The Science of Motherhood

Have you ever felt like your baby knows what you’re feeling before you even say a word?Maybe you’ve noticed them light up when you’re feeling calm and happy — or pull away a little when you’re flat or overwhelmed. These little moments often feel invisible, but they’re doing more than we think.In this episode, Dr Renee White explores new research on how a mother’s brain and her baby’s brain can literally sync up during moments of connection. Using a tool called dual EEG, researchers were able to capture real-time brain activity between mums and babies, showing that our emotional tone can directly influence how our brains work together.This isn’t about being “on” all the time. It’s about understanding why the moments where you feel most present with your baby matter so much.You’ll hear about:What brain-to-brain connection looks like between mum and babyWhy emotional tone plays a big role in learning and developmentThe science behind eye contact, cooing and everyday connectionHow maternal wellbeing supports brain synchronyWhy it's not about perfection, but presenceWhat matters most is remembering that even on the tough days, your presence is powerful. You don’t have to perform. You don’t need to do more. You’re doing enough, and it’s making a difference.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 cookiesIf 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.

Motherhood changes the way you see yourself, your work and what you’re capable of. And when everything feels unfamiliar, it can be hard to recognise the opportunities that come with those changes.In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Renee Barnes, People and Culture professional and Director of The People Paradox. After navigating her own identity shift in motherhood, Renee created The FOUND Program, supporting parents to feel more confident, capable and empowered in both work and home life.Together, they explore what happens to your identity, your strengths and your leadership when you become a parent, and how these shifts can open new possibilities you may not have noticed yet.You’ll hear about:Why identity shifts feel so strong in early motherhoodHow sensitivity and hypervigilance can become leadership strengthsWhat parents really need when returning to workHow the emotional load builds and why it often goes unseenSimple ways to feel more grounded and confident in this new seasonMotherhood doesn’t come with a map. If you’re feeling stretched, unsure or in transition, you’re not alone. This episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to move through it with more clarity and confidence.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🌐 Explore Renee Barnes’ work and The FOUND Program📲 Connect with Renee Barnes on Instagram: @found_learningmotherhood📲 The first 10 listeners to DM Renee Barnes will receive a 15% discount on stage 1 of the FOUND program. (Expires in 10 days 19 Dec 2025)If this episode helped you feel supported, share it with another parent who might need it. 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 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.

The holiday season can feel intense for many mums. The plans, the expectations, the drop-ins, the comments. It stacks up fast and makes it hard to tune into what you actually need.In this episode, Dr Renee White breaks down why setting boundaries can feel challenging in early motherhood and why guilt often shows up the moment you try to protect your time or space. She offers simple, supportive language that helps mums communicate their needs without feeling overwhelmed.These insights are practical, calm and designed to help you move through the season without feeling stretched thin.You’ll hear about:Gentle phrases to end visits or step away when you’ve reached your limitA calm one-sentence response to handle unwanted adviceHow to step away when things feel too busy or too loudWays to protect your energy during busy seasonsPermission to choose what feels manageable for you and your babyWhat matters most is remembering that your needs count too. You’re allowed to set limits. You’re allowed to rest. And you don’t need to justify decisions that support your wellbeing.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 cookiesThis 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 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.

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.auInstagram: @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.DisclaimerThe 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 KeedleWebsite: https://hazelkeedle.comInstagram: @hazelkeedleHazel’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.DisclaimerThe 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.