This week on Growing, Lilly opens up about what pregnancy planning looks like for her this time around. It’s part reflection, part preparation, and fully honest in the here and now.
We chat candidly about:
VBAC plans and what it feels like to carry the weight of a previous birth into the conceptualising of the next one
How she’s thinking about her birth team and the kind of support she wants around her this time
The “in between” moments, where excitement and nerves live side by side
Why preparation in pregnancy isn’t about perfection, but about feeling held, resourced and supported
This is one of those episodes that feels like sitting down with a friend who says the quiet things out loud. Whether you’re planning your first baby, your third, or simply reflecting on your own birth experiences, there’s warmth, solidarity, and gentle encouragement here.
Revisit Lil’s first birth story with Ru: Listen here and Learn more about VBAC with Dr Hazel Keedle: Listen here
This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot - a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.
Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend who’s also navigating pregnancy planning or dreaming of a VBAC.
Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more honest chats about pregnancy, birth, and matrescence.
This week, Beth reflects on the first year of life with two little ones — the joy, the love, and the messy, beautiful reality of it all.
She shares candidly about the parts of motherhood that haven’t necessarily gotten easier, but instead have become part of the fabric of daily life — the laughter, the chaos, and the constant juggle of toddlers, work, and relationships. It’s a season that feels relentless at times, but also deeply rewarding as new rhythms settle in.
This episode is a warm hug and a big exhale for any parent anticipating change, moving through transition, or simply wondering what life with two kids might feel like on the other side of that first year.
This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their Drift Home Baby Monitor. With a 360° pan tilt camera, an integrated sound machine, and a built-in What to Wear temperature guide, it takes the guesswork out of safe sleep and helps you feel confident at bedtime.
Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
Share this episode with a fellow parent who could use some solidarity and a reminder that joy can live right alongside the juggle.
Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more real-life reflections on parenting, pregnancy and matrescence.
We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of Growing (!!) and this one is extra special.
Beth fills us in on her magical (and of course manic) adventure travelling to Fiji with two little ones in tow. Think: airport chaos, transit struggles, and the sweet reward of finally sinking into holiday mode once they arrived.
Meanwhile, Lil shares some beautiful news - her family is growing! She, Ben, and Ru are thrilled to be welcoming another little family member next autumn. Lil opens up about what the first trimester has really been like this time around - from relentless nausea and vomiting to wrangling a busy toddler… all while navigating a house sale, a new purchase, and moving.
This episode is full of big life updates, honest reflections, and a whole lot of gratitude for you - our listeners - who’ve been with us through 100 episodes of motherhood, matrescence, and everything in between.
Sponsored by ergoPouch
This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot - a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.
Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply).
Tune in to celebrate 100 episodes with us wherever you get your podcasts
If you’ve loved being part of the Growing journey, share this episode with a friend and leave us a review - it means the world to us.
Follow along on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more updates, behind-the-scenes and community conversation.
This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by the wonderful Niki, a dietitian and nutritionist who specialises in pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.
Together we dive into:
What preconception nutrition really looks like (without the overwhelm)
Foods your body - and your baby - will thank you for
Why it’s okay if your pregnancy diet looks a little or a lot beige (hello, salty carbs!)
How to nourish yourself post-birth in simple, sustainable ways.
You can find more from Niki and book her services via Bump to Bundle Nutrition.
Follow along for practical tips, pregnancy-safe recipes, and realistic nutrition support from preconception to postpartum.
This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot — a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.
Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply).
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow parent or parent-to-be who could use some practical, pressure-free support.
Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more conversations that nurture you through pregnancy and beyond.
Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_
This week on Growing, Lilly shares what it really looked like to gently wean her 19-month-old toddler.
Far from a “cold turkey” approach or bandaids over nipples, this was a slow and steady transition that balanced Lil’s own physical and emotional needs while also supporting Ru through the change with love and patience.
In this episode, Lil opens up about:
Why she chose a gradual weaning approach
How she navigated both the physical side (goodbye to blocked ducts and engorgement) and the emotional side (letting go of a season that had been so special)
Supporting her little boy through the change with gentleness and consistency
The joy of rediscovering favourite foods after navigating food sensitivities through breastfeeding
If you’re in the thick of breastfeeding, considering weaning, or just curious about what the process might really look like, this episode offers honesty, solidarity, and permission to do it your way.
This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their incredible range of high quality baby sleepwear and sleep support products - everything you need to keep your baby snug and safe overnight.
Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.
Listen now wherever you get your podcastsIf this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who might need to hear a realistic, gentle perspective on weaning.
Follow along on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more real motherhood and midwifery and everything in between.
This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by the beautiful Sarah Mahri (@sarahmahri.babywearing) for a conversation that feels like a big warm hug. Together, they unpack the art and science of baby wearing — sharing both the benefits and practical tips to help parents keep their babies close, safe, and supported.
In this episode we explore:
The many benefits of attachment-focused baby wearing for babies and parents
How to choose the right carrier for your family
Baby wearing on the go
Safety essentials every parent should know
Why keeping our babies close is about more than convenience
Sarah also shares how you can access her online resources, plus the option to book a one-on-one consult to get set up for safe and successful baby wearing.
Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahmahri.babywearing
This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their new Safari Collection. Shop their range of high quality sleepwear using the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.
Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts
If you loved this episode, please share it with a fellow parent who’d benefit from Sarah’s wisdom. And don’t forget to join us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast and leave us a review wherever you listen.
Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_
In this episode we unpack how much we're dropping on groceries, how we organise family meal times and all the little hacks along the way that make it all work.
We chat:
What we're spending on average each week
Where we're shopping - what works about this and what doesn't
Our go-to meals that we serve on repeat
How we plan our meals, snacks, staples and freezer fillers
This is a nosy look into a weekly routine we're ALL doing, plus we share lots of ideas and tangible tips you can steal.
This week's episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by Ergopouch and their incredible Drift Home Baby Monitor, which not only features a 360 degree pan tilt and integrated sound machine but aslo includes an embedded 'what to wear' temperature guide taking the guess work out of dressing your baby for bedtime. Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&C's apply). Code is valid until 5/10/25
Jump over to Instagram @growingthepodcast to grab our favourite recipes and share your go-to meal ideas with us.
Hosts:
@lillian.beth
@birthwithbeth_
Welcome back to Growing! This week, we break down the first 24 hours, the first week, and the so famous "Six Week Check" with an honest lens - from bleeding and stitches to night sweats and low libido.
Whether you’re a first-time mum or preparing for your second or third, this episode is a warm hug and a gentle truth bomb. You are not broken, you are recovering.
We talk about:
What’s actually normal postpartum
Bleeding, bladder and body changes in the early days
Why rest isn’t optional - it’s essential
The truth about the 6-week postpartum check-up
The myth of bouncing back
This is your permission slip to honour how you feel that day, week or month - not what’s expected on an arbitrary timeline.
You might also find these episodes helpful in preparing for your birth - plus so many more in our back catalogue
Caesarean Birth Non-Negotiables
Join us on instagram @growingthepodcast and please share this with a pregnant friend so she gets the space she needs to go slow should she want to.
This week on Growing, the Lilly and Beth talk VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) with Dr Hazel Keedle - midwife, researcher, and leading voice for women planning birth after caesarean.
If you're seeking a different experience after a planned or emergency C‑section, this evidence-based conversation aims to help you feel both informed and supported.
This episode is proudly sponsored by PowerBirth. Our go-to for evidence-based birth prep - created and taught by midwives, for you. Whether you’re a first time parent, creating strategies for your VBAC or just want to feel more empowered for your birth. This course gives you practical tools that actually make a difference. PowerBirth is all about helping you feel calm, confident and connected in your birth experience. Explore the course at powerbirthcourse.com.au and use our code GROWING20 for 20% off (valid until 31/8/25)
What We Cover:
What the current research says about VBAC safety
Four key factors Hazel identifies that support a better birth experience
How to set yourself up for a supported VBAC experience - from care provider choices to mindset
Common misconceptions about VBAC (and what the evidence actually shows)
Explore Hazel Keedle’s Publications & Resources:
Book: Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth. Based on her PhD, this accessible guide intertwines research and birth stories to lay out the four factors crucial to planning a VBAC. Buy Yours Now
The Clinician’s Guide to Better Birth after CaesareanWritten for midwives, doulas and obstetricians, this resource translates the research into practical tools and strategies for VBAC support using the four‑factor framework Pre - Order Here
Journal Publications & Workshops: You’ll find peer‑reviewed studies on VBAC, birth trauma, and maternity care approaches in Hazel’s research portfolio. Hazel also runs workshops using her evidence-based framework to train clinicians in VBAC support Here
Explore more at Dr Keedle’s website, including full listings of journal articles and interactive VBAC workshops Professional work & workshops and Journal publications
Listen now to this evidence-rich episode wherever you stream podcasts and share with someone you know who’s planning a birth after a caesarean and wants more confidence in their choices.
This week on Growing, the girls get into the real weeds of modern motherhood - the kind of stuff that rarely makes it onto The Gram.
Beth (@birthwithbeth_) opens up about the relentlessness of keeping everything afloat - parenting little people, running a business, showing up for friendships, and trying not to drop the ball. It's the mental load. It's the juggle. And it's that all-too-familiar feeling: we can do it all - just not all at once.
Meanwhile, Lilly (@lillian.beth) is wrestling with the slow-burn decision of whether to wean her 18-month-old. Bye bye boob? Night weaning? What even is the plan when co-sleeping and breastfeeding have been so beautiful… but something’s shifting? SOS.
This episode is light on the tangible tips and heavy on the solidarity. If you’re also in the trenches, or just craving honest mum-to-mum conversation, this one’s for you.
Let's connect! Stay up to date by following us @growingthepodcast on Instagram
Hosted by:
Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_
Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth
In today's episode of Growing, Lilly and Beth have an honest chat about their respective experiences of ‘trying’ for a baby and the strangeness of the waiting for something you want badly but is not within your control.
We chat about the wild brain shift that happens for some women (them included) when you decide you want to be pregnant and it’s all. you. think. about.
Importantly, our thoughts go out to you if the TTC experience has been hard, disappointing or painful for any reason - especially if you’re still on that path. We hope with our whole hearts that you get to meet your baby soon and are sending lots of love your way.
If you enjoy this episode, it would mean so much if you could share it with your circle!
Come and follow us on IG @growingthepodcast
Hosted by:
Beth - @birthwithbeth_
Lilly - @lillian.beth
In this episode of Growing, we’re joined by Jason from @raising_fathers - father of two, coach, and champion of conscious fatherhood, for a practical conversation about how Dads can show up for their partners during matrescence.
If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your partner through the rollercoaster of early motherhood, this episode is your guide.
Whether you’re preparing to become a parent, in the thick of the fourth trimester, or just want to do things differently Jason brings practicality and gentle wisdom to this chat.
We talk about:
What matrescence actually is (and why it matters for fathers too)
How Dads can support and emotionally attune to their partners through identity shifts
Dads identity shifts and how they experience this monumental change too
Tips for keeping connection and communication alive amidst sleepless nights
Lots of practical go to’s for Mums and Dads entering and working through the huge transition that is parenthood - together as a team
This is one of those episodes that we think every new Dad (and Mum!) should hear. Share it with your partner, your mate who’s expecting, or your parenting group.
Follow Jason: @raising_fathersWork with Jason: www.raisingfathers.com
Don’t forget to hit follow and leave a review, it helps us reach more parents just like you. And come say hi over on Instagram @growingthepodcast
Hosted by:
Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_
Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth
We’re wrapping up our Call the Midwife mini-series with a juicy Q&A - answering your most commonly asked questions about pregnancy, birth and the weird, wonderful in-betweens.
In this unfiltered and fun finale, Beth and Lilly talk through everything from the practical to the personal, including:
Can you have sex in labour?
What’s a vulval varicosity?!
Midwives vs obstetricians - who does what?
Birth plans: yes or no?
Is this discharge normal?
And lots more!
Pregnancy sleep is a whole thing, and that’s where Sleepybelly comes in. It’s the pregnancy pillow designed to support your bump, back and hips, so you can rest more comfortably (even in your third trimester acrobatics phase).
Use the code GROWING10 for 10% off. Enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au
Let's talk baby sleep!
This week we’re getting into the real-life stuff, - What baby sleep actually looks like in our homes?
- How do we navigate naps?
- How do we do bedtime routine?
- What's the best way to get our babies to sleep?
- What's great about our approach? What's hard?
This one’s for any parent wondering if their “messy” sleep reality is still okay (it is).
Helpful Links & Resources:
Listen to our episode with Bree from Possums Clinic
The Safe Sleep 7 – La Leche League
Red Nose Australia – Safe Co-Sleeping Guidelines
Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts and please share this episode if you loved it!
Hosted by:
@lillian.beth
@birthwithbeth_
@growingthepodcast
Can you keep exercising while pregnant?
Short answer: yes - and it can be really good for you.
Longer answer: this episode breaks down the how, why and what to look out for when it comes to moving your body safely during pregnancy.
Whether you’re a Pilates Princess or a Cardio Queen, or just wondering if walking the dog counts (it does), this episode is your go-to guide for exercising safely, confidently, and intuitively while pregnant.
Let’s be real - moving your body is important, but so is rest. And Sleepybelly is here to help with that. It’s the pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips so you can sleep more comfortably (even after a busy day on your feet).
Use code GROWING10 at checkout for 10% off. Plus, enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au
Resources & Links
Speak to your midwife, GP or physiotherapist if you’re unsure about exercise options for your body or pregnancy stage.
Share this episode with a pregnant friend!
This week on Growing, we’re talking about the little things you figure out along the way, the funny moments that shock you at 3am.
We opened the floor to you, our beautiful community, and your confessions, anecdotes, and “no one told me!” moments had us cackling and nodding in solidarity.
Motherhood is full of surprises and often the best survival tips come from fellow mums, not a manual.
We’re proud to be partnering with Once Upon, the easiest way to turn everyday chaos into beautiful photo books.
Use code GROWING25 for 25% off Valid from June 24 – July 6 so run, don't walk and don’t miss out!
This episode is for you if:
You’ve ever thought: “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?!”
You love a good laugh and real talk about early motherhood
You’ve been blindsided by night sweats, nipple pain and identity shifts
Tag a mum friend, forward it to your mum club, and let’s laugh (and cry) together. Please head over and follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast
And! Don’t forget to hit follow in your podcast app, if you loved the episode please leave us a 5 star review.
The truths and tips midwives want every parent to hear.
In this heartfelt (and hilarious) episode of Growing, we throw to our fellow midwives our “middy sisters” to share the things we wish more women knew.
From body fluids and body hair to co-sleeping and safe sleep, from breastfeeding challenges to being loud in labour - we cover it all with no filter.
Here’s the truth about midwives:
- We don’t care if you’re loud in labour.
- We want you to prepare for birth and postpartum - because both matter.
- And we think you’re absolutely amazing.
What we cover:
Why your body doesn’t need to be hidden or apologised for
The unfiltered truth about breastfeeding, sleep, and support
Why we welcome (and expect!) vocalisation in labour
Our biggest wish: that families prepare for postpartum and birth
The deep honour of walking alongside you as midwives
Resources & Mentions:
Red Nose Safe Sleep Guidelines: rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping
The Safe Seven Co-Sleeping Framework: llli.org/breastfeeding-info/sleep-bedshare
PowerBirth Course: Learn how to advocate for your birth with confidence → powerbirthcourse.com.au
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
Vaginal Birth Non-Negotiables → Listen here
Breastfeeding Basics & Real Talk → Listen here
Newborn Care 101 → Listen here
Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast and please hit follow in your podcast app...and pretty please send this episode to someone who needs a little reassurance and realness!
Hosts:
@birthwithbeth_
@lillian.beth
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and we know it can stir up a lot. Whether it brings joy, grief, pressure, or all of the above — we’re here to make sure you feel honoured, nourished, and seen.
In this week’s episode of Growing, we’re diving into real, relatable, and restorative ways to spend the day. Whether you’re soaking up time with your kids, honouring your mum, connecting with chosen family, or spending the day solo — we’ve got ideas to help you feel full (not frazzled).
From meaningful rituals to simple self-care wins, we’re covering:
Thoughtful ways to celebrate yourself
Creative Mother’s Day ideas with or without a partner
Low-stress traditions that actually feel good
And what to skip entirely (because, yes, you can)
Looking for a last-minute gift idea?We’ve pulled together curated Mother’s Day Gift Guides on our Instagram @growingthepodcast. From indulgent to practical, with price points from $30 to $300 — it’s all there to help you (or your significant other) get it right.
Do us (and her) a favour:Forward this episode to a fellow mama who deserves a day that actually feels like a gift — not a chore. Let’s skip the long queues, and make room for real moments.
Follow us on InstagramWe’re sharing more ideas, resources, and honest conversations about motherhood every day — come say hi: @growingthepodcast — also don’t forget to check out our brand new mini series Call the Midwife.
Your baby’s movements are more than just special moments of connection, they’re a sign of their wellbeing. In this episode of Call the Midwife, we dive into what’s normal (and what’s not) when it comes to your baby's movement.
We unpack:
When you might expect those first flutters and kicks
Why there’s no “perfect” number of movements to count
How to tune into your baby’s unique pattern
What to do (and what not to do) if you’re ever unsure
Most importantly: If you ever feel like something is off, don’t wait. Contact your care provider or go straight to your maternity unit for assessment.
Pregnancy sleep just got easier. Sleepybelly is the pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips - so you can rest more comfortably. Trusted by health professionals and loved by mums, Sleepybelly is our go-to for better sleep in pregnancy.
Use the code GROWING10 for 10% off and enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au
🎧 Catch up on other must-listen episodes in the Call the Midwife series:
Red Flags in Pregnancy: What to Know and When to Act
Safe Sleep in Pregnancy: How Your Position Affects Baby
Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Share this episode with a fellow parent-to-be and tag us @growingthepodcast
Pregnancy comes with a long list of new things - and routine blood tests and ultrasounds are high on that list. But what are they all actually for?
In this short and sweet Call the Midwife episode, we break down the key routine tests offered throughout pregnancy, what they check for, and why they matter - minus the jargon and stress.
We cover:
First trimester bloods: What’s included and what they’re screening for
Genetic screening options (like NIPT and combined first trimester screening)
Iron, vitamin D, blood group, antibodies and more
Glucose tolerance testing (GTT): What to expect around 26–28 weeks
Routine ultrasounds: Dating scan, nuchal translucency, morphology
The role of informed consent and your right to ask questions at every step
Whether you’re newly pregnant or just want to feel more informed, this is a great starting point to understand what’s being tested - and why.
Sponsored by Sleepybelly
Let’s be honest: pregnancy sleep can be a bit… tricky. That’s why we love Sleepybelly - the ultimate pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips, so you can finally rest easy. It’s designed by parents and trusted by health professionals.
Use the code GROWING10 for 10% off and enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au
Thanks for tuning in - and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow parent-to-be.
