The Science of Motherhood

The mental and emotional weight of trying to conceive doesn't disappear once you're pregnant, or once the baby arrives. For many women, it quietly shapes everything that comes after.Sometimes the hardest part isn't the fertility treatment itself. It's carrying the aftermath of it into motherhood without anyone acknowledging that you went through something significant to get there.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Edna Lekgabe, certified perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist practising in Melbourne, to explore the mental health dimensions of the trying to conceive journey. They cover the difference between normal anxiety and clinical anxiety, how IVF trauma shows up in the body long after treatment ends, and why perinatal mental health challenges are never a personal failing.This is the final episode of the six-part Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why what you're feeling is a nervous system response, not a character flawHow to recognise when anxiety has moved from visitor to renovationWhat IVF trauma looks like in the body and why it often goes unidentifiedHow medication decisions are made with a risk-versus-risk frameworkWhy reaching out early makes a differenceYour mental health through this journey is part of the journey. It deserves the same attention as everything else. There is support available, and you deserve to use it.If this resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The Science of Motherhood so you never miss an episode.Resources & LinksConnect with Renee📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services: ifillyourcup.com🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookiesConnect with Edna📲 Connect with Dr Edna on Instagram: @drednalekgabe🌐 Dr Edna Lekgabe's website: drednalekgabe.com.au🌐 Wraparound mental health care for women and parents: warmhealthcollective.com.auThis 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.

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 workWhether 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.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’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 onceSuccess 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. 💛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.

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 itIf 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 googled something at 2am and walked away feeling more confused than before?Feeding and sleep advice can be loud, conflicting, and often loaded with unnecessary pressure, especially in the early weeks when you’re already tired and trying to figure everything out as you go.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 chats with Melissa Hays, international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), holistic sleep coach, and former paediatric nurse and midwife, about the myths that cause the most stress for new mums. They talk about feeding to sleep, milk supply, breast size, contact sleep, and the belief that going back to work means breastfeeding has to end.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it wrong because your baby feeds often, settles best close to you, or doesn’t fit the “should” advice you’ve heard, this episode brings things back to what’s normal and what’s actually supported by evidence.You’ll hear about:Why feeding to sleep is normal, and why guilt around it is so commonWhy breast size has nothing to do with supply, and what affects feeding patterns insteadWhat’s happening in the early weeks when milk supply regulatesWhy newborns are wired for closeness, and why “only sleeps on me” is so commonWhy you don’t have to wean to return to work, and what continuing can look likeIf feeding or sleep has felt heavier than you expected, this one will help you breathe out. Share it with a mum who needs a steady voice, 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 Melissa Hays on Instagram: @cocoonandcradle🌐 Learn more about Melissa’s breastfeeding & sleep support servicesThis episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village.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.