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

✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Cake Maternity Cake Maternity specialises in high-quality nursing bras that are supportive, functional, comfortable, and stylish because you shouldn’t have to compromise as a mum.

With sizes from 6–22 bands and A to JJ cups, their range includes seamless, flexi-wire, hands-free pumping, and absorbent birthing bras. Explore the collection at au.cakematernity.com and use code FYC15 for 15% off your order.

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.

If you’ve ever been told your baby is “broken” because they don’t sleep through the night, you’re not alone. So many mums feel pressured by rigid schedules, conflicting advice, and the constant comparison game. But here’s the truth: babies aren’t meant to sleep like adults, and understanding their natural biology can make a world of difference for both you and your little one.

In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Professor Helen L. Ball, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre. Helen has spent decades researching infant sleep and is the founder of the Baby Sleep Information Source (BASIS). Her work bridges the gap between science and parenting, offering evidence-based guidance that supports both parents and health professionals.

Together, Renee and Helen explore the realities of baby sleep, challenge outdated myths, and share practical ways you can feel more confident (and more rested).

You’ll hear about:

• The origins of strict baby sleep schedules – and why they don’t align with infant biology.
• Safe bedsharing and breastfeeding – what the research actually shows.
• Swaddling myths – how it impacts arousal, feeding, and safety.
• Recognising when sleep struggles might signal something else – and when to seek help.
• Practical strategies you can try tonight to harmonise your rest with your baby’s natural rhythms.

Whether you’re a first-time mum trying to navigate newborn nights or a parent feeling burnt out by sleep advice that just doesn’t work for your family, this conversation is here to bring you clarity, reassurance, and some much-needed perspective. You’re not doing it wrong. Your baby isn’t broken. And you are most certainly not alone.

✨ Subscribe, share with a friend, and remember: the more we spread evidence-based knowledge, the more we can support every mum to feel confident and cared for.

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

Learn more about Professor Helen L. Ball’s work:

• Website: BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source
• Website: How Babies Sleep
• Instagram: @basis_babysleepinfosource
• Facebook: Baby Sleep Information Source

If this episode reassured you or shifted how you think about baby sleep, pass it on to another mum who might need it.

✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Cake Maternity

Cake Maternity specialises in high-quality nursing bras that are supportive, functional, comfortable, and stylish because you shouldn’t have to compromise as a mum.

With sizes from 6–22 bands and A to JJ cups, their range includes seamless, flexi-wire, hands-free pumping, and absorbent birthing bras. Explore the collection at au.cakematernity.com and use code FYC15 for 15% off your order.

Disclaimer: The...

Living with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can feel overwhelming. Irregular cycles, difficulty conceiving, weight changes and the constant frustration of not having clear answers are a reality for up to one in ten women worldwide. For years, researchers have known PCOS runs in families, but the genetic explanation has never quite fit. Until now.

In this episode Dr Renee White explores groundbreaking PCOS research from China that could transform how we understand PCOS inheritance. The study suggests it may not just be our DNA, but epigenetics, the chemical tags that sit on top of our genes and influence how they are expressed, that play a role in how PCOS is passed from mother to daughter.

This early research could be the missing piece in explaining why PCOS is so common in families and what it may mean for prevention, fertility treatment and long-term health.

You’ll hear about:

• How PCOS is currently diagnosed and why genetics alone do not explain the condition
• What epigenetics means and how it may influence PCOS inheritance
• Key findings from a study of eggs and embryos in women with PCOS
• Why this new PCOS research is exciting but still very preliminary
• What this could mean for future fertility treatment, risk assessment and support for women living with PCOS

Science is always evolving. While there is no cure for PCOS yet, research like this brings us closer to better answers, better care and more hope for women navigating this condition.

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 friend who might need it too. And if you haven’t already, 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 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.

Your gut and your brain talk more than you realise and it could shape your postpartum mental health.

Postpartum can be both beautiful and overwhelming. While many mums expect sleepless nights and endless nappies, few are prepared for how much their mental health can be affected. Research is now showing that what we eat plays a role in how we feel, and that’s where today’s conversation begins.

In this episode Dr Renee White speaks with Meghan Hockey, an Accredited Practising Dietitian and mum of two, who specialises in the link between nutrition and mental health. Meghan completed her PhD in Nutritional Psychiatry with Deakin University’s Food & Mood Centre and has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers in the field. Through her online clinic, she helps people manage anxiety, low mood, postpartum depression and gut health concerns with practical, evidence-based strategies.

You’ll hear about

• How the gut–brain connection influences postpartum depression
• What the science currently tells us about nutrition and mental health
• Key foods that may help support mood and recovery
• Simple, realistic ways to nourish yourself as a new mum
• Why small, sustainable changes are more effective than aiming for perfection

This episode is a reminder that nutrition isn’t about strict rules or diets, but one tool that can support your mental health alongside sleep, support and medical care.

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

📲 Want to connect with Meghan?

Follow on Instagram: @meghockeydietitian

Or visit her website and learn more about her services and book a 1:1 telehealth consultation: www.meghanhockeydietitian.com

If you found this conversation helpful, share it with another mum who might need it. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Disclaimer: The information on this website presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.

Nothing contained in this site 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 takes it out of you. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. And if you’ve ever felt like your energy’s been zapped or your brain’s running on 1%, you’re not imagining it and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, Dr Renee White takes you on a deep dive into a surprising topic: creatine supplementation for women’s health. That little white powder you’ve seen on gym shelves? It turns out, it might hold more benefits for mums than we ever realised.

From brain fog and bloating to sleep, strength and recovery, Renee unpacks the latest research on how this naturally occurring compound can support women through every life stage. With her signature mix of science and soul, she breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand and incredibly relevant for busy, brilliant mums like you.

You’ll hear about:

🩷 What creatine actually does – and why it matters beyond the gym floor

🩷 How it supports hormones, memory, and mood – especially during hormonal shifts

🩷 The creatine gap in women – and what the latest studies are now revealing

🩷 Pregnancy, postpartum and creatine needs – including early research on birth outcomes

🩷 Tips for safe supplementation – plus what to look for on the label

Whether you’re navigating fatigue, prepping for pregnancy or simply want to feel stronger and more clear-headed, this episode is full of science-backed insights, practical tips and plenty of reassurance.

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

Bibliography:

Foundational Creatine Research - Harris, R.C., Söderlund, K., & Hultman, E. (1992). Elevation of creatine in resting and exercised muscle of normal subjects by creatine supplementation. Clinical Science, 83(3), 367-374.

◦ DOI: 10.1042/cs0830367

◦ Classic study establishing the loading protocol (20g/day for 5-7 days)

Women's Health & Creatine Intake - Ostojic, S.M., Stea, T.H., Ellery, S.J., et al. (2024). Association between dietary intake of creatine and female reproductive health: evidence from NHANES 2017–2020. Food Science & Nutrition, 12(7), 4893-4898.

◦ DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4135

◦ URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4135

◦ Study of 10,000+ women showing inadequate creatine intake linked to reproductive health issues

Menstrual Cycle & Fluid Balance -

1. Moore, S.R., Gordon, A.N., Cabre, H.E., et al. (2023). A randomized controlled trial of changes in fluid distribution across menstrual phases with creatine supplementation. Nutrients, 15(2), 429.

◦ DOI: 10.3390/nu15020429

◦ URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020429

◦ Breakthrough study on creatine's effects on cellular hydration during menstrual cycle

2. Gordon, A.N., Moore, S.R., Patterson, N.D., et al. (2023). The effects of creatine monohydrate loading on exercise recovery in active women throughout the menstrual cycle. Nutrients, 15(16), 3567.

◦ DOI: 10.3390/nu15163567

◦ URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163567

◦ First study to account for menstrual cycle phases in creatine supplementation research

Sleep & Performance - 1. Aguiar Bonfim...

Screens are part of everyday life, but knowing how to manage them while protecting our kids’ mental health can feel like a constant challenge.

In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Professor Selena Bartlett, a neuroscientist, author, and mum who’s dedicated her career to making brain science practical for everyday families. Drawing on decades of research into neuroplasticity, stress, and mental health, Selena shares actionable tools to help parents manage screen time, nurture resilience, strengthen connection, and safeguard their children’s mental wellbeing in the digital age.

Whether you’re introducing your child’s first device, battling constant requests for more screen time, or simply wanting to foster a calmer, more connected home, this conversation is packed with useful, doable advice.

You’ll hear about:

• How neuroplasticity can help you and your child build resilience
• Practical tips for setting and keeping screen time boundaries
• The impact of technology on kids’ mental health
• How to reduce stress and boost connection as a family
• Everyday changes to support your child’s wellbeing

It’s not about avoiding technology altogether, but about using it mindfully to protect what matters most.

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 Professor Selena Bartlett:

Website: profselenabartlett.com | Instagram: @prof_selena_bartlett

🎧 Listen to Selena’s podcast Thriving Minds and explore her work at womenrise.com.au

If this episode gives you fresh ideas for tackling screen time and protecting your child’s mental health, share it with another mum who could use the same support. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.

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.