tracked 900 babies to understand what influences health from early lifePlasmalogens, lipids abundant in breast milk but absent in formula, and why they reduce inflammationWhat chronic inflammation in infancy means for allergies, asthma, and metabolic health laterHow breastfeeding changes infant metabolism at the cellular levelWhat this could mean for formula composition and supplements for all babies Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you understand what's happening biologically. It's research-based clarity without pressure or judgment. Resources & Links: 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Connect with Dr Toby Mansell: Murdoch Children's Research Institute - Inflammatory Origins Group 🌐 Resources mentioned: Barwon Infant StudyMurdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's Hospital Melbourne This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village. If this episode helped you feel more informed or less alone, share it with a mum who needs a steadier perspective. And don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

If you’re staring at a breast pump late at night and wondering how this is meant to work once you’re back at work, you’re not alone. Returning to work while breastfeeding is one of the most common and least supported transitions in early motherhood. It’s practical, emotional and deeply personal. Many mums feel caught between feeding their baby, returning to their role at work and trying to hold onto a sense of themselves in the process. In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White offers a calm, evidence-informed conversation about what this transition really looks like. Not the Instagram version. The real one. With practical guidance, emotional reassurance and permission to do this in a way that works for you and your family. Renee explores the realities of combining breastfeeding and paid work, including the systemic gaps that make it harder than it needs to be. She shares practical strategies to prepare before you return, alongside gentle reminders that there is no single right way to feed or work. This episode is about clarity, choice and giving yourself room to adapt as your needs change. You’ll hear about: How to talk to your workplace about expressing, your rights and the space you needWhen to introduce bottles, and what to try if your baby won’t take oneSetting up a pumping and feeding rhythm that actually fits your workdayWhat usually happens to supply when you go back, and why small dips are commonThe emotional load of this season, and why guilt, grief and relief can all show up at once Success isn’t about how long you breastfeed or how often you pump. It’s finding what works for your body, your baby, your work and your mind, and letting that be enough. You don’t have to nail it on day one. You’re allowed to tweak, change your mind and ask for support as you go. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies ✨ This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. If this episode helped, share it with a mum who needs a break but doesn’t want the chaos. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. 💛 Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Breastfeeding is often spoken about as something that should feel natural, intuitive, and just click. But for many mums, the reality looks very different. Pain that doesn’t settle. A baby who feels tense, sleepy, or unsettled at the breast. And a quiet question running in the background, why is this so hard for us? In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Emily Jones, an Advanced Paediatric Osteopath, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, mother, and founder of Align & Nurture, to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface when feeding feels challenging, and why struggling does not mean you’re doing anything wrong. Together, they explore breastfeeding through both a physical and emotional lens, helping make sense of how birth experiences, body tension, positioning, and nervous system regulation can all shape early feeding journeys. You’ll hear about: How different birth types can shape early feedingSigns your baby’s body might be making latching harderWhen breastfeeding pain needs more than “pushing through”Simple positioning tweaks to ease feeding for you bothWays to look after your mental health while you work on feeding Breastfeeding challenges are rarely about effort. They’re often about your baby’s body, your recovery from birth, and the support around you. This episode gives you practical context for what might be going on, and what you can do next, without blame. Resources & Links: 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 🔗 Learn more about Australian Breastfeeding Association https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/ 🔗 Connect with Emily and Align & Nurture Website: https://www.alignandnurture.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignandnurture This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. If this episode helped, share it with a mum who needs a break but doesn’t want the chaos. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood. 💛 Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.

Have you ever wondered why you’re still so hungry after having a baby, or why postpartum recovery feels heavier than you expected? For many mums, the early months after birth are a mix of healing, feeding, broken sleep and trying to make sense of advice that often feels confusing or contradictory. Especially when food and blood sugar have already felt closely monitored during pregnancy. This episode is part of The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your most listened to conversations, the ones that help you feel calmer, more informed, and less alone. In this replay, Renee is joined by Lily Nichols, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, researcher and author, known for her evidence based approach to prenatal and postpartum nutrition. Together, they unpack what the research actually shows about postpartum nutrient needs, breastfeeding hunger, and recovery after gestational diabetes. It’s a steadying conversation that offers clarity without pressure, and context for why your body might be asking for more right now. You’ll hear about:Why postpartum hunger can feel intense and persistent, especially while breastfeedingHow pregnancy and breastfeeding draw on nutrient stores, and which ones are commonly depletedWhy protein needs are higher postpartum than many mums are toldWhat follow up after gestational diabetes is actually for, and why constant monitoring isn’t always neededHow to think about food, rest and recovery in a way that supports your body, not controls it If postpartum nutrition or life after gestational diabetes has felt confusing, overwhelming, or loaded with pressure, this episode offers reassurance and evidence to help you breathe out. Links and Resources 📲 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! 📲 Follow Lily on Instagram: @lilynicholsrdn 🌐 Explore Lily’s work and resources: lilynicholsrdn.com 📘 Learn more about her bestselling book: realfoodforpregnancy.com 🎧 If this episode gave you a little more clarity or confidence, share it with a fellow mum or mama-to-be. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. 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.

Have you ever wondered if you’re doing something wrong because your baby won’t sleep the way you were told they “should”? Because it’s not just the broken sleep. It’s the pressure. The timelines. The numbers. The feeling that everyone else has it figured out, and you somehow missed the memo. This episode is part of The Science of Motherhood Summer Series, where Dr Renee White revisits some of your favourite conversations, the ones that made you feel calmer, more informed, and less alone. In this replay, Renee is joined by Dr Laura Gainche Ph.D., a Family Sleep Educator with a background as a neuroscientist and sleep scientist. Through her Scienceforallwomen platform, Laura helps parents turn sleepless into more blissful nights using science and connection, and supports families to find their own unique way to parent at night. Together, Renee and Laura unpack how modern sleep expectations have been shaped, why the “12-hour night” has become such a powerful benchmark, and what the research actually shows about normal baby sleep. It’s a conversation that offers science, yes, but also permission to breathe out and stop treating night waking like a personal failure. Together they explore: Why the “12-hour night” expectation sets so many families up to feel like they’re failingWhat sleep research actually shows about normal baby sleep and night wakingWhy the “best” approach at night depends on your family, not one set of rulesHow fear-based sleep messaging can fuel guilt and self-doubtWhat it can look like to find your way at night, with science and connection If baby sleep has been making you question yourself, this conversation is a steadying one. Share it with a parent who needs the reminder that they’re not broken, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next replay. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_ 🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services 🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies 📲 Connect with Dr Laura Gainche on Instagram: @scienceforallwomen This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village. Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode 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.