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

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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.