The Science of Motherhood

• Ep 184. Pregnancy Food Made Simple: What Your Body Really Needs

  When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, most mums are handed the same tired checklist of what not to eat. But what about what your body actually needs?In this episode, Dr Renee White is joined by Lily Nichols, a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, and bestselling author of Real Food for Pregnancy. Together, they explore the real story behind prenatal nutrition, busting common myths and diving into what the research actually says.Lily’s known for her evidence based yet sensible approach to food, and this conversation is packed with insights that’ll help you feel more confident, more informed, and more connected to what your body and baby truly need.Whether you're pregnant, trying to conceive or just curious about fuelling your motherhood journey with real food, this one’s for you.You’ll hear about:Why standard pregnancy nutrition guidelines might be missing the markWhat “real food” actually means and why it mattersHow your nutrient needs shift in the second and third trimestersThe truth about folate, supplements and eating for twoHow to make food choices that leave you feeling strong and supportedWhether you're navigating pregnancy for the first time or the fourth, this chat is a gentle reminder that food can be simple, satisfying and supportive.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.

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• Ep 183. Anxiety in Motherhood: A Real Story and What Can Help

  We hear a lot about postnatal depression, but anxiety in motherhood? Not so much. And yet, it's something so many mums face quietly.In this episode, Dr Renee White opens up about her personal experience with postpartum anxiety. From sleepless nights and constant worry to the moment she realised something wasn’t right, Renee shares how this chapter shaped her journey as a mum and the founder of Fill Your Cup.She also breaks down the science behind maternal anxiety, what’s going on in your brain and body and offers simple, evidence-informed tools to help you feel calmer and more supported in the chaos of early motherhood.If you've ever wondered, “Is this normal?” or felt like you're carrying too much, this episode is for you.You’ll hear about:What postpartum anxiety actually looks and feels like, and how it's different from depressionRenee’s lived experience with anxiety and the ripple effect it had on her familyWhat’s happening biologically during postpartum anxietyPractical tools to soothe your nervous systemHow to recognise when you need support and where to find itLinks and Resources📲 Want to chat more about this? Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services🍪 Craving comfort? Try our famous Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesIf this episode brought something up for you, support is available:PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306 or panda.org.auSpeak with your GP or a perinatal psychologistOr reach out to the Fill Your Cup team. We’re here to help.🎧 If this episode resonated, please subscribe, share or leave a review.You’re not alone in this. Support is out there, and you deserve to feel calm, capable and held.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.

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• Ep 182. How to Support Dads in Postpartum: Tools for Connection and Confidence

  When it comes to preparing for postpartum, the spotlight often falls on the mum, as it should. But what about dads?In this episode, Dr Renee White chats with Jason Seeman, fatherhood guide and founder of Raising Fathers, about how we can better prepare and support men through the transition into fatherhood. With a background in rites of passage, community leadership and over a decade of experience in men’s wellbeing, Jason brings practical tools to help partners feel confident, connected and ready for the realities of new parenthood.This episode is for every mum who wants to feel more supported, seen and understood in postpartum and for those who want their partner to feel that way too.You’ll hear about:Why dads often feel like the “support act” and how to shift thatThe importance of debriefing birth as a coupleJason’s CPR model for connection and communicationSimple ways dads can bond with bub from day oneHow to work together as a team in postpartumLinks 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!🔗 Explore Jason’s work at raising-fathers.com📲 Follow on Instagram: @raising_fathers🎧 If this episode resonated with you, send it to your partner or share it with a fellow mum. The more we support both parents, the stronger the village becomes. 💛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.

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• Ep 181. New Miscarriage Guidelines in Australia: What Every Mum Should Know

  Miscarriage affects one in four pregnancies, yet many mums are left with little support or clarity around what comes next.In this Check-In Tuesday episode, Dr Renee White unpacks the newly released national guidelines for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss in Australia. Developed by RANZCOG, these are the first of their kind and aim to bring consistency and compassion to miscarriage care.Renee walks through the key updates from medical definitions to emotional support and shares why this is a long-overdue step toward better care for women and families.You’ll hear about:What the new guidelines cover and how they’ll impact careWhy changing the definition of recurrent miscarriage mattersThe role of language, empathy and communication in clinical settingsWhy location shouldn’t determine the quality of care mums receiveWhat’s still missing and where improvement is neededResources and Support📲 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!If this episode brings anything up for you, support is available:Red Nose Grief and Loss – 1300 308 307 (24/7)PANDA – 1300 726 306Bears of Hope – 1300 114 673🎧 If this episode helped you feel more informed or supported, please share it with a friend or leave a review.Every mum deserves care that meets her with compassion and clarity.

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• Ep 180. Baby Sign Language in Australia: A Simple Tool To Empower Your toddler

  Ever looked at your baby mid-meltdown and thought, “If only you could tell me what you need?” You’re not alone.In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White speaks with Megan Mahon, an early childhood intervention teacher, Auslan interpreter and founder of Baby Sign. More importantly, she’s a mum of two who knows what it’s like to want more connection, more calm and fewer communication breakdowns with your little one.Together, they chat about how baby sign language can ease frustration, support speech and give you a simple, gentle way to bond with your bub even before the words come.This isn’t about perfection or doing all the things. It’s about giving mums practical tools that actually help in those real-life moments – the ones with crumbs on the floor and a toddler on your hip.You’ll hear about:What baby sign language actually is, and why it’s easier than you thinkWhen and how to start using signs with your baby or toddlerWhy signing doesn’t delay speech (in fact, it can support it)The signs Megan recommends starting with no overwhelm, just simple winsHow signing can bring more calm and confidence to your dayResources and Links📲 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🌐 Want to grab our free Quickie Postpartum Planning Guide🍪If you want to gobble up our famous Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies, look no further!💬 Want to learn more about Megan’s work? Visit www.babysign.com.auFollow Megan on Instagram: @babysignau🎧 Loved this episode?Share it with a fellow mum, send it to your mothers’ group or tag us with your favourite takeaway. And if you haven’t already, tap subscribe so you never miss a chat that helps you feel a little more supported and a lot less alone.Because every mum deserves to feel heard even before her baby can say a word. 💛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.

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