Welcome back to Growing! This week, we break down the first 24 hours, the first week, and the so famous "Six Week Check" with an honest lens - from bleeding and stitches to night sweats and low libido.

Whether you’re a first-time mum or preparing for your second or third, this episode is a warm hug and a gentle truth bomb. You are not broken, you are recovering.

We talk about:

• What’s actually normal postpartum

• Bleeding, bladder and body changes  in the early days

• Why rest isn’t optional - it’s essential

• The truth about the 6-week postpartum check-up

• The myth of bouncing back

This is your permission slip to honour how you feel that day, week or month - not what’s expected on an arbitrary timeline.

You might also find these episodes helpful in preparing for your birth - plus so many more in our back catalogue 

Vaginal Birth Non-Negotiables

Caesarean Birth Non-Negotiables

Postnatal Stay

Join us on instagram @growingthepodcast and please share this with a pregnant friend so she gets the space she needs to go slow should she want to. 

This week on Growing, the Lilly and Beth talk VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) with Dr Hazel Keedle - midwife, researcher, and leading voice for women planning birth after caesarean.

If you're seeking a different experience after a planned or emergency C‑section, this evidence-based conversation aims to help you feel both informed and supported.

This episode is proudly sponsored by PowerBirth. Our go-to for evidence-based birth prep - created and taught by midwives, for you. Whether you’re a first time parent, creating strategies for your VBAC or just want to feel more empowered for your birth. This course gives you practical tools that actually make a difference. PowerBirth is all about helping you feel calm, confident and connected in your birth experience. Explore the course at powerbirthcourse.com.au and use our code GROWING20 for 20% off (valid until 31/8/25) 

What We Cover:

• What the current research says about VBAC safety 

• Four key factors Hazel identifies that support a better birth experience

• How to set yourself up for a supported VBAC experience - from care provider choices to mindset

• Common misconceptions about VBAC (and what the evidence actually shows)

Explore Hazel Keedle’s Publications & Resources:

• FREE Downloadable Guide to a Better Birth after Caesarean 

• Book: Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth. Based on her PhD, this accessible guide intertwines research and birth stories to lay out the four factors crucial to planning a VBAC. Buy Yours Now

• The Clinician’s Guide to Better Birth after CaesareanWritten for midwives, doulas and obstetricians, this resource translates the research into practical tools and strategies for VBAC support using the four‑factor framework Pre - Order Here

• Journal Publications & Workshops: You’ll find peer‑reviewed studies on VBAC, birth trauma, and maternity care approaches in Hazel’s research portfolio. Hazel also runs workshops using her evidence-based framework to train clinicians in VBAC support Here 

Explore more at Dr Keedle’s website, including full listings of journal articles and interactive VBAC workshops Professional work & workshops and Journal publications

Listen now to this evidence-rich episode wherever you stream podcasts and share with someone you know who’s planning a birth after a caesarean and wants more confidence in their choices.

This week on Growing, the girls get into the real weeds of modern motherhood -  the kind of stuff that rarely makes it onto The Gram.

Beth (@birthwithbeth_) opens up about the relentlessness of keeping everything afloat - parenting little people, running a business, showing up for friendships, and trying not to drop the ball. It's the mental load. It's the juggle. And it's that all-too-familiar feeling: we can do it all - just not all at once.

Meanwhile, Lilly (@lillian.beth) is wrestling with the slow-burn decision of whether to wean her 18-month-old. Bye bye boob? Night weaning? What even is the plan when co-sleeping and breastfeeding have been so beautiful… but something’s shifting? SOS.

This episode is light on the tangible tips and heavy on the solidarity. If you’re also in the trenches, or just craving honest mum-to-mum conversation, this one’s for you.

Let's connect! Stay up to date by following us @growingthepodcast on Instagram

Hosted by:

Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_

Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth

In today's episode of Growing, Lilly and Beth have an honest chat about their respective experiences of ‘trying’ for a baby and the strangeness of the waiting for something you want badly but is not within your control.

We chat about the wild brain shift that happens for some women (them included) when you decide you want to be pregnant and it’s all. you. think. about.

• This episode addresses how 'trying' starts fun and rapidly becomes tedious.

• The weird limbo you land yourself in by unintentionally forecasting
• The challenges that can arise for your relationship in TTC limbo

Importantly, our thoughts go out to you if the TTC experience has been hard, disappointing or painful for any reason - especially if you’re still on that path. We hope with our whole hearts that you get to meet your baby soon and are sending lots of love your way.

If you enjoy this episode, it would mean so much if you could share it with your circle!

Come and follow us on IG @growingthepodcast

Hosted by:

Beth - @birthwithbeth_

Lilly - @lillian.beth

In this episode of Growing, we’re joined by Jason from @raising_fathers - father of two, coach, and champion of conscious fatherhood, for a practical conversation about how Dads can show up for their partners during matrescence. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your partner through the rollercoaster of early motherhood, this episode is your guide.

Whether you’re preparing to become a parent, in the thick of the fourth trimester, or just want to do things differently Jason brings practicality and gentle wisdom to this chat.

We talk about:

• What matrescence actually is (and why it matters for fathers too)

• How Dads can support and emotionally attune to their partners through identity shifts

• Dads identity shifts and how they experience this monumental change too 

• Tips for keeping connection and communication alive amidst sleepless nights

• Lots of practical go to’s for Mums and Dads entering and working through the huge transition that is parenthood - together as a team 

This is one of those episodes that we think every new Dad (and Mum!) should hear. Share it with your partner, your mate who’s expecting, or your parenting group.

Follow Jason: @raising_fathersWork with Jason: www.raisingfathers.com

Don’t forget to hit follow and leave a review, it helps us reach more parents just like you. And come say hi over on Instagram @growingthepodcast

Hosted by:

Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_

Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth

We’re wrapping up our Call the Midwife mini-series with a juicy Q&A - answering your most commonly asked questions about pregnancy, birth and the weird, wonderful in-betweens.

In this unfiltered and fun finale, Beth and Lilly talk through everything from the practical to the personal, including:

• Can you have sex in labour?

• What’s a vulval varicosity?!

• Midwives vs obstetricians - who does what?

• Birth plans: yes or no?

• Is this discharge normal?

And lots more! 

Pregnancy sleep is a whole thing, and that’s where Sleepybelly comes in. It’s the pregnancy pillow designed to support your bump, back and hips, so you can rest more comfortably (even in your third trimester acrobatics phase). 

Use the code GROWING10 for 10% off. Enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au

Let's talk baby sleep!

This week we’re getting into the real-life stuff, - What baby sleep actually looks like in our homes?

- How do we navigate naps?

- How do we do bedtime routine?

- What's the best way to get our babies to sleep?

- What's great about our approach? What's hard?

This one’s for any parent wondering if their “messy” sleep reality is still okay (it is).

Helpful Links & Resources:

Listen to our episode with Bree from Possums Clinic

The Safe Sleep 7 – La Leche League

Red Nose Australia – Safe Co-Sleeping Guidelines

Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts and please share this episode if you loved it!

Hosted by:

@lillian.beth

@birthwithbeth_

@growingthepodcast

Can you keep exercising while pregnant?

Short answer: yes - and it can be really good for you.

Longer answer: this episode breaks down the how, why and what to look out for when it comes to moving your body safely during pregnancy.

Whether you’re a Pilates Princess or a Cardio Queen, or just wondering if walking the dog counts (it does), this episode is your go-to guide for exercising safely, confidently, and intuitively while pregnant.

Let’s be real - moving your body is important, but so is rest. And Sleepybelly is here to help with that. It’s the pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips so you can sleep more comfortably (even after a busy day on your feet).

Use code GROWING10 at checkout for 10% off. Plus, enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au

Resources & Links

• Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow

• @growingthepodcast on Instagram

• Speak to your midwife, GP or physiotherapist if you’re unsure about exercise options for your body or pregnancy stage.

Share this episode with a pregnant friend!

This week on Growing, we’re talking about the little things you figure out along the way, the funny moments that shock you at 3am.

We opened the floor to you, our beautiful community, and your confessions, anecdotes, and “no one told me!” moments had us cackling and nodding in solidarity.

Motherhood is full of surprises and often the best survival tips come from fellow mums, not a manual.

We’re proud to be partnering with Once Upon, the easiest way to turn everyday chaos into beautiful photo books.

Start your story here

Use code GROWING25 for 25% off Valid from June 24 – July 6 so run, don't walk and don’t miss out!

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve ever thought: “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?!”

• You love a good laugh and real talk about early motherhood

• You’ve been blindsided by night sweats, nipple pain and identity shifts

Tag a mum friend, forward it to your mum club, and let’s laugh (and cry) together. Please head over and follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast 

And! Don’t forget to hit follow in your podcast app, if you loved the episode please leave us a 5 star review.

The truths and tips midwives want every parent to hear.

In this heartfelt (and hilarious) episode of Growing, we throw to our fellow midwives  our “middy sisters” to share the things we wish more women knew.

From body fluids and body hair to co-sleeping and safe sleep, from breastfeeding challenges to being loud in labour - we cover it all with no filter.

Here’s the truth about midwives:

- We don’t care if you’re loud in labour.

- We want you to prepare for birth and postpartum - because both matter.

- And we think you’re absolutely amazing.

What we cover:

• Why your body doesn’t need to be hidden or apologised for

• The unfiltered truth about breastfeeding, sleep, and support

• Why we welcome (and expect!) vocalisation in labour

• Our biggest wish: that families prepare for postpartum and birth

• The deep honour of walking alongside you as midwives

Resources & Mentions:

• Red Nose Safe Sleep Guidelines: rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping
  

• The Safe Seven Co-Sleeping Framework: llli.org/breastfeeding-info/sleep-bedshare
  

• PowerBirth Course: Learn how to advocate for your birth with confidence → powerbirthcourse.com.au

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

• Vaginal Birth Non-Negotiables → Listen here
  

• Breastfeeding Basics & Real Talk → Listen here
  

• Newborn Care 101 → Listen here

  
  

Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast and please hit follow in your podcast app...and pretty please send this episode to someone who needs a little reassurance and realness!

Hosts:

@birthwithbeth_

@lillian.beth