Growing
Growing is your handbook for birth, babies and beyond brought to you by midwives and mums Beth Ryan and Lilly Claxton. Join us every Wednesday for a solid dose of solidarity as we explore all things motherhood.
Episodes
It's A Big Old Glimmer | Deep rest, farm life and a moth take over
This week’s growing pains and glimmers include those moth*er flipping moths, suburban chicken negotiations and the radical act of having a minute (or two nights) to yourself. Beth’s back from a work trip with a hot take: sometimes the rest we need runs so much deeper than sleep, although of course sleep also helps. We unpack mum guilt, deep rest and remembering who you are outside of being Mum. Pl
The Guilt Trip | Navigating guilt, flying with kids and a pelvic floor breakthrough
Work trips, Tassie trips and guilt trips — oh my.This week is packed with growing pains and glimmers. Beth is feeling the heavy weight of trying to practise what she preaches as a woman, mother and business owner and wondering how the hell we’re supposed to do all the things we want to do, and do them well - without guilt?We talk mum guilt, trusting your instincts, leaning on support, and celebrat
Bodily Fluids Everywhere | A toilet training breakthrough, vomit everywhere and the grief of losing your hair straightener
Beth’s hit the bodily fluids trifecta this morning - covered in vomit, poo and wee all before 8am. And on this we chat about the many layers that come with loss in identity in motherhood and how hard it is to actually dress comfortably and practically and still feel like ourselves. Sleep remains sticky however the good news on that front is bunk beds have entered the household and are a huge succe
Parenthood: Blind Optimism And Naivety | Spring break debrief, pram drama a style crisis and a breastfeeding update
We’re back from spring break, Glimmer Girls and the holiday hangover is real.This week we’re debriefing travelling with kids, the logistics of babies on planes, pram drama, road trips, and the beautiful realisation that the things that once looked so hard eventually just becomes kind of normal. Naivety helps.Beth is deep in a particularly gritty six-month stage with the twins’ very very (very) br
*THROWBACK* The Transition From 1 -2 | Reflecting On The Last 12 Months
*SPRING BREAK THROWBACK* The Transition From 1 - 2 Please note this is a throwback episode, the ergoPouch code shared in todays episode is not currently active. 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 h
*THROWBACK* Unhinged pregnancy Confessions | We're heavily pregnant, cranky and leaning into TMI. Enjoy!
Welcome to our Summer Break Throwback! This is one of our most popular episodes. Probably because we don't hold back. Enjoy!P.S. As this is a throwback episode, our Ergopouch code is unfortunately not valid at this time. _____________________________________________________________These are our confessions. Two heavily pregnant (and slightly cranky) midwives jump on the mic and… really bare al
Did Someone Suggest a Spring Break? | Migraines, teething and a rebuild on the rocks
This week Beth has given a little bit of extra and unexpected love to her first baby, PowerBirth which comes heavy with logistics, literal migraines, a lot of moving parts, but also loads of gratitude and joy. There’s something really lovely about returning to a part of yourself and your work that you’ve had to put down for a while, and remembering just how much you love it.Lil’s baby is teething
This Is Heaps | Hair loss, sleep advice from Reddit and surrendering to parenthood
Beth stumbled down a Reddit hole - yes, Glimmer Girls, you read that right. Picture this: two babies, breast refusal, broken sleep and all that comes with life with twins at five months. It’s a lot. Beth has done a beautiful job of finding the reframe, reddit aside, because sometimes, when you’re deep in it, that’s all you can do.However… we are also experiencing significant and rapid hair loss. O
Are We Growing Or Just Eating Humble Pie? | Toddler trenches, holding boundaries and twin exhaustion hits hard
Lil is deep in the toddler trenches - food refusal, parental preference, running away (quite fast) and the weighty question “am I actually doing any of this right?”. We chat boundaries, big feelings, finding your parenting style and the push and pull of parenting a tiny person who understands far more than they can actually regulate. Beth mentions Dr Siggie for child development support if you are
Do I Actually Feel...Done? | Leaving pregnancy behind, brain fog fatigue and a relationship reset
Okay, this week we're going straight in. Lil’s house nearly went up in flames but actually just went up in fog (brain fog). She’s also navigating the stretch that comes with more kids and her relationship has had a welcome little reset (of sorts). Beth has happily welcomed weekends back into the chat in a really wholesome, no-pressure kind of way. But her growing pain is a big one, so brace yo
It's Giving Slump | A midyear energy dip, sleepless nights and choosing self care even when it's inconvenient
Okay, so we’re a good four-and-a-bit months into life with our little babies and, truth be told… the tired in us is tired.Beth has been managing naps for the better part of five years now and, look, it’s a lot. Speaking of five years, her first baby has just celebrated her fifth birthday, and isn’t that just magic in itself?Meanwhile, Lilly’s house is also a little bit chaotic on the sleep front.
It’s A Rebuild Not A Bounce Back | Postpartum body image, self confidence and deciding something needs to change
It’s all about confidence baby? Or something like that. This week we fall (read: tumble) down the rabbit hole of postpartum body image and a significant loss in confidence. In truth a loss in some ways, of ourselves. We are simultaneously ready to be swallowed whole by motherhood but don’t want to be spat out on the other side and not recognise our beautiful selves. Identity shifts in motherhood a
What A Week Folks | Postpartum, PMS and RSV Hits Hard
This week on Growing, we’re deep in the reality of winter with little kids. Beth shares the scary experience of RSV sweeping through the family, the emotional rollercoaster of navigating ED with sick babies, and why trusting your instincts as a parent matters.Lil is navigating the less glamorous combination of postpartum and PMS, reflecting on just how much women carry, while celebrating the beaut
No One Gets Sicker Than A Husband | Winter Bugs, Mastitis Remedies And A Dummy Fairy Update
This week on Growing, Beth has unfortunately had the house guest nobody asked for… mastitis. We chat about just how hard breastfeeding can be, and why getting the right support matters. Beth has also shared some fantastic evidence-based mastitis resources on her Instagram, plus gives our Glimmer Girlies a tiny sneak peek at a very exciting secret she can’t wait to share.Meanwhile, the Dummy Fairy
She's Still In There: Identity shifts, postpartum fatigue and getting out the door with little kids.
This week on Growing we’re wondering where our inner girls have disappeared to. We chat about the all-consuming season of motherhood, how many layers of our former selves feel quietly tucked away, and the strange mix of missing the freedom of “before” while knowing, we wouldn’t trade where we are now for the world. Beth gets wonderfully practical, taking us through exactly how she manages to get a
Does The Dummy Fairy Toilet Train?
This week on Growing we’re (as usual) deep in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Lil is currently negotiating with the dummy fairy and wondering if, while she’s collecting dummies, she could kindly also toilet train a toddler at the same time? Her glimmer this week is Walk & Talk officially returning - so if you’re a Brisbane mama needing coffee, sunshine and company, slide into Lil’s DMs. Mea
Breaking News: This Is Hard
This week on Growing we’re discussing a fairly groundbreaking revelation: motherhood is amazing and also, very hard. Possibly the biggest slice of humble pie either of us have ever consumed. One universal truth remains - men could absolutely never.The constant questioning of am I doing enough? Am I doing this right? and the vulnerability that creeps in when comparison enters the chat. Beth reflect
It's Not Us, It's Them
This week Beth is feeling the full speed rush of motherhood as her eldest seems to be growing at an offensively fast pace, leaving us asking: how exactly are we meant to slow down when life feels permanently set to x2 speed? Which naturally spirals us into the chaos of online life — community and connection on one hand, complete over-accessibility on the other. Are we over-checking in? Is it chron
Q&A Ask Us Anything: Postpartum Edition
We’re back in your ears answering your questions and sharing where we’re currently at in our postpartum hazy daze.This week we’re chatting about the elusive topic of sleep and what that looks like in our households right now, do our kids have the same name?! Our skincare favourites, how we met, midwifery and career pathway changes, and how we’re navigating postpartum fashion.Kel King's Postpa
Beauty Admin, Brazilian Waxes And...The Weather?
This week we're checking in from the beautiful chaos of postpartum life, where our husbands have returned to work and we’re all getting into the swing of a new normal. We chat about the strange season of having tiny babies while trying to re-enter the world, the nuance of feeling grateful and overwhelmed at the exact same time.Beth shares her current struggle with beauty maintenance in a seaso
Is The Commune Ready?
Beth has climbed the mountain that is mastitis and is happily - finally - on the other side. She shares the feeding plan she’s landed on for her twinnies, what’s feeling sustainable for her family, and a very gorgeous reframe around postpartum bodies and what they’re actually made for. We’re doing our very best to put down the negative self-talk, one tender little reframe at a time.Meanwhile, Lill
Let’s Hear It for the Mums
This week we’re back in your ears feeling wildly grateful for the women around us because honestly… the girls ARE the glimmers. Beth is trying to rise from the depths of the absolute feral house guest that is mastitis - a cruel mistress we did not invite, do not like and absolutely do not need. We unpack the intensity of feeding twins, the physical toll of breastfeeding and the emotional rollerco
Please not the park, again.
Another glimpse inside the utter chaos that is our deeply postpartum lives right now. Beth and Lilly unpack the glimmers and growing pains of life at home with very little babies — both starting to feel slightly ready to re-enter society while also being firmly in the trenches of newborn life. We also chat about the weird emotional pressure cooker that can be Mother’s Day — and if you finished the
Beth’s Birth Story: Identical Twin Boys
This week Beth shares the birth story of her identical twin boys, a story that holds both careful planning and a last-minute pivot.After a high-risk twin pregnancy, many appointments, and a clear plan to be induced at 36 weeks, things changed *right* at the finish line. If you enjoyed this episode please share it with a fellow Mum friend, if you haven’t already follow us on your streaming platform
The Wheels Simply *Must* Keep Turning: Updates From The Postpartum Trenches
This week we are coming to you live from the trenches — where time is meaningless, snacks are essential, and the witching hour feels like a personal attack. We’re gasbagging (professionally) and pulling at all the loose threads of early postpartum life — from the chaos of juggling multiple naps in one household (who knew sleep could require this much admin?) to the nightly spiral of “is this the w
Lil’s VBAC and Franklin’s Birth Story
We are so happy to be sharing Lilly’s birth story of her second baby boy, Franklin 🤍If you haven’t listened to Lil’s first birth experience with Ru, it’s a beautiful place to start and adds a layer of context to this journey: Listen to Ru’s Birth StoryThis episode is a reflection of Lil’s slow and steady unfolding into labour — the layers she needed to shed, the surrender required, and the support
Four Weeks In - With Twins: Beth's Update
This week’s record is beautifully busy - Beth is in the thick of it, juggling both twins while we chat, and it’s just the reality of where we are at. We check in on how she’s actually feeling in these early postpartum days - where every 24 hours can look completely different and how this experience compares to her previous babies.We dive into feeding twins (spoiler: it’s as busy as you imagine and
Honey, We’re Home: Our First Postpartum Update
Our Numbers Have Doubled & We’ve Been Humbled — but we’re very happily back in your ears with our first little postpartum catch-up 🤍Lilly and Beth have welcomed their baby boys just four days apart, and we’re both tucked up at home in our newborn nests, very much in the thick of it.This episode is a gentle ramble through our first reflections in the early days. Beth shares the shift from 2 to
Pregnancy Confessions: TMI Edition
These are our confessions. Two heavily pregnant (and slightly cranky) midwives jump on the mic and… really bare all.This one is unhinged in the best possible way - a chat that’s equal parts silly, honest, and deeply relatable. We lean all the way into the TMI, covering everything from pregnancy cravings to sex dreams and libido, with a casual sprinkle of vulval varicosities and anal fissures (beca
Get To Know Us - Your Curious Questions Answered
Before life shifts into a whole new (and very baby-filled) season, we’re sitting down for a Q&A — a chance to pull back the curtain and let you get to know us a little more.We chat about how we met, how Growing came to life across two states, and the paths that led us into midwifery (spoiler: not as linear as you might think). There’s a bit of star sign chat (Lil absolutely fizzes), a peek int
Our Baby Must-Haves
Our Baby Must-HavesThis week the girls get granular — sharing their favourite products from their previous newborn experiences. It’s practical, specific, and very much a “this worked for us” chat.As always, every baby (and parent) is different, but these are our MVPs — the items we reached for again and again.Our biggest tip? Marketplace and second-hand can be your best friend.So many baby items a
Officially On Baby Watch 👀
Welcome back to Growing! This week Lil and Beth share life updates as they play the baby waiting game in the later stages of their pregnancies: ✨ Lil is officially in her 'due window' and is enjoying the last snippets of time as a family of three.✨ Beth is grappling with whether to re locate closer to Sydney given the likelihood of pre term labour - but is wondering what's best for the
Is Parental Leave Possible When You Run A Business?? Beth Shares Her Plan
This week we’re diving into the ins and outs of how Beth has thoughtfully mapped out her plans and intentions to take maternity leave from her business, PowerBirth.It’s a conversation that explores the many variations of how women are navigating work - building businesses, fuelling passion projects, contributing financially - while also surrendering deeply into the beauty, slowness, and intensity
Postpartum Princess Priorities
This week Beth and Lil dip their toes into the planning of their postpartum era keeping our Glimmer Girls front of mind — it’s postpartum princess priorities in the best way. We talk about creating a gentle landing after birth: wrapping yourself in small comforts, little luxuries, and practical anchors that help you feel human again in the haze of newborn life. Fresh jammies, soft fabrics, and a b
Toddlers Swearing - Cute Or Concerning?
This week the girls are deep in the nesting and fluffing era - preparing their homes (and hearts) for the big and little changes ahead as their families grow. Both are feeling equal parts proud, clucky, and slightly overwhelmed… although Lil’s two-year-old has developed the potty mouth of a small pirate, she admits as a salty swearing sailor herself they’ve probably only got themselves to blame.It
E122: VBAC Prep - Lil's Experience Preparing For Birth No. 2
This week on Growing, Beth interviews our very own Lil, chatting all about her choices and plans in preparation for her upcoming VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean).We know this can be a big and often complicated topic, so we approach it specifically with Lil’s perspective and lived experience in mind. If you’re planning a VBAC or exploring your birth options, we encourage intentional conversatio
E121: HEYYY MAMMA - What Not To Say To Pregnant Women
This week on Growing Beth has been affronted by a few too many unsolicited and (quite frankly rude) comments about her beautiful and growing body (carrying twins no less) so this is a PSA to pipe down in the cheap seats and leave pregnant women aaaaalone. No notes. Lil’s playing bed tetris trying to figure out sleeping arrangements for her toddler and making sleep (sort of) work in her household w
E120: A Twin Pregnancy Deep Dive with Beth
Expecting Twinnies… This week Beth takes us inside her twin pregnancy experience and answers some common questions about what it's like to grow TWO babies. From managing medical appointments to navigating the emotional weight of a more complex pregnancy, this episode is filled with candid insight, raw honesty, and those soft glimmers we love to find in the middle of it all.We cover: How this twin
E119: Just You Wait...Bingo!
The girls are back - and you heard it here first, Growing's first-ever on-air snort. You're welcome.Lil’s growing pain this week? Her poor pregnant trotters. The hoofs are not serving, and the jury’s out on whether they’ll ever recover. Thankfully, pajama gate is closed — she’s been reunited with her beloved cotton ruffles. Oh, and bonus? Her husband has upgraded himself to in-house barista status
E118: Hot, (Pregnant & Anaemic) Girls Summer
This week on Growing, we’re keeping it hot n heavy — but this time it’s the breathing that’s heavy.Beth’s waving the anaemia flag (yep, Lil passed the baton) and is feeling the very real effects of low iron. The midwife verdict? Don’t underestimate a good iron supplement if your body needs it. Consider this your midwife-approved nudge to check in with yourself and refill your cup.Meanwhile, Lil’s
E117: New year, same us! ✨
New year, same us - and honestly, we’re just happy to be here with the glimmer girls. We’re not launching into 2026 with bold resolutions or a long list of “ins and outs.” Instead, we’re letting this season be what it is: a gentle (at times chaotic) chapter of our families growing, slower mornings, and soaking up the good glimmers wherever we can find it.Beth is feeling the call to simplify and Li
E116: What was *actually* in and out for us in 2025
It’s our last episode of the year, and we’re wrapping it all up with a giggle, a bit of nostalgia, and some honest reflections.Join us as we revisit our ins and outs list for 2025 — the things we embraced, the habits we left behind, and a few goals that now feel more laughable than achievable (we’re looking at you, themed parties and a consistent exercise regime). There are plenty of light-hearted
E115: All is calm.. all is sore
It’s Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas! Our bodies are feeling a little cranky, a little sore, and carrying babies through this hot, hot summer is no small physical feat. If you’re feeling it too - you’re not alone.R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)Recommendation: Get into the water — the ocean, the pool, anywhere you can dunk your head under. A good pair of togs, a sarong, some funky jewellery an
E114: A Peek Inside Our Santa Sacks - Your Last Minute Gift Guide
This week on Growing, we’re donning our Mrs Claus hats and chatting all things Christmas giving. We dive into what’s going into the Santa sacks for our kids - with a focus on thoughtful, practical and joy-filled ideas. If you’re still searching for inspiration, there might be a few ideas here for you too.OUR SANTA SACK PICKS: TrampolineAir ToobzBackpack or lunch box for daycareA book refreshYoto c
E113: Where the hell is my husband?!
This week Beth poses the important question: how many Airtaskers does it take to build an IKEA cupboard? As it turns out… quite a few. And it’s still not quite finished.The good news? Her twinny boys are growing beautifully (we’re talking almost off the charts x2), which feels like a reassuring little nudge that even under double load, her body knows exactly what it’s doing. Meanwhile, Lilly is kn
E112: Burnt out but laughing because, December.
This week we’re diving deeper into an ongoing growing pain with Beth - one sparked by a quote she stumbled across on Emma Morris Instagram about how burnout and motherhood can collide in a big and overwhelming way. Together, the girls tease out what might be fueling the fire:the relentless societal expectations placed on mothersthe invisible load of flurrying, scurrying, and holding everything tog
E111: Motherhood - Easier Said Than Done
Motherhood: Easier Said Than Done.This week, Beth is feeling the weight of motherhood - and the never-ending list of shoulds.You know the ones: we should rest, we should drink water, we should move our bodies, we should nourish our bodies, we should look after ourselves… and yet the how feels completely out of reach. It’s one of those big, honest chats about the gap between what we know and what w
E110: Grandparents taking annual leave?! Access Denied
This week’s episode is full of feelings, fears, laughter and the kind of friendship that carries you through the chaos of motherhood.Lil’s growing pain hits deep: her parents will be away when her second baby is due, and it’s unearthed a much bigger emotional wobble - that age-old fear of expanding your family and wondering how everyone will cope with the shift. Beth gently holds space, offering r
E109: Two Hot Mess Mums
Don’t mind Lil’s dulcet, slightly sultry tones this week — she’s sick as a dog and tries not to complain about it *too* much.Beth’s throwing her hat in the ring for the Hot-Mess Mum Award after dropping a few too many mental-load balls (don’t even get us started on the drama that is the Centrelink portal).It’s honest, funny, and full of the small moments that make motherhood both ridiculous and re
E108: Itchy boobs, pelvic pain and sleep dilemmas
The girls are sharing their glimmers - from Beth’s pregnancy fatigue finally lifting to Lil being back teaching some scrummy, nurturing classes for mums.And as for growing pains…both are physical this week. Beth’s pelvis is hanging on by a thread, and Lil’s got two big, itchy problems she needs to get off her chest (literally).Plus, the girls are introducing a brand-new segment, it’s Mum’s versio
E107: Rituals, Rhythms & The Family Home with Courtney Adamo
This week, we sit down with the wonderful and wise Courtney Adamo — mother of five, writer, and creative who has beautifully navigated motherhood from newborn days through to tweens and teens.This conversation feels like a big, reassuring and warm hug for both Lilly and Beth — and we hope it lands the same way for you. Together we talk about:The rituals and rhythms that shape family lifeHow to cre
E106: First Trimester Survival Kit
This week, we put out the call — “What are your growing pains right now?” — and the response was loud and clear: first trimester survival.From nausea that’s simply relentless, to exhaustion that hits like a truck, to the juggle of parenting a toddler while growing another tiny human — we see you, and we (absolutely) feel it too… deep in our bones.There’s no silver bullet (we wish there was), but i
E105: Twins - Twice! With Leila from Village for Mama
This week the girls chat with the gorgeous Leila from Village for Mama, who shares the wild, journey that has shaped her motherhood so far.From welcoming her first baby, to twin boys, to now being pregnant again - and then discovering at 20 weeks that she’s having twins for the second time (!!) - Leila speaks so generously about surrender, identity, intuition and the unexpected paths motherhood ca
E104: Beth's Having Twins! First Trimester Recap
In this candid and emotional episode of Growing, host and midwife Beth shares the incredible news - she’s pregnant with twins!From the moment she found out she was expecting again, to the surprise that unfolded at her dating ultrasound, Beth takes listeners inside her first trimester experience - the physical, emotional and mental ups and downs of twin pregnancy.You’ll hear her talk through:How it
E103: Bodywork - The Ultimate Labour Hack With Gab Lorri
This week, the girls sit down with the incredible Gabrielle from G.Lorri Labour Bodywork to chat all things pregnancy, body preparation and labour support. If you’re pregnant, planning to be, or curious about how bodywork can support birth, this episode is full of insight, warmth and practical wisdom.Together they explore:How bodywork can support labour progress and reduce tensionBreath, movement
E102: Pregnancy Insights: Lil on VBAC, Pregnancy Plans & Growing Again
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 oneHow she’s thinking about her birth team and the kind of support she wants around
E101: Life with Two Kids - One Year On
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 rel
E100: Big News & Holiday Chaos
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 thr
E99: Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition with Dietitian Niki
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 forWhy it’s okay if your pregnancy diet looks a little or a lot beige (hello, salty carbs!)How to nourish
EP98: Lil’s Gentle Journey To Weaning
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 approachHow
Baby Wearing 101: Safety, Benefits & Keeping Your Baby Close
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
E96: Feeding The Family: Our Grocery Budgets, Hacks And Go-To Meals
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'tOur go-to meals that we serve on repeatHow we plan our meals, snacks, staples and freezer fillersThis is a nosy lo
E95: Realistic Recovery After Birth
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 actua
E94: VBAC: A Conversation with Dr Hazel Keedle
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.
E93: Unpacking our latest motherhood dilemmas (aka our 'Growing Pains')
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 fee
E92: Can we talk about trying to conceive?
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.This episode addresses how 'tr
E91: Meeting Mum in Matrescence: A Practical Guide for Dads
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
☎️ Call the Midwife - Ask us Anything
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?Birt
E90: An Honest Look At Sleep - What's Working For Us
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:Li
☎️ Call the Midwife: Safe Exercise in Pregnancy
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, confide
E89: No one told me!? Motherhood edition
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
E88: What Your Midwife Wishes You Knew
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 c
E83: How to Make Mother’s Day Feel Like Yours
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 sp
☎️ Call the Midwife: Understanding Your Baby’s Movements in Pregnancy
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 kicksWhy there’s no “perfect” number of movements to countHow to tune into your baby’s unique patternWhat to do
☎️ Call the Midwife: Routine Pregnancy Tests & Screenings
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
E87: Vaginal Birth Non-Negotiables + Catch Up With Beth And Lilly!
In this episode of Growing, we unpack our top non-negotiables for vaginal birth from our experience as both Mothers and Midwives. We provide some midwifery insight on the essential knowledge, items and mindset shifts that help you step into labour and postpartum feeling supported, informed, and powerful. From evidence based quality birth education to pain relief tools and practical support, we dis
☎️ Call the Midwife: Pregnancy Aches & Pains
Growing a tiny human? Your body’s working overtime - and sometimes, it absolutely lets you know.This episode of Call the Midwife, our expert-led mini-series by Growing the Podcast, is all about the physical changes and discomforts of pregnancy. From the sharp twinges of round ligament pain to the deep pelvic pressure of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), we unpack what’s typical, what might need f
E86: Weaning Feels: The Ups, Downs and Practical Tips
In this episode, Beth revisits her journey of weaning her eldest daughter, Poppy - something that many mums go through, but few talk about. Weaning isn’t just about dropping feeds. It can be a whole-body, whole-heart experience filled with hormonal shifts, emotional ups and downs, and often, a surprising sense of loss. Whether you’re thinking about weaning, in the thick of it, or supporting someon
☎️ Call the Midwife: Safe Sleep in Pregnancy
Welcome back to Call the Midwife, a special mini-series from Growing - this mini series is your go-to shortcut to everything you should know about pregnancy. Whether you’re newly pregnant, in your third trimester, or just planning ahead, this series is here to guide you with warmth, evidence, and real-life insight.In this episode, we’re talking about something simple but so important: safe sleep d
E85: All the Ways to Nourish Your Baby - with Dr. Eliza Hannam
We know feeding your baby isn’t always straightforward. This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by Dr. Eliza Hannam - GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Possums-accredited practitioner and founder of Nurtured Medical for a refreshingly honest and non-judgemental chat about all the ways to nourish your baby.Whether you’re breastfeeding, mixed feeding, bottle fee
