If you’ve ever looked at your baby and wondered how to feel more connected, you’re not alone. The early weeks can feel busy, emotional and a little uncertain. You’re feeding, settling, changing and doing your best, but sometimes it still feels like something is missing.

And then you hear about baby massage. Some people say it’s essential. Others say it’s just a nice extra. It’s hard to know what’s real.

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Vicky O’Rourke, founder of Connect Baby, experienced occupational therapist and mum of three. Vicky blends 14 years of paediatric clinical experience with the gentle practice of infant massage, offering parents a simple, evidence-backed way to support their baby’s development while strengthening their bond.

Vicky breaks down what baby massage actually is, what the research says, and why touch is one of the most powerful tools you already have.

Renee and Vicky talk through what matters, what parents often misunderstand, and how you can build more confidence in the early weeks with small, simple moments.

You’ll hear about:

• How baby massage supports bonding, regulation and early development.
• Why cue based touch helps you understand your baby’s signals more clearly.
• The role of oxytocin and how it benefits both you and your baby.
• Practical ways to use touch during unsettled days, sleep struggles or sensory overload.
• Why connection matters more than perfect technique.

You’re allowed to slow down, follow your baby’s lead and use touch as a way to reconnect when everything feels overwhelming. This episode will give you grounded, evidence based guidance so you can feel clearer and more confident moving forward.

Resources and 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 Vicky O’Rourke:

Website: www.connectbaby.com.au

Instagram: @connectbaby__

✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Fill Your Cup. Head to our website to learn more about our birth and postpartum doula offerings.

If this episode helped you feel more supported, share it with a friend who needs it. And hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next 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 had a caesarean before, you’ve probably been given a whole mix of advice about what to do next time. Some people warn you off VBAC. Others tell you to go for it. And then there’s you, stuck in the middle, trying to make sense of it all.

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Dr Hazel Keedle, one of Australia’s leading VBAC researchers and a Senior Lecturer of Midwifery at Western Sydney University. Hazel has spent decades listening to women, studying their stories, and breaking down what truly supports a positive birth after caesarean. She’s down to earth, easy to listen to, and offers the kind of straight-up clarity mums are craving.

Renee and Hazel talk through what actually matters, what’s outdated, and how you can feel more confident in your choices moving forward.

You’ll hear about:

• Hazel’s four factors framework for planning a supportive VBAC.
• Why “once a caesarean, always a caesarean” is old thinking.
• How your care team shapes your experience more than you realise.
• The system pressures that mums often feel, but rarely get explained.
• Practical tips for choosing people who genuinely support your birth wishes.

You’re allowed to slow down, ask questions, and choose the care that feels right for you. VBAC isn’t about proving anything. It’s about feeling informed, backed, and respected. This episode will give you that grounding so you can move forward with more clarity and less noise.

Resources and 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 Hazel Keedle

Website: https://hazelkeedle.com

Instagram: @hazelkeedle

Hazel’s book The Clinician's Guide to Better Birth After Cesarean is available through Amazon and major online retailers.

If this episode helped you feel a bit clearer or more supported, pass it on to another mum who’s weighing up her options too. And hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next 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 thought, “If only I’d known then what I know now?”

You’re not alone.

In this milestone episode, Dr Renee White reflects on the biggest lessons she’s learned from the last 100 conversations on The Science of Motherhood from researchers and clinicians to doulas and mums who’ve shared their lived wisdom. With honesty and heart, Renee opens up about what she’d do differently if she could experience early motherhood all over again, and how the science has reshaped her understanding of what mums truly need.

Whether you’re pregnant, preparing for postpartum, or deep in the motherhood trenches, this episode is a compassionate guide to doing things differently… with more knowledge, confidence, and self-kindness.

You’ll hear about:

• Why understanding matrescence before birth matters more than any baby book

• The mental health practices that protect your wellbeing long before postpartum hits

• What the research really says about infant sleep (and why your baby isn’t broken)

• The power of nourishment, rest, and realistic expectations

This is the episode Renee wishes she could have listened to before becoming a mum and one that reminds you that you’re not broken, you’re transforming.

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

Related episodes

Ep 116. Lucy Jones – The Art of Matrescence

Ep 138. Kate Johnstone – How to Find Self-Compassion in Motherhood

Ep 192. Prof. Helen Ball - Why Baby Sleep Advice Often Fails Mums

Ep 150. Dr Laura Gainche – Latest Research on Infant Sleep

Ep 198. Julie Borninkhof - Catching It Early: How to Protect Your Mental Health in Motherhood

Ep 106. Alex Sinickas – Not All Breast Pumps Are Created Equally

Ep 108. Kate Visser – How and Where to Start on a Relactating Journey

Ep 184. Lily Nichols - Pregnancy Food Made Simple: What Your Body Really Needs

If this conversation resonates, share it with another mum or mum-to-be who needs to feel seen, supported, and reassured and make sure you’re subscribed 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 caught yourself wondering if time’s slipping away to start or grow your family? Maybe you’ve been trying for months and it’s starting to feel heavy, or maybe you’re in your 20s or 30s thinking there’s plenty of time to figure it out.

In this week’s episode of Dr Renee White sits down for a heart-to-heart about something that affects more families than we realise… fertility. With World Fertility Day around the corner, she unpacks what the latest research actually says about fertility rates, age, and the hidden barriers that make family planning harder than it should be.

This isn’t about creating panic. It’s about getting the facts, feeling informed, and knowing that wherever you’re at, you’re not alone in figuring it out.

You’ll hear about:

• The real science behind fertility decline and how age plays a role
• Why one in six couples worldwide experience infertility
• The male factor that often goes unnoticed
• How housing costs, financial pressure and gender inequality impact family planning
• Simple, evidence-based steps you can take if you’re trying now or planning ahead

We don’t talk about fertility enough. There’s still so much silence, shame and confusion around it. Renee brings honesty and compassion to a conversation that so many families need to hear. It’s the kind of chat you’d have over coffee with a friend who just gets it, full of care, facts, and hope.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Maybe it’s just me,” this episode will remind you it’s not.

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

Related episodes

• Ep 66. Professor David Gardner – The Science Behind IVF
• Ep 64. Dr Manuela Toledo – What to Expect on Your IVF Journey?
• Ep 146. Dr Cheryl Phua – What You Need to Know About Freezing Your Eggs
• Ep 160. Dr Cheryl Phua – Fertility Treatments 101
• Ep 172. Dr Kokum Jayasinghe – How Endometriosis Affects Fertility and What You Can Do

If you found this episode helpful, share it with another mum who might need a reminder that she’s not alone. And make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode of The Science of Motherhood.

✨ 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 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.

When you’re deep in early motherhood, it’s easy to think you’re just tired or that others have it worse. But what if asking for help early could change everything for you and your baby?

In this week’s episode Dr Renee White speaks with Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) and Clinical Psychologist. Julie has spent years supporting Australian families through pregnancy and early parenthood.

Together, they explore the signs that something’s not quite right, what actually happens when you call PANDA, and how preparing your mental health before baby arrives can help you feel more grounded when life changes overnight.

You’ll hear about:

• What perinatal mental health covers and why early support matters
• What to expect when calling the PANDA Helpline
• Common reasons parents and families reach out for help
• How to prepare your mental wellbeing during pregnancy
• How partners, grandparents and friends can support new parents

Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. If something feels off, trust that instinct. Support is available and it’s never too soon to ask for help.

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 Julie Borninkhof and PANDA

Website: www.panda.org.au

Instagram: @pandanational

Helpline: 1300 726 306

If you found this episode helpful, share it with another mum who might need a reminder that she’s not alone. And make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode of The Science of Motherhood.

✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Cake Maternity

Cake Maternity specialises in high-quality nursing bras that are supportive, functional, comfortable, and stylish because you shouldn’t have to compromise as a mum.

With sizes from 6–22 bands and A to JJ cups, their range includes seamless, flexi-wire, hands-free pumping, and absorbent birthing bras. Explore the collection at au.cakematernity.com and use code FYC15 for 15% off your order.

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.

For years, mums have been told to take folic acid to support their baby’s development. It’s been one of public health’s biggest success stories, helping prevent serious birth defects. But new research suggests there might be more to the picture.

In this episode, Dr Renee White explores an Australian study that questions whether excess folic acid could be contributing to rising rates of gestational diabetes. Renee breaks down the findings, what they mean for pregnant women, and why personalised care matters when it comes to supplements and pregnancy health.

You’ll hear about:

• How folic acid fortification changed pregnancy outcomes worldwide
• What researchers found about folate levels and gestational diabetes risk
• The role genetics, like MTHFR variants, may play in folic acid metabolism
• Why a “one size fits all” approach to supplementation might need rethinking
• What to discuss with your healthcare provider before making changes

This episode reminds us that science evolves, and understanding the evidence helps us make informed choices. Mamas stay curious, ask questions, and keep working with your healthcare team to find what’s right for you.

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

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or tag @fillyourcup_ on Instagram. And don’t forget to follow The Science of Motherhood 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 felt like you were supposed to just move on after pregnancy loss?

So many mums are told to “be grateful”, to stay positive, or to focus on the next step. But grief doesn’t follow a tidy timeline. It lingers, it reshapes us, and it deserves space to be felt.

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Bianca Mastromanno, a Clinical Psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and couples through the emotional terrain of pregnancy loss, pregnancy after loss, and early parenthood. Together, they talk about what real healing looks like, the kind that makes room for sadness, love, and everything in between.

Bianca brings both her professional expertise and lived experience to this episode, offering a deeply compassionate perspective for anyone navigating grief, fear, or the uncertainty that often comes with trying again after loss. This is a conversation for mums, partners, and support people who want to understand how to approach pregnancy loss with empathy, courage, and care.

You’ll hear about:

• The biggest myths about grief that keep mums stuck and silent
• How shame can show up after pregnancy loss and gentle ways to move through it
• What trauma-informed care really means for postpartum support
• The conversations every couple should have before pregnancy or birth
• Why self-compassion, not perfection, is the foundation of mental health for both parent and child

Dr Bianca’s insights are tender, real, and full of hope. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on. It’s about learning to carry your grief with love and surrounding yourself with people who see and support you through it.

If you’ve experienced loss yourself, or if someone you care about has, this episode offers the understanding, language, and practical tools to feel less alone in it.

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 Bianca Mastromanno:

Instagram | @drbiancamastromanno

Website | drbiancamastromanno.com.au

Download Bianca’s free Pregnancy Loss Guide

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel
• Parenting from the Inside Out by Dan Siegel
• The Baby Loss Guide by Zoe Clark-Coates
• Pink Elephants Support Network
• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
• Time to Talk TFMR Podcast

🎧 If this conversation helped you feel more informed, pass it on to another mum navigating her fertility journey. And make sure you’re subscribed so you’ll always catch the next episode.

The Science of Motherhood is proudly presented 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 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.

Motherhood is already a sensory overload at the best of times. But for autistic women, pregnancy, birth and early motherhood can be an entirely different experience that’s often overlooked and misunderstood.

In this week’s episode, Dr Renee White explores a powerful literature review uncovering what’s really happening when autistic women become mothers. From diagnostic bias to sensory overwhelm and stigma in healthcare, this conversation highlights the resilience, love and advocacy of neurodivergent mums who’ve been navigating a system not built with them in mind.

Renee breaks down the research in her signature science-meets-soul style, helping mums, families and healthcare providers understand the reality behind the statistics and why inclusive care matters for everyone.

You’ll hear about

• Why autism in women has been historically under-recognised and misunderstood
• The six key themes emerging from research on autistic mothers and healthcare
• How masking and sensory overload impact pregnancy and postpartum experiences
• Simple ways healthcare providers can create safer, more inclusive spaces
• The remarkable empathy, creativity and strength autistic mothers bring to parenting

This episode is a reminder that every woman deserves to feel seen, supported and safe in her motherhood journey. Whether you’re autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn, this conversation will open your eyes and your heart to a more inclusive future for maternal health.

You’re not alone in this, and your needs matter. 💛

Resources and 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 brought to you by Cake Maternity Cake Maternity specialises in high-quality nursing bras that are supportive, functional, comfortable, and stylish because you shouldn’t have to compromise as a mum.

With sizes from 6–22 bands and A to JJ cups, their range includes seamless, flexi-wire, hands-free pumping, and absorbent birthing bras. Explore the collection at au.cakematernity.com and use code FYC15 for 15% off your order.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mum who might need to hear she’s not alone.

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is not a substitute for independent professional advice.

Nothing contained in this episode s 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.

Many women are starting families later in life, and for some, that means turning to IVF. But what’s fact, what’s myth, and what really matters when you’re navigating fertility in your late 30s or 40s?

In this episode, Dr Renee White speaks with Dr Kellie Tathem, a Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Queensland Fertility Group. Kellie has a special interest in endometriosis, pelvic pain and fertility care. She’s passionate about making sure women have clear information and the space to make informed choices.

You’ll hear about:

• The biggest fertility myths women face in their 30s and 40s
• When to consider IVF and how long to try naturally first
• Egg freezing, donor eggs and embryo donation explained
• How age affects fertility, pregnancy and birth outcomes
• What lifestyle factors really make a difference for egg and sperm health

This episode is here to give you evidence-based answers and support if you’re thinking about IVF, considering egg freezing, or planning pregnancy later in 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 Kellie Tathem

Queensland Fertility Group: https://www.qfg.com.au

Akoya Health (coming soon): Search Akoya Health Brisbane

Resources mentioned in this episode

• IVF Australia – reliable information on egg freezing, IVF processes, and costs: https://www.ivf.com.au
• Medicare – information on rebates for medically indicated egg freezing and fertility treatments: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare

🎧 If this conversation helped you feel more informed, pass it on to another mum navigating her fertility journey. And make sure you’re subscribed so you’ll always catch the next episode.

The Science of Motherhood is proudly presented 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 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.

If you’ve ever experienced sudden breast pain, fever, or flu-like chills while breastfeeding, you’ll know just how quickly mastitis can take hold. For many mums, it’s the first real crisis in their breastfeeding journey, painful, overwhelming, and sometimes serious enough to land them in hospital.

But what if there was a way to predict mastitis before it happened?

In this Check In Tuesday episode, Dr Renee White explores new research out of China that’s using artificial intelligence to identify which mothers are most at risk of developing mastitis. The study found that a combination of biological markers and personal factors could predict mastitis with 84% accuracy.

While it’s still early days, this research offers hope for a future where we can move from reacting to mastitis to preventing it altogether.

You’ll hear about:

• What mastitis actually is, how it develops, and why symptoms can be confusing
• How AI and machine learning are being used to predict mastitis risk
• The five key indicators researchers identified, from nipple cracks to inflammation markers
• The limitations of this study and what still needs to be explored
• Practical reminders for mums about seeking help early and knowing mastitis is treatable

Science is always evolving. While we’re not yet at the point of having a true early warning system for mastitis, studies like this one are building the foundations of more personalised and predictive maternal healthcare.

This episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone in your breastfeeding journey. Your instincts matter, your body’s signals are important, and support is out there.

Resources and 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

🎧 If this episode gave you clarity or comfort, share it with a fellow mum who might need it too. 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 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.