Growing

In today’s episode of Growing, host Beth Ryan is joined by relationship and parenting coach Leonie Akhidenor to discuss the challenges couples face in their relationships after having kids. Drawing on questions and concerns submitted by their online community, they explore topics such as the mental load, communication, lack of libido, resentment, and self-care.

Leonie provides valuable insights on how to share the mental load, communicate effectively, and delegate tasks to create a more balanced partnership. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care, finding ways to maintain intimacy, and addressing any underlying feelings of resentment.

Whether you're a new parent or an experienced one, this episode is full of practical tips and advice for navigating the ups and downs of relationships after kids. Tune in now to learn more!

In this episode of Growing we are joined by Kate. Kate is a registered nurse and internationally board certified lactation consultant. Having worked in both community paediatrics and the neonatal unit, Kate now runs an instagram page and private lactation support practice, Little Bird Lactation. 

In this episode we discuss: 

- Should you purchase a pump in pregnancy why/why not?

- Reasons people commence pumping

- Pumping pros / cons 

- Pumping equipment: What do you actually need?

- Where to find support with pumping 

You can connect with Kate on Instagram @littlebirdlactation and her website www.littlebirdlactation.co.nz 

Labour can be intense! Sometimes we are shocked by the intensity of labour and can rapidly begin to spiral or panic. In today’s episode I share 3 of my favourite strategies for helping you keep calm and remain confident in labour. 

If you want to learn more about preparing for labour and birth, sign up to my birth course PowerBirth at www.powerbirthcourse.com.au 

A big thank you to today’s sponsor, Sleepybelly. It is no secret that getting comfortable in bed when you are pregnant becomes increasingly difficult as the months tick on. Sleepybelly’s unique pregnancy pillow design provides support for your back, side and tummy helping you to drift off and achieve a deeper, more restful sleep. As a midwife I absolutely love that this product helps you stay in the recommended side-lying position. 

Sleepybelly are so confident that you will love their pillow that they offer a 30-night money back guarantee! You can get 10% off your pillow with the code ‘BWB10’ and visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to shop now. 

If you’re preparing to give birth, you might have heard the term ‘episiotomy’ and be wondering what on earth people are talking about. This episode breaks down what an episiotomy is and what the evidence has to say about use of the procedure in childbirth. A must listen if you’re expecting - As always, knowledge is power!

This episode of Growing is made possible by one of my favourite resources for expectant parents, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth written by Sophie Walker, the host of the incredible Australian Birth Stories Podcast. This beautiful book provides invaluable insight into the Australian maternity care system, what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy journey and various ways to prepare for your birth so you can feel empowered in your decision-making. I love the way Sophie has sprinkled insightful self-care strategies throughout the book such as mindfulness prompts, relaxation exercises and conversation starters. This book goes far beyond your usual pregnancy manual and perfectly encapsulates the wisdom of  Australian birthing parents, partners and pregnancy professionals alike. You can grab a copy of the book from www.australiabirthstories.com

Keen to connect with Beth? Head to her Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or jump over to her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au 

In this episode I sit down with Melanie from The Natal Naturopath to chat about all things iron. 

Iron is always essential to our health, but in pregnancy maintaining adequate iron levels is paramount to good maternal and neonatal health. Despite this, so many women struggle with iron deficiency before, during and after pregnancy. With many mainstream iron supplements contributing to gut irritation, It can be hard to know what to do if the treatment plan that’s been recommended isn’t cutting it! 

Melanie is as knowledgeable as she is passionate about helping mums maintain great iron levels in pregnancy. It was a pleasure to sit and pick her brain. 

If you would like to learn more about Melanie and the work she does you can visit thenatalnaturopath.com.au or follow her on IG @thenatalnaturopath

Let’s be honest, going to the park with your toddler can get boring. In this short but sweet episode I share three things we have been doing lately to fill our days together. 

If you are living the toddler life and are looking for inspo, you will love this episode.

Today I chat with Nikolina a journalist, author and mum to two busy little boys Noah and Leo. We talk about the jump from one to two kids as well as Nikolina’s experience with surrendering to motherhood, letting go of expectations, learning on her feet and ultimately learning to laugh at the chaos that comes with a close age gap. 

I loved talking to Nikolina and I know you will get so much out of this episode, especially if you are planning to grow your family soon. 

You can find out more about Nikolina by visiting her Instagram @heynikolinak or heading to https://heynikolinak.com/b/mymummylovesfudge 

Resource links:

Maggie Dent

A huge thank you to todays episode sponsor Made to Milk’s 

Made to Milk’s aim is to support mums to breastfeed with confidence by providing delicious lactation support products. From chunky home style cookies & brownies to decadent hot chocolates & lattes…there’s even options for gluten free, dairy free & soy free mums! You can enjoy 10% off storewide using the code GROWING10 . Head to their website www.madetomilk.com.au 

In today’s episode, we chat about stretch and sweeps, also called ‘membrane sweeps’. You will learn:

I want to say a HUGE thank you for today’s sponsor LBDO.

This episode of Growing is made possible by LBDO. LBDO is on a mission to break down taboos and stigmas around sex and pleasure and they do this through the creation of sexual wellness products that are as beautiful as they are effective. Their most popular product, the Essensual Vibe, could honestly be mistaken for a design ornament and is not something you will be embarrassed to have hanging around your bedroom...quite the opposite! This product along with their lubricant and oil are the perfect things to get you feeling re connected with your body during pregnancy or after birth when you feel ready. When it comes to sex and pleasure, mothers are often left out of the conversation completely, so I am so proud to be partnering with LBDO to change the conversation and help you feel like 'you' again. If you want to learn more and browse the range of stunning products head to www.lbdo.com

Keen to connect? Follow me on Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or visit my website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 2 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.

Themes include:

Resource links:

Birthing with Confidence: Savvy Choices for Normal Birth by Rhea Dempsey

Listen to Australian Birth Stories

Sophie Walker’s Birth Class

This episode is sponsored by PowerBirth, my online birth preparation course. Powerbirth is a collection of the knowledge and skills I wish ALL parents had before embarking on the journey of labour.  The course steps you through the process of labour and birth, helps you understand the role of your key birth hormones, how to work with them, how to work with your body in labour… we talk about strategies for working with pain and also look at how you can support the process of birth. Students have life-time access to the course from the time of purchase, including to any course updates meaning you can even refresh your memory down the track if you choose to grow your family. To learn more and sign up visit www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 1 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.

Themes include:

Resource links:

Birthing with Confidence: Savvy Choices for Normal Birth by Rhea Dempsey

Listen to Australian Birth Stories

Sophie Walker’s Birth Class

This episode is sponsored by PowerBirth, my online birth preparation course. Powerbirth is a collection of the knowledge and skills I wish ALL parents had before embarking on the journey of labour.  The course steps you through the process of labour and birth, helps you understand the role of your key birth hormones, how to work with them, how to work with your body in labour… we talk about strategies for working with pain and also look at how you can support the process of birth. Students have life-time access to the course from the time of purchase, including to any course updates meaning you can even refresh your memory down the track if you choose to grow your family. To learn more and sign up visit www.powerbirthcourse.com.au