Growing

Growing

By Beth Ryan and Lilly ClaxtonParentingKids & Family
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Growing episodes

  • E106: First Trimester Survival Kit

    This week, we put out the call — “What are your growing pains right now?” — and the response was loud and clear: first trimester survival.

    From nausea that’s simply relentless, to exhaustion that hits like a truck, to the juggle of parenting a toddler while growing another tiny human — we see you, and we (absolutely) feel it too… deep in our bones.

    There’s no silver bullet (we wish there was), but in this episode we share our go-to tips, small comforts, and mindset shifts that help make this season of survival just that little bit softer. Our biggest takeaway? Be gentle on yourself -  this is not the thriving chapter, and that’s okay.

    Rommer is officially back, and we couldn’t be more excited!

    Their beautiful, practical mealtime range has everything from starting-solids essentials to snackware for toddlers - all designed by an Australian brand that gets it.

    Growing listeners get 20% off - Use code GROWING at checkout. Valid until 31st October (excludes bundles). Shop the full range here

    If you’re deep in the first-trimester trenches or supporting someone who is, this one’s a warm hug and a reminder to go easy on yourself.

    58 min
  • E105: Twins - Twice! With Leila from Village for Mama

    This week the girls chat with the gorgeous Leila from Village for Mama, who shares the wild, journey that has shaped her motherhood so far.

    From welcoming her first baby, to twin boys, to now being pregnant again - and then discovering at 20 weeks that she’s having twins for the second time (!!) - Leila speaks so generously about surrender, identity, intuition and the unexpected paths motherhood can take us on.

    It’s a warm, layered conversation about joy and shock, expansion and exhaustion, and how sometimes life writes the script for us. 

    Instagram: @villageformama

    Website: villageformama.com

    Recipe Book: Explore Leila’s beautiful postpartum recipe book here 

    Rommer is officially back - and we are so here for it. Their beautiful, practical kids’ mealtime range is perfect for starting solids, toddlers, snacks on the go and everything in between.

    Growing listeners get 20% off - Use the code GROWING at checkout. Offer valid until 31st October (excludes bundles). Shop the full range at: rommer.co

    Tune in wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with a fellow mum who loves an honest story about the twists and turns of family life.


    1 hr 3 min
  • E104: Beth's Having Twins! First Trimester Recap

    In this candid and emotional episode of Growing, host and midwife Beth shares the incredible news - she’s pregnant with twins!

    From the moment she found out she was expecting again, to the surprise that unfolded at her dating ultrasound, Beth takes listeners inside her first trimester experience - the physical, emotional and mental ups and downs of twin pregnancy.

    You’ll hear her talk through:

    • How it felt to discover she’s expecting again

    • What happened at the dating scan (and the moment she realised there were two!)

    • The type of twins she’s having

    • What’s been similar - and what’s been completely different - this time around

    • The emotional rollercoaster of early pregnancy, nausea, fatigue, and juggling two little ones at home

    This is an open, vulnerable conversation about the realities of early pregnancy, especially when it’s a complex or high-risk pregnancy like twins. Beth reflects on the joy and overwhelm that come with growing a family while still caring for young children.

    Whether you’re in your first trimester, navigating a twin pregnancy, or simply love hearing the raw side of motherhood - this episode is for you.

    🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow @growingthepodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates and upcoming episodes.

    57 min
  • E103: Bodywork - The Ultimate Labour Hack With Gab Lorri

    This week, the girls sit down with the incredible Gabrielle from G.Lorri Labour Bodywork to chat all things pregnancy, body preparation and labour support. If you’re pregnant, planning to be, or curious about how bodywork can support birth, this episode is full of insight, warmth and practical wisdom.

    Together they explore:

    • How bodywork can support labour progress and reduce tension

    • Breath, movement and positioning as birth preparation

    • Why pelvic mobility, soft tissue work and body awareness matter

    • The link between nervous system safety and labour outcomes

    • How to prepare your body gently and intentionally throughout pregnancy

    Beth and Lil also share their frustrations around how birth and bodywork aren’t always easily accessible — and why they believe every woman deserves to feel supported in these ways.

    • Visit Gabrielle’s website here

    • Follow on Instagram @g.lorri.labourbodywork

    • Download Gabrielle’s Labour & Stretch Guide here

    Resource referenced in this episode: Spinning Babies

    This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their Drift Home Baby Monitor. With a 360° pan tilt camera, an integrated sound machine, and a built-in What to Wear temperature guide, it takes the guesswork out of safe sleep and helps you feel confident at bedtime.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.

    Shop ergoPouch here

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, please share this episode with a friend or fellow parent-to-be who wants to learn more about preparing their body for birth in supportive ways.


    43 min
  • E102: Pregnancy Insights: Lil on VBAC, Pregnancy Plans & Growing Again

    This week on Growing, Lilly opens up about what pregnancy planning looks like for her this time around. It’s part reflection, part preparation, and fully honest in the here and now. 

    We chat candidly about: 

    • VBAC plans and what it feels like to carry the weight of a previous birth into the conceptualising of the next one

    • How she’s thinking about her birth team and the kind of support she wants around her this time

    • The “in between” moments, where excitement and nerves live side by side

    • Why preparation in pregnancy isn’t about perfection, but about feeling held, resourced and supported

    This is one of those episodes that feels like sitting down with a friend who says the quiet things out loud. Whether you’re planning your first baby, your third, or simply reflecting on your own birth experiences, there’s warmth, solidarity, and gentle encouragement here.

    Revisit Lil’s first birth story with Ru: Listen here and Learn more about VBAC with Dr Hazel Keedle: Listen here

    This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot - a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.

    Shop ergoPouch here

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

    If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend who’s also navigating pregnancy planning or dreaming of a VBAC.

    Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more honest chats about pregnancy, birth, and matrescence.

    40 min
  • E101: Life with Two Kids - One Year On

    This week, Beth reflects on the first year of life with two little ones — the joy, the love, and the messy, beautiful reality of it all.

    She shares candidly about the parts of motherhood that haven’t necessarily gotten easier, but instead have become part of the fabric of daily life — the laughter, the chaos, and the constant juggle of toddlers, work, and relationships. It’s a season that feels relentless at times, but also deeply rewarding as new rhythms settle in.

    This episode is a warm hug and a big exhale for any parent anticipating change, moving through transition, or simply wondering what life with two kids might feel like on the other side of that first year.

    This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their Drift Home Baby Monitor. With a 360° pan tilt camera, an integrated sound machine, and a built-in What to Wear temperature guide, it takes the guesswork out of safe sleep and helps you feel confident at bedtime.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.

    Shop ergoPouch here

    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.


    56 min
  • E100: Big News & Holiday Chaos

    We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of Growing (!!) and this one is extra special.

    Beth fills us in on her magical (and of course manic) adventure travelling to Fiji with two little ones in tow. Think: airport chaos, transit struggles, and the sweet reward of finally sinking into holiday mode once they arrived.

    Meanwhile, Lil shares some beautiful news - her family is growing! She, Ben, and Ru are thrilled to be welcoming another little family member next autumn. Lil opens up about what the first trimester has really been like this time around - from relentless nausea and vomiting to wrangling a busy toddler… all while navigating a house sale, a new purchase, and moving.

    This episode is full of big life updates, honest reflections, and a whole lot of gratitude for you - our listeners - who’ve been with us through 100 episodes of motherhood, matrescence, and everything in between.

    Sponsored by ergoPouch

    This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot - a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply).

    Shop ergoPouch here

    Tune in to celebrate 100 episodes with us wherever you get your podcasts

    If you’ve loved being part of the Growing journey, share this episode with a friend and leave us a review - it means the world to us.

    Follow along on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more updates, behind-the-scenes and community conversation.


    44 min
  • E99: Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition with Dietitian Niki

    This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by the wonderful Niki, a dietitian and nutritionist who specialises in pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.

    Together we dive into:

    • What preconception nutrition really looks like (without the overwhelm)

    • Foods your body - and your baby - will thank you for

    • Why it’s okay if your pregnancy diet looks a little or a lot beige (hello, salty carbs!)

    • How to nourish yourself post-birth in simple, sustainable ways. 

    You can find more from Niki and book her services via Bump to Bundle Nutrition.

    Follow along for practical tips, pregnancy-safe recipes, and realistic nutrition support from preconception to postpartum.

    This episode is proudly supported by ergoPouch and their brand-new Ellska Cot — a beautifully designed sleep space with ergoPouch’s trusted focus on safe sleep and comfort.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply).

    Shop ergoPouch here

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

    Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow parent or parent-to-be who could use some practical, pressure-free support.

    Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more conversations that nurture you through pregnancy and beyond.

    Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_

    52 min
  • EP98: Lil’s Gentle Journey To Weaning

    This week on Growing, Lilly shares what it really looked like to gently wean her 19-month-old toddler.

    Far from a “cold turkey” approach or bandaids over nipples, this was a slow and steady transition that balanced Lil’s own physical and emotional needs while also supporting Ru through the change with love and patience.

    In this episode, Lil opens up about:

    • Why she chose a gradual weaning approach

    • How she navigated both the physical side (goodbye to blocked ducts and engorgement) and the emotional side (letting go of a season that had been so special)

    • Supporting her little boy through the change with gentleness and consistency

    • The joy of rediscovering favourite foods after navigating food sensitivities through breastfeeding

    If you’re in the thick of breastfeeding, considering weaning, or just curious about what the process might really look like, this episode offers honesty, solidarity, and permission to do it your way.

    This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their incredible range of high quality baby sleepwear and sleep support products - everything you need to keep your baby snug and safe overnight.

    Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcastsIf this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who might need to hear a realistic, gentle perspective on weaning.

    Follow along on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more real motherhood and midwifery and everything in between. 

    27 min
  • Baby Wearing 101: Safety, Benefits & Keeping Your Baby Close

    This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by the beautiful Sarah Mahri (@sarahmahri.babywearing) for a conversation that feels like a big warm hug. Together, they unpack the art and science of baby wearing — sharing both the benefits and practical tips to help parents keep their babies close, safe, and supported.

    In this episode we explore:

    • The many benefits of attachment-focused baby wearing for babies and parents

    • How to choose the right carrier for your family

    • Baby wearing on the go

    • Safety essentials every parent should know

    • Why keeping our babies close is about more than convenience

    Sarah also shares how you can access her online resources, plus the option to book a one-on-one consult to get set up for safe and successful baby wearing.

    Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahmahri.babywearing

    This episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch and their new Safari Collection. Shop their range of high quality sleepwear using the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&Cs apply). Offer valid until 5/10/25.

    Shop ergoPouch here

    Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts

    If you loved this episode, please share it with a fellow parent who’d benefit from Sarah’s wisdom. And don’t forget to join us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast and leave us a review wherever you listen.

    Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_


    1 hr 1 min

About Growing

From the publisher's feed

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…

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