Free Download · Mother's Day 2026

The science behind why
motherhood feels this big.

The developmental science behind prenatal parenthood

Download the Hello Elephant Mumma! Science Fact Sheet — written clearly for parents, carers, and the people who support them. Because the bond begins before birth.

What's inside

Clear science. Warm language.
Practical meaning.

The research behind the book, made genuinely useful — for yourself, for clients, for parent groups, or for a waiting room wall.

🧠 Relational neuroscience explained Why the mother-infant bond is neurologically profound — and why feeling overwhelmed is a sign your brain is working exactly as it should.
🐘 The elephant connection Nature's most devoted mothers show us what the research confirms — that attuned, responsive parenting begins long before birth.
🌿 Natural, evidence-based ideas for parents Simple science-backed ideas parents can actually use — no jargon, no overwhelm, just practical ways to connect from the very beginning.
💬 Language that lands Share directly with mothers, carers, and families. Just simple science-backed ideas they can actually use.
Written by someone who holds the science and the story

Evidence-based.
Heart-first.

This fact sheet reflects the same rigour Dr Kate brings to her clinical work, her research, and her advocacy — written for parents, not journals.

  • ✓ Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S™) — APPTA registered in Australia
  • ✓ International memberships: BAPT · APT · IC-PTA
  • ✓ PhD — play therapy across multi-tier school frameworks
  • ✓ Formal oral evidence to parliamentary inquiry on children's development, wellbeing and mental health
  • ✓ Creator of TORA — a researched and evidence-based framework
20+ Years of play therapy practice and research
Dr Kate Renshaw holding Hello Elephant Mumma!
Dr Kate Renshaw Dr Play · Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S™)

Kate is the Founding Director of Play & Filial Therapy, a published author, researcher, and one of Australia's most recognised advocates for children's right to play. She completed her PhD in 2022, has given formal oral evidence to parliamentary inquiries on children's development, wellbeing and mental health, and lectures internationally on play therapy.

Hello Elephant Mumma! grew from her clinical experience holding space for mothers — and from her own deep understanding of how science and story can meet.

RPT-S™ APPTA BAPT APT IC-PTA PhD
"

You weave in some big and important concepts in such gentle ways. I can see this book on every expecting parent's shelf and also handed out through community services to vulnerable families.

Early reviewer · Play therapist

Join Dr. Kate Renshaw on Substack for playful insights, expert opinion, and thoughtful reflections on parenting, child development and wellbeing, and the significance of play.

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