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Knowledge is power. Our aim is to unravel and interpret the latest research and evidence-based practices for pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. As mums and researchers ourselves, we have experienced first-hand the overwhelming complexity of information, myths and old-wives tales. Even worse, 'advice' is being given to mums without the proper context or knowledge of their individual needs. So tune in to hear us ask experts, researchers and specialists about all things mother care, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

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The Science of Motherhood Podcast

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 talk about. Just two hours after an emotional outburst with her child, Renee recorded this to unpack the why, the how, and most importantly, the what’s next. If you’ve ever felt the sting of mum rage or the heaviness of guilt, this episode is for you.

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 Minded and a mum herself, brings over a decade of experience studying children's social and cognitive development. She shares thoughtful, evidence-based strategies to help parents set boundaries that feel right for their families while supporting their children’s emotional growth.

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 private midwives to have a GP or hospital referral to access Medicare-supported services like writing prescriptions, ordering ultrasounds, and requesting blood tests. It’s a game-changer for mothers and midwives alike.

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 be just what you need to refresh without the stress.

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 difference.

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.

Tune in to discover how nurturing self-compassion can positively impact both you and your family.

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 with postnatal anxiety, Renee discusses the four key pillars that help mothers thrive. Tune in to hear Renee’s candid insights and discover how these lessons might transform your own motherhood journey.

In this episode, Renee chats with Larissa Leone of Homb about her journey through postnatal depression and the creation of her business. Larissa shares her personal struggles, the tipping point that led her to seek help, and her eventual burnout that landed her in the hospital. She explains how these experiences inspired her to establish a support space for postpartum women.

In this episode, Renee White talks about the New South Wales government's recommendations for improving mental health support for new parents, especially those affected by birth trauma. She highlights the need for extended psychological support, better postnatal care, enhanced physiotherapy, and comprehensive breastfeeding education.

Renee underscores the importance of continuity of care models and multidisciplinary support to help new parents navigate these challenges. Learn more about how these changes can make a significant difference and how you can support your loved ones. Tune in!

In this episode, Renee provides crucial insights into what you need to know about the first oral pill for Postpartum Depression. Delving into a groundbreaking development in mental health, Renee discusses the latest advancements in treating postpartum depression with the first-ever oral medication.

What could this breakthrough mean for the future of maternal mental health? Find out as we explore the potential impact and considerations surrounding the first oral pill for Postpartum Depression in this enlightening episode. Tune in!

In this episode, Renee reflects on her podcast journey, sharing the Top 10 Things she's learned in the past 100 episodes. Join her as she takes a trip down memory lane, offering insights and lessons from her diverse range of conversations. This special episode is a compilation of wisdom and experiences gained throughout the podcasting adventure.

What valuable nuggets of knowledge has Renee gathered along the way? Find out in this celebratory episode!

In this episode, Renee chats with Jane McFadden about the complexities of being a mom with ADHD. They discuss the hurdles, the discoveries, and those little wins that make it all worthwhile. It's an episode that illuminates the journey of many moms, shedding light on both the tough and tender moments. Tune in!

In this episode, Renee dives deep into the realities of motherhood post-birth and the challenges of managing it on a tight budget. Drawing from her own experiences, she spotlights the essentials, from managing postpartum well-being to ensuring healthy infant sleep patterns, all while staying financially smart.

As Renee emphasizes the value of community, nutrition, relationships, and self-care, she offers an array of free and cost-effective resources to empower and support mothers during this transformative phase.

Need guidance on managing motherhood expenses without compromising quality care? This episode is packed with actionable tips and resources.

In this episode, Renee sits down with Dr. Rebecca Ray to delve into the art of navigating challenging dialogues as a mother. Together, they unpack practical strategies and shed light on the intricacies of handling tough conversations during the rollercoaster journey of motherhood.

Together, they provide a guide to maintaining one's calm, ensuring every conversation becomes an opportunity for growth. Are you ready to transform your toughest chats into meaningful connections?

In this episode, Renee addresses a topic every expecting mother should consider: postpartum planning. She sheds light on the vulnerabilities mothers face after birth, from emotional ups and downs to physical exhaustion.

Renee offers invaluable advice, such as the significance of self-care and the need to plan for the unexpected. More than just preparing for birth, it's essential to think about life after the baby arrives. Curious about how you can prepare for life after birth?

In this episode, Renee sits down with Katie Parker and discusses the tough question, "Why is it so hard to ask for help?"  They explore the imprinting many mothers have experienced and how this impacts their ability to care for themselves and seek help when needed. They acknowledge these deeply rooted stories that influence mothers' actions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and shifting these patterns.  

Tune in to this powerful discussion that seeks to unpack and understand these hidden narratives that mothers often carry unnoticed!
In this episode, Renee sits down with Dr Rebecca Ray to explore the impact of clear boundaries in Motherhood. Discover how communication can transform your connection with your children and bring about positive change in your family dynamics. Tune in!
In today's check-in Tuesday, Dr Renee White shares her go-to resources for ultimate self-care, from the self-care checklist to recommended podcast episodes and nonprofit organizations. 

She also discusses the impact of postnatal depression and emphasizes the significance of self-care, highlighting that taking time for oneself reduces the likelihood of developing postnatal depression. Tune in!
Dr Renee White sits down with Frances Bilbao, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Mums Matter Psychology, to discuss how intrusive thoughts are NORMAL in motherhood, why we they are so common in motherhood and how you can use a coping strategy like Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to manage these thoughts. 
In today's Check-in Tuesday episode, Dr Renee White shares her self-care tips which are enabling her to finally thrive in motherhood. Journalling, exercise and infra-red sauna are just a few. Here how you can start to integrate these in your life and start feeling yourself again!
Eve Rodsky transformed a “blueberries breakdown” into a catalyst for social change when she applied her Harvard-trained background in organizational management to ask the simple yet profound question: What would happen if we treated our homes as our most important organizations? Her New York Times bestselling book and Reese’s Book Club Pick, Fair Play, a gamified life-management system that helps partners rebalance their domestic workload and reimagine their relationship, has elevated the cultural conversation about the value of unpaid labor and care.
Dr Laura Gainche discusses with Dr Renee White how her PhD in sleep physiology empowered her for change in motherhood. After becoming a mom, she found the conflicting information about science and baby well-being to be triggering. She wanted women and mums to be informed so that they can make the right decision for their specific needs. Dr Gainche wants to make holistic sleep approaches as mainstream as Sleep training or Cry it out.
How many times have we heard about birth trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder...but have you heard about post-traumatic growth? Dr Marion Piper walks us through the stages of this phenomenon and how Mothers can 'spiral up' after trauma. 
In today's episode, Dr Renee White speaks with Dr Melanie Jackson, 'a.k.a Melanie The Midwife' about the Australian Birth System - How we got here? Where did it all go wrong? What you should know before birthing your baby?
Are you ready for a life-changing podcast? Dr Renee White sat down with Dr Nicole Gale, specialist GP and Lactation Consultant who practices Breastfeeding Medicine and Perinatal care for mothers and babies.
Dr Gale discusses why mothers are reverting to more traditional models of care for their babies, the evolutionary mechanisms at play with the newborn breast crawl and explores the physical, mental and emotional symmetry of the mother:baby dyad.

Dr Jessica Stokes-Parish is a practicing intensive care nurse and educator, who holds a PhD in Medicine from the University of Newcastle. 

In addition to 10+ years of bedside nursing, her areas of work include exploring educational design for healthcare professionals, quality improvement science for better patient outcomes and advocating for diversity in the health workforce. 

Jess has made it her life's passion and purpose teaching others how do I navigate through health and science information. She's even come up with some fantastic tools I love providing you with tools to determine credibility in science.
In this episode, Dr Renee White chats with Dr Jess about  tools to determine credibility in science, including Jess' very own CRABS framework and how to tackle difficult discussions with loved ones and science!

Today Dr Renee White sat down with Monash University's Dr Briony to discuss  her research on maternal wellbeing - in particular, encouraging healthy weight, obesity prevention, and healthy lifestyle behaviours before (preconception), during (antenatal) and after pregnancy (postpartum). 

Dr Hilary Claire is a clinical psychologist specializing in nutritional and environmental medicine based in mid-north coast NSW. She helps modern day mamas move out of exhaustion and overwhelm so they can build healthier, happier and calmer families, as well as reconnect with their true selves. Today we discuss  why mothers need to prioritise their wellness  and how they can do this alongside taking care of their little ones’ health.

Dr Greer Kirshenbaum is a neuroscientist, doula and infant sleep specialist. On Today's episode we discuss the neurology / physiological changes in the first 4 months of a child life; How can we best support our children and what common myths or societal norms are perhaps dampening this support? And of course,  the process of matrescence and the physiological changes to a mother's brain.
Today Dr Natasha Vavrek, GP and Director of The Bubble Launceston talks about women can do at each stage of conception, pregnancy and postpartum if they contract COVID. We also discuss COVID-19 vaccinations and effects on your menstrual cycle, breastfeeding while having COVID and preventative measures.
Dr Renee White and Dr Micka Bertucci are the postpartum doulas and co-Directors of 'Fill Your Cup' Doula Village in Melbourne and Hobart. On today's episode they will walk you through the importance, value and how to create your own Village. Whether it be before you've had you baby or you've just moved to a new state! Renee and Micka give insights, tips and practical approaches to building your village right now, because we weren't meant to do it alone mamas!
Today we spoke about women's health, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Dr Natasha Vavrek spoke candidly about supporting mothers through contraception, conception and birth trauma. I especially love Natasha's practice because she integrates her general practice with a POSSUMS accreditation in Neuroprotective developmental  Care and collaborates with other likeminded health care professionals like social workers and pelvic floor therapists, providing holistic care to Tasmanian mothers. .  
My Own Birth is an Australia business run by two women, Sarah and Tess. They both are practicing, registered midwives and nurses. These beautiful ladies are on the frontline, seeing first hand what mamas are experiencing and the gaps in birth education. 

Jan has been advocating for women and birth in Australia for decades. She shares the reforms the Australian birth industry has undergone and the steps we need to take to move closer to the better birthing practices.

Travelling around Europe in a Combi van with her husband in the early 70’s, Jan was one of the original flower children when she fell pregnant with my first child, Emma. 

The disempowering childbirth that delivered Emma spurred her on to midwifery training, which Jan completed at the Queen Victoria Hospital in 1975, going on to work at Monash Medical Centre for many years. Jan has been in private practice as a midwife for 25 years now and remains committed to avoiding disempowerment of the family during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

In this episode we discuss the longitudinal data Professor Hannah Dahlen and colleagues from South Australia, UK and Netherlands elucidated when researching the long term effects of induction of labour of low risk mothers. The study included over 470,000 participants and collated data from over 16 years post-birth, which is the first of its kind. 
Despite all her education and experience in the field of psychology, Stefanie Poole was not immune to the mental strain of motherhood. 

Stef talks candidly about her birth trauma and her experience with postnatal depression. What she did to recognise it and her everyday tools she uses to manage her diagnosis. 
Stefanie is a Mental Health Doula,™ counsellor, educator and mental wellness advocate who supports families to create and maintain a healthy heart and mind. She is the founder of Mumma Bees ™, (Peer Support and Training for Birthing Families), Birth Education For A Healthy Heart & Mind, ™ and Kindred Clubhouse.

Dr Pamela Douglas is the founder of the non-profit Possums for Mothers and Babies and authour of the internationally renowned book, The Little Discontented Baby Book in which she beautifully illustrates through evidenced based research how and why it is normal for babies to cry/fuss in the first 16 weeks of life.
Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist. As an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker, Anna reaches thousands of women every year with evidence-based information and inspirational, actionable content. Anna combines her knowledge in areas such as traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding support and exercise physiology to guide women through their transition to parenthood and early years of mothering. Her services include postbirth planning, in-home and online postbirth support, and mentoring for mothers and the professionals who work with them. 
Siobhan is mother, a scientist and an advocate for parents and families. She helps Science Minded parents, become more informed, giving you the confidence to make choices that feel right for you and your family.
Siobhan holds a PhD in Child Developmental Psychology and has spent the last 10 years working closely with infants and families to understand all she can about children's social and cognitive development. After having a child of her own and engaging with mother's groups and online forums she noticed there was a lack of evidence-based information readily available for the Science Minded parent.She started Science Minded to bridge this gap and connect parents who are open to learning about their child and themselves. Knowledge is power, and being informed allows us to be confident in our decisions, parent without reservation and better connect with our families.
Dr Zali Yager is a body image and maternal mental health expert and researcher who is passionate about bringing all of the good stuff from universities to the real world. Zali provides an abundance of content around overcoming overwhelm, parenting stress and burnout, perfectionism in Mums. Learn more about Zali's new membership for mums in the messy middle of motherhood where you get all of the evidence-based, bite-sized, actionable information and resources you need to feel better, and be a more present parent
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr Nicole Highet, who is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).  We spoke about the amazing resources COPE has to assist new parents during pregnancy, birth and beyond. But the most interesting and valuable takeaways were our discussions are risk factors of perinatal mental health disorders, birth trauma and the effects of COVID. 
Now it's Dr Renee White's turn in the hot seat. As a Type-A personality we explore the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life, taking a 'break' in your career, sleep deprivation and ultimately learning to let go. 

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