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Beth Ryan and Lilly Claxton

Growing

A Parenting and Kids & Family podcast

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About the show

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.

Newest episodes

It's Sibling Coded | Is sibling roughhousing okay? A haunted hotel and making paid work, work.

1 hr 2 min

Lil is absolutely exhausted and has a sneaking suspicion she’s only just reached the tip of the iceberg that is parenting. This week, we get into the bigger, heavier conversations that come with raising little boys in the current climate, navigating the realities of male violence and thinking about the kind of world we’re raising our children in. Not exactly light dinner conversation, but an important one. The glimmer? Her boys have well and truly become siblings. In all the beautiful, heart-bursting ways, but also all the stretchy, chaotic and occasionally rage-inducing ways. Turns out the sibling era is a whole new adventure. Beth, meanwhile, had the spookiest of Halloweens. What was meant to be a glimmery, restorative evening turned out to be quite the opposite. But there’s a familiar glimmer waiting in the wings: the mums. The ones deep in the trenches alongside us, who make everything feel a little lighter and somehow deliver the goods in the form of a glorious two-hour uninterrupted lunch. A love language, really. We also get into the weeds of motherhood and returning to work, and that strange limbo land so many women find themselves navigating. The competing pulls, the identity shifts and the sticky business of trying to make it all work. On the Rebuild: Good news, girls. We’re probably all getting our steps in. Toddlers, babies and small children are essentially personal trainers who refuse to let you sit down. Just don’t be surprised if your watch or ring isn’t giving you credit for all those pram walks. Lil’s recipe: Chicken Caesar Tacos. Because why choose between taco night and a Caesar salad when you can have both? Beth’s recipe: A spicy marg for the cocktail lovers, plus a delicious non-alcoholic alternative with Dayse Lemon Myrtle⁠. Lil’s recommendation: Bare BOBI deodorant wipes⁠ — a little freshen-up for the days when a shower feels like an ambitious undertaking. Beth’s recommendation: Bioderma cleansing oil⁠ — a little skincare glimmer worth adding...

I Don’t Need To Know, Respectfully | Friendship in motherhood, baffling encounters and rejecting toxic nostalgia

1 hr 4 min

The girls are back, and apparently the world has been providing us with plenty to unpack. Lil is still living her nomadic era, with home well and truly beckoning her back, so we're chatting about the elusive village jackpot, the privilege of sharing different seasons of motherhood with your friends and just how much that village can mean. For this week's Growing Pains, both girls have had some rather baffling encounters out in the wild and, naturally, needed to bring them straight to the Glimmer Girls. We also get into the parenting milestones that make your heart burst, with Beth reaching a pretty magical new stage with her eldest. A little reminder that somehow, amidst all the chaos, it really does just keep getting better and better. Dare we say the max capass might even be feeling a little more spacious? Lil's Rebuild: A little Yamba love for Free the Coconut because sometimes a little movement and time for yourself is exactly what you deserve.  Beth's recommendation: The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer is making an appearance. Anything that takes one more job off the parenting to-do list gets our attention. Recipe: Beth is loving the Bakers Delight x Mingle collaboration. Because good bread and good flavour are always a winning combination. Avo toast hates to see us coming.  Lil's recommendation: A little appreciation post for Reflections Holiday Parks and their beautiful coastal camping and holiday spots. Easy and very family friendly.  A huge thank you to our sponsor, Sound Slam! Discover Sound Slam playful, research-informed literacy games helping little ones build the foundations for reading, through play. A lovely way to bring a little learning into everyday moments.  We're so grateful you're here and growing alongside us. If you're loving the podcast, please share it with a mum friend you're deep in the trenches with. And if you have a spare moment, we'd absolutely love a five-star review — it genuinely helps more women find our little corner of the internet. 

Choose Your Own Adventure | Period anxiety, postpartum body pressures and who’s doing 10k steps??

47 min

This week, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure of premenstrual anxiety, the post-breastfeeding hormone dive, yet another to do list and the many ways being a woman can feel like a lot.  Lil is coming up for air in yet another postpartum era and reckoning with the relentless societal pressure to “bounce back”. The girls discuss what if bounceback has had an unwanted rebrand? Lil’s making a conscious (and slightly rebellious) decision to put down the pressure, find joy in her body where she can and start reclaiming a little of herself. Because good things are hard, and sometimes choosing your current self is the rebuild. Lil’s recommendation: Her Breville coffee machine is getting a big tick of approval, especially with sales on the horizon. Beth’s recommendation: Usborne activity books for preschool-aged littles. A win for the kids and potentially a few minutes of peace for the grown-ups. Recipe: We’re both loving the special-edition Marley Spoon menu with Elizabeth Hewson, inspired by her cookbook. A little dinner inspiration for the weekly rotation. A huge thank you to our sponsor, ergoPouch. Their swaddle bags are staples in our households. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off sitewide. T&Cs apply. Come for the glimmers, stay for the hormonal deep dives, postpartum reality checks and conversations that are absolutely not medical advice… just two midwives talking (a lot).

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All episodes

It's Sibling Coded | Is sibling roughhousing okay? A haunted hotel and making paid work, work.

1 hr 2 min

Lil is absolutely exhausted and has a sneaking suspicion she’s only just reached the tip of the iceberg that is parenting. This week, we get into the bigger, heavier conversations that come with raising little boys in the current climate, navigating the realities of male violence and thinking about the kind of world we’re raising our children in. Not exactly light dinner conversation, but an important one. The glimmer? Her boys have well and truly become siblings. In all the beautiful, heart-bursting ways, but also all the stretchy, chaotic and occasionally rage-inducing ways. Turns out the sibling era is a whole new adventure. Beth, meanwhile, had the spookiest of Halloweens. What was meant to be a glimmery, restorative evening turned out to be quite the opposite. But there’s a familiar glimmer waiting in the wings: the mums. The ones deep in the trenches alongside us, who make everything feel a little lighter and somehow deliver the goods in the form of a glorious two-hour uninterrupted lunch. A love language, really. We also get into the weeds of motherhood and returning to work, and that strange limbo land so many women find themselves navigating. The competing pulls, the identity shifts and the sticky business of trying to make it all work. On the Rebuild: Good news, girls. We’re probably all getting our steps in. Toddlers, babies and small children are essentially personal trainers who refuse to let you sit down. Just don’t be surprised if your watch or ring isn’t giving you credit for all those pram walks. Lil’s recipe: Chicken Caesar Tacos. Because why choose between taco night and a Caesar salad when you can have both? Beth’s recipe: A spicy marg for the cocktail lovers, plus a delicious non-alcoholic alternative with Dayse Lemon Myrtle⁠. Lil’s recommendation: Bare BOBI deodorant wipes⁠ — a little freshen-up for the days when a shower feels like an ambitious undertaking. Beth’s recommendation: Bioderma cleansing oil⁠ — a little skincare glimmer worth adding...

I Don’t Need To Know, Respectfully | Friendship in motherhood, baffling encounters and rejecting toxic nostalgia

1 hr 4 min

The girls are back, and apparently the world has been providing us with plenty to unpack. Lil is still living her nomadic era, with home well and truly beckoning her back, so we're chatting about the elusive village jackpot, the privilege of sharing different seasons of motherhood with your friends and just how much that village can mean. For this week's Growing Pains, both girls have had some rather baffling encounters out in the wild and, naturally, needed to bring them straight to the Glimmer Girls. We also get into the parenting milestones that make your heart burst, with Beth reaching a pretty magical new stage with her eldest. A little reminder that somehow, amidst all the chaos, it really does just keep getting better and better. Dare we say the max capass might even be feeling a little more spacious? Lil's Rebuild: A little Yamba love for Free the Coconut because sometimes a little movement and time for yourself is exactly what you deserve.  Beth's recommendation: The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer is making an appearance. Anything that takes one more job off the parenting to-do list gets our attention. Recipe: Beth is loving the Bakers Delight x Mingle collaboration. Because good bread and good flavour are always a winning combination. Avo toast hates to see us coming.  Lil's recommendation: A little appreciation post for Reflections Holiday Parks and their beautiful coastal camping and holiday spots. Easy and very family friendly.  A huge thank you to our sponsor, Sound Slam! Discover Sound Slam playful, research-informed literacy games helping little ones build the foundations for reading, through play. A lovely way to bring a little learning into everyday moments.  We're so grateful you're here and growing alongside us. If you're loving the podcast, please share it with a mum friend you're deep in the trenches with. And if you have a spare moment, we'd absolutely love a five-star review — it genuinely helps more women find our little corner of the internet. 

Choose Your Own Adventure | Period anxiety, postpartum body pressures and who’s doing 10k steps??

47 min

This week, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure of premenstrual anxiety, the post-breastfeeding hormone dive, yet another to do list and the many ways being a woman can feel like a lot.  Lil is coming up for air in yet another postpartum era and reckoning with the relentless societal pressure to “bounce back”. The girls discuss what if bounceback has had an unwanted rebrand? Lil’s making a conscious (and slightly rebellious) decision to put down the pressure, find joy in her body where she can and start reclaiming a little of herself. Because good things are hard, and sometimes choosing your current self is the rebuild. Lil’s recommendation: Her Breville coffee machine is getting a big tick of approval, especially with sales on the horizon. Beth’s recommendation: Usborne activity books for preschool-aged littles. A win for the kids and potentially a few minutes of peace for the grown-ups. Recipe: We’re both loving the special-edition Marley Spoon menu with Elizabeth Hewson, inspired by her cookbook. A little dinner inspiration for the weekly rotation. A huge thank you to our sponsor, ergoPouch. Their swaddle bags are staples in our households. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off sitewide. T&Cs apply. Come for the glimmers, stay for the hormonal deep dives, postpartum reality checks and conversations that are absolutely not medical advice… just two midwives talking (a lot).

Messy House, Happy Home? | Relationship quandaries, letting go of perfection and the truth behind "I'm good"

40 min

Beth’s back in a new family rhythm with her husband back at work, it’s a fresh round of juggling you know, just four kids, three of which are under two. The biggest pinch point in her days are the necessity of naps and yet, so tedious.  We’re chatting holiday realities with little kids, and while Lil is loving her Tasmanian farm stay, she’s also missing her village (and perhaps realising she doesn’t give it quite enough credit sometimes). We’re back in the relationship quandaries too, unpacking what it actually looks like to empower our partners in parenthood. Plus, Lil’s had a gentle little nudge back towards her own values, the things she loves and what really matters to her. Never a bad thing. Our usual R&R is a good representation of the juggle juggling, but Lil is here to report back on Berre Golden Oil and wishes she’d packed it for the kids’ skin against Tasmania’s cold, wild winds. A huge thank you to our sponsor, ergoPouch⁠. Their swaddle bags are absolute staples in our households. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off sitewide. T&Cs apply.

It's A Big Old Glimmer | Deep rest, farm life and a moth take over

51 min

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. Plus, Lil shares her experience flying with two little ones (shoutout to childless friends doing the most), Tassie farm-life fantasies and whether Ben can be convinced that suburban chickens are, in fact, essential.Turns out, you can love your life and still need a little break from it A huge thank you to ergoPouch, a long-time favourite in both our households. From swaddles to sleeping bags and big-kid PJs, we love their quality, gorgeous prints and clever TOG-rated designs. Shop the Nursery Rhymes collection and use code GROWING20 for 20% off site-wide. T&Cs apply. R&R: Recommendations, Recipes & Rebuilds BETH’S REBUILD - Deep rest Beth’s biggest takeaway from her work trip is that rest isn’t always about sleep. Consider this your permission slip to make space for you — whatever that looks like in this season. BETH’S RECOMMENDATION - Youth on HBO Max A new comedy from Sharon Horgan, the brilliant writer and star behind Bad Sisters. Smart, funny and centred on the messy business of being a woman in the world.  BETH’S RECIPE - Veggie-packed nachos A family-friendly dinner that gets the kids excited about corn chips while sneaking in plenty of goodness. Cook mince with grated zucchini, grated carrot, onion, black beans and taco seasoning. Spoon it over corn chips, top with grated cheese, then finish with avocado.  LIL’S RECOMMENDATION - A Basket by the Door by Sophie Hansen A beautiful cookbook full of achievable recipes for sharing, freezing, dropping off and showing people you care. Sometimes there’s nothing better than flicking through an actual cookbook, finding something...

The Guilt Trip | Navigating guilt, flying with kids and a pelvic floor breakthrough

48 min

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 celebrating big milestone breakthroughs. Plus, flying with babies and toddlers… watch this space. And, of course, both girls are off on trips so expect some adventures to debrief next time. Beth: Pelvic health physio. Immediate, genuinely great results. Consider this your sign to book the appointment.  Lil: Aldi frozen dumplings. Prawn Hargow and Xiao Long Bao. Easy, breezy, freezy. Plus, her Medela hand-held pump for mums wanting to pump without committing to the whole kit and caboodle. A huge thank you to ergoPouch — their swaddle bags are a staple in both our households. Use GROWING20 for 20% off site-wide. T&Cs apply. RECOMMENDATIONS, RECIPES + REBUILDSGROWING SPONSOR

Bodily Fluids Everywhere | A toilet training breakthrough, vomit everywhere and the grief of losing your hair straightener

40 min

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 success.  Lil is captain community and trying to work out are we just *trashed* by a Friday and is her walk and talk group better as a hump day treat on a Wednesday? Good news is they’re almost at the finish line of the marathon that is toilet training. And the crowd went wild.  Lil’s recommending her April 29 Phone Strap  because in this gig two hands are a luxury and you deserve to look good while juggling.  Lil’s recipe quick and easy (but actually going to fuel your day) kind of breakfast Recipearce Breakfast Burritos. Batch prepare them, freeze and enjoy.  Beth’s recipe is good old zucchini slice but this one has some delicious charred corn on top.  Beth’s bunk beds - Juniper Temple and Webster  And if this episode made you laugh, nod along, or feel a little less alone, share it with a mum, leave us a review, and come hang out with us on Instagram @growingthepodcast

Parenthood: Blind Optimism And Naivety | Spring break debrief, pram drama a style crisis and a breastfeeding update

1 hr 1 min

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) broken sleep, breast refusal, feeding changes and the emotional whiplash that comes with motherhood and some choices being taken out of our hands.  Lil is in full spring-reset mode: wardrobes, toy rotations, baby clothes, the house, the whole damn lot. Plus the eternal question: how the hell do I dress myself? Tips please.  We’re reminded, two things co-exist. You can be deeply grateful and completely depleted. You can adore your children and not enjoy a particular stage. You can know you’re doing a good job and feel like you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing. RECIPE | RECCOMENDATION | REBUILD Beth: Slow and steady, getting back to Pilates, paying attention to her core and pelvic floor, and remembering that consistency counts. Lil: Well and truly off the bandwagon - but the house has had a little spring rebuild. Does that count?  Lil’s loving Beeji Hats -  cute, dorky, scrunchable and extremely durable and has an affiliate code if your little one needs a hat refresh LB20. And for the Mums IKKARI shower oils  because sometimes you want to be a sexy slippery seal without having to moisturise.  Beth is recommending a watch The Five Star Weekend juicy, easy, relaxing viewing that won’t haunt you after the kids finally go to bed. Jeans: Rolla’s Gigi Barrel Jeans postpartum-friendly barrel-leg perfection.  Green Goddess Salad  prep the salad and dressing separately and keep them in the fridge for an easy meal situation.  And, as always, if you’re enjoying Growing, please share it with a mum, leave us a review or pop us in your group chat. It genuinely helps us keep doing...

*THROWBACK* The Transition From 1 -2 | Reflecting On The Last 12 Months

55 min

*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 have become part of the rich 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. Shop ergoPouch here - CODE NOT VALID - apologies. 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.

*THROWBACK* Unhinged pregnancy Confessions | We're heavily pregnant, cranky and leaning into TMI. Enjoy!

54 min

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 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 (because nothing is off limits here).  It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a big dose of solidarity for anyone in the thick of pregnancy - and a moment of silence for our poor husbands who were really on the receiving end of pregnancy irrits.  We’re so grateful to be in your ears and appreciate your patience with us. Next week, we’ll be back with a real-time update on our postpartum transitions after welcoming our baby boys (!!) just four days apart in early March. 

Did Someone Suggest a Spring Break? | Migraines, teething and a rebuild on the rocks

40 min

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. So her household has officially had a case of the grizzle grumps. But, as we know all too well, growing teeth isn’t easy - hence the entire premise of this segment: growing pains can be literal growing pains. Meanwhile, Lil is teetering on the edge of falling off her rebuild bandwagon and has decided that perhaps the rebuild is actually a magnesium hot chocolate in bed, a Strawberry Vanilla Burst Loco Love⁠  and a Kindle. And honestly? Who are we to argue with that. That is actual self care. Pssttt.. Beth has a code for the hot choc: BIRTHWITHBETH  She’s also recommending that everyone in her life listen to The Imperfects episode on Matrescence that includes you glimmer girls.  Beth is loving her Aesop body wash and Mixa moisturiser and her current rebuild is simple: upping her steps, especially now she can get out and about a little more easily with the twins. And an honourable mention goes to the Babybee LUNA2 Double Pram⁠ Lil picked hers up on Marketplace and, full disclosure, Beth has worked with Babybee — but the sentiment remains: that’s a bloody great double pram for getting two babies in and out of the car. And as always, come hang out with us over on Instagram @Growingthepodcast and tell us what you’re growing through, what your current rebuild looks like and, most importantly, what you’re currently recommending to your fellow Glimmer Girls.

This Is Heaps | Hair loss, sleep advice from Reddit and surrendering to parenthood

41 min

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. Of course we are.  Lil has revisited the toddler trenches she’s been stuck in, with a bit of a lock-in this week. She’s well and truly (and happily) surrendered to being deep in parenthood - with a few little signs that perhaps this is just the season she’s in right now. (Subtext: Ooshie swap IYKYK).  REBUILD Consistency for Beth  again the rebuild isn’t always dramatic. It’s just continuing to show up for the things that make you feel good. Lil’s getting a Fresh haircut and TBC does and should she just lop it all off.  RECIPES + RECOMMENDATIONS Pesto chicken in a pitta wrap. An easy little winner that has made its way firmly into Beth’s rotation. Spanakopita meatballs. YUM. That’s all. Love Lil.  Air Toobz. A great toy with endless fun, good for the rotation! THE UNDIES UPDATE Thank you for your recommendations because, honestly, this is the kind of important investigative journalism we are here for. The Glimmer Girls have spoken and Boody was the clear winner, with Nat’V Nala and Jaymes also getting plenty of love. Come join the conversation over on Instagram @growingthepodcast and tell us what you’re rebuilding, what you’re eating and what you’re currently trying to keep alive including but not limited to children, herbs and hair.

Are We Growing Or Just Eating Humble Pie? | Toddler trenches, holding boundaries and twin exhaustion hits hard

42 min

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 also looking for a little software upgrade.  Beth is five months in with the twins and off the back of vaccinations with two babies she’s had a big old week and discovered that perhaps four children is many, many children. The glimmer is she’s feeling the excitement and joy of stepping back into paid work (a little more) and is reminded of just how much she loves her job and business baby PowerBirth.  OUR REBUILDS Beth: Getting back into Pilates — two classes a week, three weeks running. Turns out everyone was annoyingly right: exercise does make you feel better. Lil: Early morning walks with Ben and the boys. If you're already awake, you may as well go for the river walk. RECIPE + RECOMMENDATIONS Pistachio Chocolate Dates: Dates + pistachio butter + melted chocolate = an elite little sweet treat. Pop the filled dates in the freezer before dipping them in chocolate so they hold their shape. Perfect for our pregnant listeners wanting to get their date fix. Pistachio Papi is the elite spread, could also just use pistachio butter.  Australia Post App: Lil has also discovered parcel tracking and parcel lockers and is wondering why nobody told her sooner. Also for our pilates princesses Leelo Active - Buttery, secure Pilates princess pants.  And Glimmer Girls - we want to hear from you. What parenting software are you currently upgrading? What does your rebuild look like?  Come tell us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast and join the conversation. 💌

Do I Actually Feel...Done? | Leaving pregnancy behind, brain fog fatigue and a relationship reset

52 min

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 yourselves. We hold hands while navigating the surprisingly heavy realisation at reaching the end of growing her family and how utterly unready she and her husband  feel about the finality of saying goodbye to pregnancy, newborns and the early-baby years. It’s big and bittersweet. Perhaps the biggest surprise is realising that you can be completely content with your family while still grieving the end of a chapter you aren't quite ready to close. Rebuild - Beth has been hitting her exercise classes hard and finding a new flow—and a little more confidence along the way. Get it, girl. Lil is trialling a weekend digital detox. Hallelujah. Brick praise be.  Recipe - Lil made this wintry chicken soup for her household and it slaps in the most nourishing way. Recommendation, but actually a reverse recommendation: Girly girls… what knickers are we wearing?! Seamless, comfortable, breathable, natural fibres… does the perfect pair exist? Please tell us what you're buying. And have you downloaded Too Good To Go?! Mystery boxes aplenty, potentially enough to feed many a little mouth. Beth’s into it.  And as always, come and join the conversation over on Instagram at @growingthepodcast. Tell us: are you feeling the brain fog, how did you handle closing the baby chapter?  Rebuild, Recipes & Recommendations

It's Giving Slump | A midyear energy dip, sleepless nights and choosing self care even when it's inconvenient

47 min

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 working… kind of. But she’s had the realisation that self-care and an exercise routine probably aren’t going to look convenient in this season of motherhood and she’s choosing to prioritise them anyway. Recipes & Recommendations Beth is recommending her LED face mask. We know… it’s wildly indulgent, but Beth’s verdict? Worth it. Here’s a little comparison to save you the research.  Lil is living in her cosy Linen House dressing gown. Recipe Tin Eats’ Birthday Cake is every bit as delicious as everyone says it is. Yes, it’s involved. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Lil’s current breakfast obsession is a throw-together porridge with cinnamon, sultanas, peanut butter and a splash of vanilla. Add an egg while cooking for extra protein, or top with Greek yoghurt to serve. And on the rebuilding front? Lil has treated herself to a few new exercise outfits because she deserves them and she’s a Pilates Princess, after all. Beth has booked her first exercise class in.  Yehaaa. Look at us go. As always, come and join the conversation over on Instagram at @growingthepodcast⁠. We’d love to know what’s one small thing you’re doing this week to rebuild and refill your cup? 

It’s A Rebuild Not A Bounce Back | Postpartum body image, self confidence and deciding something needs to change

47 min

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 are huge and honestly kind of cataclysmic in their own right so we try and tease out our thoughts on it all and who we are between milky mumming 24/7.  Recipes & Recommendations Lilly is recommending a Mexican version of the viral Hot Honey Beef⁠ Plus this episode The Imperfects – Confidence⁠ that inspired today’s chat. She’s also obsessed with the Kmart Spot Cleaner⁠ paired with Vax Platinum Professional Cleaning Solution⁠ for bringing couches and feeding chairs back to life. Beth is happily living cruise control version of the Marley Spoon life and shares her simple cradle cap treatment using QV Dermacare , QV Baby Gentle Wash and a soft baby comb like this one. If today’s conversation resonated with you, we’d absolutely love to hear from you.  Come and join the conversation over on Instagram at @growingthepodcast⁠ and tell us: what’s one small thing you’re doing this week to slowly rebuild your confidence?

What A Week Folks | Postpartum, PMS and RSV Hits Hard

46 min

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 beautiful relief of watching Franklin settle into his happy little self. We also chat about the unexpected magic of slowing down. Sometimes the best play doesn’t come from another activity it comes from boredom, imagination and letting kids create their own little worlds. This weeks R&R:  Beth is loving Couples Therapy on SBS, open-ended toys and a hearty meatball soup. Lil is recommending Ottolenghi’s Chicken Marbella⁠ and the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil⁠ (or the more budget-friendly MCo Beauty Smoothing Almond Oil Body Wash⁠) for a little everyday luxury. Glimmer girls - we know you get it and god we’re grateful.  Follow us! @growingthepodcast @birthwithbeth_ @lillian.beth

No One Gets Sicker Than A Husband | Winter Bugs, Mastitis Remedies And A Dummy Fairy Update

39 min

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 has officially worked her magic at Lil’s house. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to cure Lil’s husband of the dreaded man flu. Some things are simply beyond even fairy-level powers. Beth has your Sunday breakfast sorted with fluffy pancakes and a lip gloss that’s giving peak Y2K nostalgia. Lil is loving the children’s books Fairy Beach, Fairy Forest and honourable mention to Here Come the Cousins, plus a batch of homemade muesli bars that make the perfect nourishing postpartum snack. As always, thank you for being here, Glimmer Girlies. We adore you. 🤍 IG @growingthepodcast Hosts: @birthwithbeth_ & @lillian.beth

She's Still In There: Identity shifts, postpartum fatigue and getting out the door with little kids.

53 min

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 toddler and two tiny babies out of the house.  Meanwhile Lil’s postpartum fatigue has finally caught up with her and the very real tension of desperately wanting to soak up every moment while also needing five uninterrupted minutes.  This week Lil is recommending a comforting chicken pot pie recipe, while Beth loved reading The Heir Apparent. Lil wants to shout out Namastudio’s sentimental name prints⁠, and the Babybee Luna Pram⁠ — bought second-hand and absolutely obsessed. As always Glimmer Girlies, thank you for spending a little part of your week with us. We hope this episode reminds you that even if parts of yourself feel a little dormant right now, they’re still there — and so are we. 🤍

Does The Dummy Fairy Toilet Train?

49 min

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.  Meanwhile Beth is firmly in the trenches navigating the intense reality of breastfeeding two babies. Amongst the chaos comes a beautiful full circle moment with the twins and a reminder that sometimes the very best things in life look nothing like ‘the plan’ Beth is recommending a breastfeeding cover from Promised The Label for distracted babies and feeding on the go, while Lil has been hooked by Silver Elite — a dystopian read with just enough lust to successfully drag her off her phone, which frankly feels like personal growth. Recipe wise Beth has whipped up a meatball recipe for us, while Lil is loving a breakfast crumble moment — think apple crumble energy, but throw in some nuts, seeds and yoghurt so it feels vaguely nourishing. And a huge thank you to our sponsor Sound Slam⁠ — an incredible Aussie-made learning tool helping little ones build the early literacy skills that support school readiness through fun, play-based learning. Big fans over here. As always Glimmer Girlies — thank you for being here, we’re so glad you are 🤍  Join us on Instagram @growingthepodcast @birthwithbeth and @lillian.beth and if you haven’t already left us a 5 star review wherever you listen we would be so grateful. 

Breaking News: This Is Hard

54 min

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 reflects on life with the twins and how, with a little hindsight, some parts of this season have felt heavy. It’s a lot… but gosh golly, it’s worth it. Meanwhile Lil would like to formally acknowledge that she misses the era of spontaneous vinos with girlfriends. And can we all agree we are somehow simultaneously under and overstimulated at once? How is that possible. Science, explain. Beth has a bliss ball recipe to tackle the breastfeeding munchies and is currently loving the surprisingly elite shhhhhh setting on ErgoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine⁠ — highly recommend giving it a whirl. Lil is recommending house slippers, ignoring the state of your floors, and stocking the freezer with these Shredded Mexican Beef Burritos⁠ because future you deserves support. A little love this week for Sound Slam a brilliant Aussie-created, play-based learning tool. Grounded in the science of reading, it helps little ones develop phonological awareness through connection, play and learning that genuinely feels fun (which frankly is the dream). Perfect for families wanting to build confidence before those school years arrive. As always, thank you Glimmer Girlies. Motherhood can feel enormous, beautiful, relentless and deeply humbling all at once — we see you, and we’re so glad you’re here 🤍 Follow us! @growingthepodcast @birthwithbeth_ @lillian.beth

It's Not Us, It's Them

48 min

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 chronic or cute? Hard to say. And yes, before anyone tells us to touch grass… we know. We bought the brick, we’re just not emotionally ready to unpack it yet. Meanwhile Lil has absolutely unravelled after her toddler both taking a tumble and getting a haircut in the same week. Too much change. Too much growth. Frankly the fragile postpartum heart was not built for tiny curls hitting the salon floor. Take my eyesight, sure. But not my baby’s curls. If things are feeling heavy, please reach out to your GP, maternal child health nurse or The Gidget Foundation Australia⁠. This week we’re recommending two elite zucchini slices — RecipeTin Eats Zucchini Slice⁠ and Krumbled Foods Cheesy Zucchini Slice⁠  and for the love of God, cook ya bloody bacon. Lil is loving Milk & Bloom Lactation Cookies⁠, Beth is recommending Dr Siggie⁠ for all things parenting, and when the stars align, she’s  squeezing in an episode of The Day of the Jackal. As always, thank you Glimmer Girlies. Wherever this episode finds you — we’re so glad you’re here.  Follow us! @growingthepodcast

Q&A Ask Us Anything: Postpartum Edition

43 min

 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 Postpartum Dressing Episode⁠ Lil’s Skincare Roster La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+⁠ Aeon Liquid Magic  Avocado Zinc  Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops⁠ We are so grateful you’re here - sending you a little glimmer of love for wherever you’re at.

Beauty Admin, Brazilian Waxes And...The Weather?

40 min

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 season where time is a luxury commodity. Hair appointments? Brows? Skincare routines? Who is she and where exactly is she supposed to find the time? As always, there are recommendations. Beth brings a surprisingly effective source of toddler entertainment in the form of John Deere videos on YouTube, while Lil introduces us to the glorious Italian concept of the "Umarell" — retired men who spend their days observing construction sites with their hands clasped behind their backs, generously offering advice to the workers. A lunch box friendly Raspberry Oat Muffin available here And because no episode would be complete without a sweet treat, Lil is recommending the Loco Love Pistachio chocolate, which may or may not be getting her through the breastfeeding sweetie snack attack.  If you're in a season that feels messy, relentless, beautiful, exhausting, or all of the above, consider this your reminder that you're not alone. We're right there with you. 

Is The Commune Ready?

55 min

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, Lilly has survived her first week with her husband back at work and it was mostly magical… with, of course, several moments of complete madness. The logistics have logistics, the toddler activities need activity cherries on top, and Beth comes through with some genuinely brilliant mum tips for making the day work for you. Once again, the women are the best. Thank you for being here - we simply adore you. Also if you haven’t yet watched Off Campus, well what are you waiting for dolly? Recommendations & Recipes Lil’s Recipe:An easy throw-together biscuit recipe perfect for little helping hands and those “we need an activity immediately” afternoons. Toddler Biscuit Recipe Lil’s Recommendation: Spotify audiobooks for kids - an unexpected little parenting gem La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 a gentle little skin saviour for dry, irritated, postpartum-everything skin Beth’s Recommendation: Prime Minister - the Jacinda Ardern documentary Because we promised Lil’s mum: Australian Breastfeeding Association Mastitis Resource

Let’s Hear It for the Mums

39 min

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 rollercoaster that comes with trying to care for everyone whilst also feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.  Meanwhile Lil is entering a brand new season with her husband back at work, juggling two kids, attempting toilet training but that’s a story for another day. Lil’s recipe recommendation is for the freshly postpartum mums finally ready to emerge for a crispy vino, sashimi and a tiny taste of freedom. Trust us — this one is elite. Tuna Sashimi Dip  And Beth’s cosy watch recommendation this week is Off Campus on Prime - fluffy, romantic, easy watching for tired mums wanting to float into another world at the end of the day. Join us on Instagram @growingthepodcast and share with your fellow friends, sisters, mums - the wonderful women in your life. 

Please not the park, again.

42 min

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 day feeling a little overstimulated, underwhelmed or strangely emotional… we completely get it. Lil has been experiencing the challenges of an unsettled baby and the girls hold hands and remind each other that yes this parts: equally normal, hard, magical and utterly mad. Plus our usual R&R recommendations because we’ll never stop trying to romanticise the trenches. Lilly found this podcast episode with Dr Eliza Hannam helpful for reassuring her on unsettled babies: Bloom with Body, Birth & Baby episode with Dr Eliza Hannam Lil’s current nervous system obsession: Krumbled Magnesium Hot Chocolate (Adding collagen because we’re trying to thrive, not just survive.) Use Beth’s code: BIRTHWITHBETH Beth’s recommendation: a postpartum wardrobe refresh. Nothing dramatic — just a few pieces that help you feel a tiny bit more like you when leaving the house with milk stains and two minutes of sleep. Beth’s Recipe: nourishing lemon chicken soup that’s freezer-friendly and genuinely delicious: Avgolemono Soup Recipe Huge thanks to ergoPouch for supporting the podcast this month. We are deep in our newborn cocoon era and leaning heavily on ergoPouch right now — from their beautiful swaddles and sleep suits to the cot sheets that somehow survive the endless overnight changes. We’re also obsessed with the Drift Away Sound Machine, which has become part of our entire nighttime rhythm. Use our code BIRTHWITHBETH for 20% off until the end of May. If this episode made you feel seen, send it to a mum friend who’s also somewhere between blissed out and barely holding it together 💛 And don’t...

Beth’s Birth Story: Identical Twin Boys

1 hr 7 min

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 of choice and leave a review if you love the show. This helps us to grow and land in the ears of those who need a little solidarity amongst the magic and madness of motherhood. 

The Wheels Simply *Must* Keep Turning: Updates From The Postpartum Trenches

58 min

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 witching hour or just… our personality now?” Lil is, once again, back in her toxic situationship with her phone (again… again 🙃), while Beth is emerging - phoenix-like — feeling a little more like herself physically, which we are celebrating loudly. Somewhere in the middle of all of this, we’re both finding a rhythm… not a good one, not a consistent one, but a rhythm nonetheless and honestly that feels like growth. It’s chaotic, it’s honest — and if you’re in early postpartum too, this one will feel like sitting on the couch with friends who are also just trying to piece it together 🤍 🍝 R&R — Recipe & Recommendation Beth’s Recipe: Crispy chilli oil — less of a recipe, more of a personality trait at this point. Put it on everything and suddenly you’re thriving. Beth’s RecommendationStrangers by Belle Burden - a beautifully raw memoir about identity, motherhood, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go to plan.  Lil’s Recommendation For freshly postpartum, breastfeeding mums: lymphatic massage for breast engorgement — game changing. Lil swears by doing it in the shower with a lush oil or body wash and pretending it’s a wellness ritual instead of survival. It’s gentle, effective, and can bring real relief when things feel full, tight, and borderline offensive. Watch: Lymphatic Massage for Breast Engorgement (Step-by-Step) Lil’s Recipe: Burger nights at home 🍔 when capacity is low but vibes are still important. Head to Coles and grab the at-home Grill’d burger patties… elite, no notes.

Lil’s VBAC and Franklin’s Birth Story

57 min

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 Story This 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 systems she leaned into to move towards her VBAC. Like so many births, it isn’t completely linear… but that’s often where the magic lives. We talk through the mindset shifts, the body work, and the preparation that helped Lil feel ready to step into this experience — and what it actually looked like in real time. If you’re preparing for a VBAC or exploring your options, these episodes were a huge part of Lil’s preparation: VBAC with Hazel KeedleBody Work with G.LorriLil’s VBAC Preparation Episode This one is tender, powerful, and such a beautiful reminder of what it can look like to trust your body and your path — whatever that may be. 💛 If this episode resonated, please share it with someone preparing for birth or navigating their own VBAC journey. And if you haven’t already, leaving a review helps more women find Growing — we’re so grateful you’re here.

Four Weeks In - With Twins: Beth's Update

1 hr 3 min

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 then some), from cluster feeding chaos to figuring out whether syncing is even possible. What happens when both babies need you at once? What do nights look like? And what has genuinely helped when things feel intense? Beth shares what’s surprised her most about bringing two babies home, how she’s navigating family life with her older kids, and the small strategies and support systems that are making the biggest difference right now. A big thank you to ergoPouch for supporting this episode. We are deep in our newborn cocoon era right now and leaning heavily on ergoPouch — not just for their beautiful swaddles and sleep suits, but also their cot sheets (so soft and practical for those constant changes) and their Drift Away Sound Machine, which has been such a dreamy addition to our night-time rhythm. In those early days where everything can feel a little chaotic, having simple, reliable sleep essentials makes such a difference — it’s one less thing to think about when you’re running on very little sleep. You can use our code BIRTHWITHBETH for 20% off site wide (T&C's apply) It’s honest and hopefully full of solidarity for anyone in the newborn trenches, especially those doing it times two.

Honey, We’re Home: Our First Postpartum Update

58 min

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 4 and the incredible, all-consuming experience of stepping into life as a twin mum, while Lil navigates the transition from 1 to 2 - bringing a new baby home to a toddler and all the beautiful, complex family dynamics that come with it. We’re right in the messy middle, and our thoughts are right there with us - raw, evolving, and very real. We’re so grateful for our glimmer girls 🤍 thank you for the grace and patience as we find our feet in this next chapter. Sponsored by ergoPouch A big thank you to ergoPouch — we’re deep in our newborn cocoon era and leaning heavily on their sleep suits and swaddles. Use our code BIRTHWITHBETH for a cheeky discount on us.  T&Cs* Excluding: Lyra Convertible Cot, Skye Cot, Sale, Gifts, Multibys, Promos, Deluxe Mattress, Gift Vouchers and can not be used in conjunction with anything else.  Expires 11.59PM 30th April  💛 If you loved this episode, please leave us a review or share it with a mum who’s in the newborn trenches — it means the world and helps more women find Growing. Come and say hi: @growingthepodcast @lillian.beth @birthwithbeth_

Pregnancy Confessions: TMI Edition

54 min

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 (because nothing is off limits here).  It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a big dose of solidarity for anyone in the thick of pregnancy - and a moment of silence for our poor husbands who were really on the receiving end of pregnancy irrits.  We’re so grateful to be in your ears and appreciate your patience with us. Next week, we’ll be back with a real-time update on our postpartum transitions after welcoming our baby boys (!!) just four days apart in early March.  💤 Sponsored by ergoPouch A big thank you to ergoPouch — we are both huge lovers of their sleep suits and support, and currently deep in our cocoon swaddle era. Use our code BIRTHWITHBETH for 20% off sitewide* T&Cs* Excluding: Lyra Convertible Cot, Skye Cot, Sale, Gifts, Multibys, Promos, Deluxe Mattress, Gift Vouchers and can not be used in conjunction with anything else.  Expires 11.59PM 30th April  If this episode made you laugh or feel seen — please share it with a friend and leave us a review. It means the world and helps more women find Growing. Follow along: @growingthepodcast @lillian.beth @birthwithbeth_

Get To Know Us - Your Curious Questions Answered

59 min

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 into our relationships and love stories, and an honest reflection on how we’re thinking about growing our families and everything that comes with that. It’s a little nostalgic, a little chaotic, and a really special snapshot of who we are right now — just before everything changes again. 💛 If you loved this episode, send it to a friend or leave us a review — it helps more Glimmer Girls find Growing and we’re so grateful you’re here. Come say hi: @growingthepodcast @lillian.beth @birthwithbeth_

Our Baby Must-Haves

33 min

Our Baby Must-Haves This 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 are only used for a short window — borrow from a friend, pass things on, and share the love where you can. 🍼 Our Must-Haves Bassinets Bednest Bassinet — Lil’s pickIl Tutto CoZee Co-Sleeper — Beth’s pickPrams Lil started with the Nuna Next + Capsule, but found her Milly + Coup Travel Pram more useful long-term. This time she’s gone second-hand with the Bugaboo Donkey for its single-to-double flexibility. Beth loved her Redsbaby Pram for her first two, and now has the Babybee Luna Double. For travel, she swears by the Babyzen YOYO. Carriers Portier Carrier — the ultimate workhorseChekoh Wrap Carrier — perfect for those early newborn daysSwaddles Swaddle Up / Swaddle King style — great in the early days (Lil loved jersey material)ergoPouch — both girls love once baby is rollingHalcyon Nights Swaddles — Beth’s favouritePlay Mats Munchkin & Bear Playmat — wipeable and practical (Beth)Muse Edition Playmat — aesthetic and functional (Lil)Bottles Pigeon BottlesBouncer BabyBjörn Bouncer — loved by both (Lil bought second-hand this time)Onesies Bonds — especially press-stud zippys and snap singletsSeed HeritageCotton On KidsTarget Organic Cotton — great affordable staplesFeeding Lights Amazon Night Light — soft, practical glowKrystle Knight Selenite Lamp — a more luxe, calming optionNappy Caddies Kiin Baby Caddy — Lil’s pickBunnie Nappy Caddy  — Beth’s pickBreast Pumps MomCozy Portable Pump — convenient for on-the-go (Lil)Spectra Pump — hospital-grade, absolute workhorse (Beth)Feeding Chair Il Tutto Nursing Chair — worth the investment (both agree) Lil didn’t have one first time...

Officially On Baby Watch 👀

58 min

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 whole family unit. In amongst it the girls share their usual Growing Glimmers and Pains covering everything from toilet training, birth plans and the frustration of nesting with toddlers in tow. As always, if you love this conversation - share it with your friends! We are so appreciative of your support in helping the show to thrive and grow. Thanks for listening and we'll be back in your ears next Wednesday. Hosted by midwives and mothers: 🎙 Lilly Claxton - IG @lillian.beth 🎙 Beth Ryan - IG @birthwithbeth_

Is Parental Leave Possible When You Run A Business?? Beth Shares Her Plan

47 min

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 of early motherhood. We speak honestly about the pinch point so many women feel: the tension between professional identity and maternal identity. The desire for spaciousness, presence, and softness… alongside the very real financial and practical considerations that don’t disappear just because a baby (or two!!) arrives. Beth shares what intentional planning has looked like for her - what she’s putting in place, what she’s letting go of, and how she’s preparing both logistically and emotionally for this next season. If you’re navigating maternity leave, returning to work, running a business, or simply sitting in the in-between, we hope this episode makes you feel seen. If this conversation resonated, please share it with a Mum friend who’s also wading her way through the juggle. And if you haven’t already, we’d be so grateful for a rating or review — it helps more women find our little corner of the internet. We know we’re bias but if you’ve listened and you’re looking for your own birth education now is the perfect opportunity to book with PowerBirth ✨  Find us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast @birthwithbeth and @lillian.beth 

Postpartum Princess Priorities

46 min

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 beautiful body wash can go a surprisingly long way. Think less “bounce back,” more cocoon, nourish, and be held. ✨ Postpartum Princess Priorities   Pajamas Papinelle — luxe softness with timeless styles Piyama — made for pregnancy and postpartum Kmart — affordable and surprisingly comfy staples Target — great everyday options Bonds — iconic Aussie comfort wear Lounge Sets Kmart Target Nude Lucy — elevated basics you’ll live in  H&M — soft, relaxed fits at a good price point Undies & Bras Hotmilk Lingerie — supportive and actually pretty Milk the Label — minimalist maternity essentials Bare Mum Compression Undies — gentle support for recovery Skin Care & Freshness Prep Step — Go-To Skincare — a gentle exfoliating swipe that makes you feel instantly refreshed No Pong Natural Deodorant — effective and gentle Aēsop Travel Kit — small luxuries that make you feel like yourself again Midnight feeds   Soft lighting - a necessity  Krumble Hot Chocolate — a cozy, indulgent cup that feels like a hug in mug form Kindle or a good comfort watch  Full water bottle (!!!) Spare sets of sheets  If you’re in the newborn trenches (or preparing to be), we hope this episode feels like a warm hug and a reminder that caring for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

Toddlers Swearing - Cute Or Concerning?

50 min

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’s a cosy catch-up filled with the realities of parenting transitions, practical home tweaks, comfort recipes, and the little things making life feel easier (or at least more manageable). R&R - Recipes & Recommendations Beth's Picks Recommendation: For bedding that hits the sweet spot between quality and price, Beth is loving Sheet Society. She’s also using a ‘baby cage’ — to keep her toddler safely snug at night: Baby Smart Bed Rail Recipe: A hearty, freezer-friendly slow cooker bolognese — perfect for batch cooking before baby arrives. Add beef chuck and pork mince if you’re feeling fancy. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Lil’s Picks Lil is loving this confident queen on TikTok — a dose of energy and self-belief when you need it most: @_biarnca Recipe: A delicious (and semi-nutritious 👀) caramel slice that hits the sweet craving perfectly: Caramel Slice Recipe 💌 If you loved this episode, please share it with your mum club, leave us a review, or tag us on Instagram — we absolutely love having you here.

E122: VBAC Prep - Lil's Experience Preparing For Birth No. 2

48 min

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 conversations with your care provider and birth team. Together, we dive into many aspects of VBAC preparation, beyond birth prep, we deeply honour the postpartum space—acknowledging the need for gentle support, rest, and recovery in the weeks after birth. We mention Lil’s birth story, to her debrief of that experience, to mindset shifts, pain relief tools, and body work with G.Lorri. You also might enjoy our insightful chat with Hazel Keedle on VBAC, which is a must-listen for anyone walking this path. And if you’re curious about the evidence behind how midwives themselves birth and the outcomes associated, we reference this 2022 study on midwives birthing well and improved outcomes. We hope this episode feels supportive and empowering —wherever you are in your pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting journey.

E121: HEYYY MAMMA - What Not To Say To Pregnant Women

54 min

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 with a baby on the way.  Recipes: Hot chook mad? Check out @nataliechassay ‘One Chook Three Salads’ Series  @villageformama  Chicken & Quinoa Stew – nourishing, grounding, and perfect for the postpartum season (or any season, really). Recommendations @piyama_co Pajamas – Lil (on behalf of Beth and herself) is voting PJs as self-care essentials. They’re soft, cute, and perfect for your postpartum cocoon. Shop Piyama Lauren Sissons’ Fruit & Veg Memory Game – A gorgeous and fun way to play with your little one: Shop the Memory Game We’re so glad to have you here — truly. If you loved the episode, leave us a review, share with your mum club, or tag us over on Instagram: @growingthepodcast | @lillian.beth | @birthwithbeth_

E120: A Twin Pregnancy Deep Dive with Beth

59 min

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 pregnancy compares to Beth’s previous low-risk experiences Physical and emotional changes in the third trimester Birth planning: Caesarean, vaginal, or staying open? What the acronyms actually mean: DCDA vs MCDA vs MCMA twin pregnancies How Beth and her family are preparing practically and emotionally Mental health through pregnancy: the highs, the hard bits, and being held Beth shares generously and gently - with reflections that will resonate with any parent navigating uncertainty and excitement in equal measure. Podcasts we mentioned  Beth's Birth Story with Alfie and Beth's Birth Story with Poppy  Beth's Birth Debrief with Alfie Jodi Wilson's 4 Birth Stories and @practisingsimplicity  Gidget Foundation AustraliaIf this conversation brings up anything for you, or you're navigating perinatal mental health yourself, we encourage you to access support through the Gidget Foundation. Book a support session here If you loved this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow parent, leaving a kind review, or tagging us on  Instagram: @growingthepodcast  Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_

E119: Just You Wait...Bingo!

56 min

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. Just in time for that next postpartum cocoon. Meanwhile, Beth is in her feelings — her littlest love has just started daycare, and it’s a big shift. Huge love to any other parents navigating change and transition right now. Physically, the twin pregnancy toll is real and rising — and emotionally, Beth’s reflecting on the bittersweet beauty of watching her little sister step into motherhood but is fairly sure she got the baby shower games wrong... Lil’s Recommendation:For a glowy princess summer — Bondi Sands Tanning Milk Bondi Sands Tanning Milk. Because SPF and shimmer can absolutely co-exist. Beth’s Recipes:🥗 Chickpea & Halloumi Salad Quinoa Tinned chickpeas Roasted veggies Halloumi (pan-fried in sweet chilli sauce) Chopped herbs + rocket Lemon yogurt tahini dressing - inspired by Jessica Prescott’s Epic Salads  This link might inspire you further @jess__food 🍕 Easy-Peasy Pizzas Woollies dough balls Whatever toppings you’ve got Whacked in the air fryer (divine) Beth’s Recommendation:📚 Epic Salads by Jessica Prescott — because salad should never be boring. Help Us Grow If this episode made you laugh-snort, feel seen, or hungry for salad and sunshine, please share it with a friend, leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, or tag us on socials — it makes the world of difference to us. Follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast @lillian.beth @birthwithbeth_ Recommendations & RecipesWe love our glimmer girlies and we’re so grateful to have you here 💫

E118: Hot, (Pregnant & Anaemic) Girls Summer

41 min

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 in full-blown pajama gate. She treated herself to some delicious postpartum jammies only to discover they’re being held hostage at her old address. Drama. Cotton. Ruffles. Justice. On a more luxurious note, Beth prescribes every parent the ultimate tonic: a night away sans children. It’s the kind of medical advice we can all get behind. R&R (Recipe & Recommendation) Lil’s Recipe: Birthday Cake from RecipeTin Eats In honour of her baby boy turning TWO — cue the confetti and buttercream. Lil’s Recommendation: A chic, throw-on “moo moo” (her words, not ours) from Saffron Lane. Perfect for postpartum lounging with flair. Beth’s Recipe: Zooper Doopers. No prep. No shame. Just frozen glory in a plastic tube — because it’s hot and we’re pregnant. Beth’s Recommendation: UNE PIECE Swimwear. Yes, they were gifted, but Beth’s also put her money where her bump is — and she swears they’re worth every cent. Let’s Stay Connected Love the episode? Share it with your mums group, drop us a review, or tag us when you’re listening — we adore hearing from our glimmer girlies.  Follow along over on Instagram: @growingthepodcast @birthwithbeth_ @lillian.beth

E117: New year, same us! ✨

52 min

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 Lil hasn’t picked a word for the year (yet!) — but there’s still time and we know she doesn’t like being rushed and in her world there’s no such thing as being late… so whatever! Whether you’re riding the wave of school holidays or gently easing into your work year, this episode is here as a balm for wherever it finds you.  Beth’s Recommendation: She’s officially joined the air fryer fandom (late but loving it). If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign. Beth’s Recipe Pick: Cypriot grain salad — hearty, fresh, and perfect for summer gatherings. Hellenic Republic’s Cypriot Salad Lil’s Recommendation: The Housemaid — a gripping page-turner for your beach bag or bath soak. Bonus? It’s now a movie, so grab a friend, some popcorn and Maltesers, and make a date of it - we all know Lil will be, girl loves the flicks.  Lil’s Recipe Pick: Her go-to take on the same dish (because what’s better than two versions of a fave). Recipearce Cypriot Salad If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you shared it with a fellow parent, left a review, or tagged us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast. Let’s walk gently into 2026 together. Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_ This Week’s R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)

E116: What was *actually* in and out for us in 2025

1 hr 7 min

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 moments, but also some tender reminders of what truly anchored us this year.  Whether you’ve been here since our first episode together or you’re tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this growing community. We’re so lucky to have you with us — and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026. 

E115: All is calm.. all is sore

46 min

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 and a great hat go a long way. Sink into the slowness, enjoy being by the water. You bloody deserve it doll.  Recipe: A refreshing Mango Chia Seed Pudding — cool, nourishing and perfect for summer. Find the recipe here Recommendation: The MCO Beauty Lip Mask — a summer staple for dry, tired lips. Shop it here Recipe: A festive Christmas Quencher (non-alcoholic punch) — hydrating, celebratory and perfect for Christmas Eve sipping.  Lil’s Mums text about the quencher reads:  It starts with a lemon/sugar syrup -maybe 1 cup of sugar, juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup of water long strips of the lemon rind (use vegetable peeler) big sprigs of mint.  Boil together till sugar dissolves. Cool leaving rind and mint in the syrup until you put the quencher together.  Add the strained quencher base to a large tin of pineapple juice, ginger ale and soda water. Ps while we’re talking about Lil’s Mum the naked reference quote from this weeks chat is here  A very Merry Christmas from us to you, we’re so grateful to be in all the seasons alongside you.  Beth’s PicksLil’s Picks

E114: A Peek Inside Our Santa Sacks - Your Last Minute Gift Guide

37 min

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 cardsA potion kit made from bits and bobs sourced at the op shopNew CrocsA dress-up boxSchleich animal figurinesGrimms building blocksAlison Lester Books Togs for summer Share this episode with a friend who’s in the thick of festive planning - or someone who needs ideas that feel a little more intentional and a little less overwhelming.

E113: Where the hell is my husband?!

52 min

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 knee-deep in silly-season chaos asking herself two things: Where the helly is that husband she married and where the helly is her iron? (Spoiler: she’s depleted on all fronts.) The girls also share a loving little reminder to compliment the mothers in your life. A small noticing can land like a hug — and we all need more of those. On R&R Beth’s Recommendation: A great summer read — The Paper Palace and a Recipe (sort of): Pods. Yes, the chocolate ones in a packet snickers or mars or whatever takes your fancy. A recipe at a stretch, but deeply delicious. Lilly’s Recipe: A slow-cooked shredded beef ragu from RecipeTin Eats — perfect for boosting those iron levels. Make it here and Recommendation wise she’s suggesting a gorgeous, wholesome follow from a UK mum — @lifeatbluebell_ If you love the podcast, please recommend us to your mums group — and if you haven’t already, we’d so appreciate a rating and review. It helps more than you know. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

E112: Burnt out but laughing because, December.

40 min

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 mothers the invisible load of flurrying, scurrying, and holding everything together It’s reflective, heartfelt and deeply validating for anyone who feels stretched thin during this season. Meanwhile, Lil is feeling a little lonesome. Her husband is deep in silly-season festivities (every day and night) while she’s home picking up the pieces - and honestly, where are the Christmas parties for the mums?! R&R (Recipe & Recommendation) Beth’s Picks Recipe: A family favourite: this delicious, quick and comforting Sweet Chilli Chicken & Cashew Stir-Fry — perfect for weeknights. Try it here Recommendation: A beautiful round-up of local small businesses to shop this Christmas: Lauren Sissons Studio – Art prints, wall stickers & kids card gamesRommer – Beautiful tableware for kidsKick Brick – Construction toys for kidsMaynetic – Magnetic boards & toysMum Club – The BEST caps for mums, dads, aunties & unclesYour local bookshop – Always a perfect choiceDesign Planner Kids – Personalised reusable colouring matsTara Treasures – High-quality felt toysSound Slam – Card game for family funDays In The Sand – Bright wetsuits for kids Lil’s Picks Recipe: A delicious and versatile Beef Brisket from Boob to Food — tender, comforting and so good. Get the recipe here Recommendation: Inspired by a fortune cookie that read: “You deserve a rest. Relax and watch a movie.” So we’re passing that on to all of you — consider this your official sign to pause. Make it a Christmas movie… or don’t. Whatever tickles your pickle.

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