Growing

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

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and we know it can stir up a lot. Whether it brings joy, grief, pressure, or all of the above — we’re here to make sure you feel honoured, nourished, and seen.

In this week’s episode of Growing, we’re diving into real, relatable, and restorative ways to spend the day. Whether you’re soaking up time with your kids, honouring your mum, connecting with chosen family, or spending the day solo — we’ve got ideas to help you feel full (not frazzled).

From meaningful rituals to simple self-care wins, we’re covering:

• Thoughtful ways to celebrate yourself

• Creative Mother’s Day ideas with or without a partner

• Low-stress traditions that actually feel good

• And what to skip entirely (because, yes, you can)

Looking for a last-minute gift idea?We’ve pulled together curated Mother’s Day Gift Guides on our Instagram @growingthepodcast. From indulgent to practical, with price points from $30 to $300 — it’s all there to help you (or your significant other) get it right.

Do us (and her) a favour:Forward this episode to a fellow mama who deserves a day that actually feels like a gift — not a chore. Let’s skip the long queues, and make room for real moments. 

Follow us on InstagramWe’re sharing more ideas, resources, and honest conversations about motherhood every day — come say hi: @growingthepodcast  — also don’t forget to check out our brand new mini series Call the Midwife. 

Your baby’s movements are more than just special moments of connection, they’re a sign of their wellbeing. In this episode of Call the Midwife, we dive into what’s normal (and what’s not) when it comes to your baby's movement. 

We unpack:

• When you might expect those first flutters and kicks

• Why there’s no “perfect” number of movements to count

• How to tune into your baby’s unique pattern

• What to do (and what not to do) if you’re ever unsure
  

Most importantly: If you ever feel like something is off, don’t wait. Contact your care provider or go straight to your maternity unit for assessment.

Pregnancy sleep just got easier. Sleepybelly is the pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips - so you can rest more comfortably. Trusted by health professionals and loved by mums, Sleepybelly is our go-to for better sleep in pregnancy.

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

🎧 Catch up on other must-listen episodes in the Call the Midwife series:

• Red Flags in Pregnancy: What to Know and When to Act

• Safe Sleep in Pregnancy: How Your Position Affects Baby

• Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Share this episode with a fellow parent-to-be and tag us @growingthepodcast

Pregnancy comes with a long list of new things - and routine blood tests and ultrasounds are high on that list. But what are they all actually for?

In this short and sweet Call the Midwife episode, we break down the key routine tests offered throughout pregnancy, what they check for, and why they matter - minus the jargon and stress.

We cover:

• First trimester bloods: What’s included and what they’re screening for

• Genetic screening options (like NIPT and combined first trimester screening)

• Iron, vitamin D, blood group, antibodies and more

• Glucose tolerance testing (GTT): What to expect around 26–28 weeks

• Routine ultrasounds: Dating scan, nuchal translucency, morphology

• The role of informed consent and your right to ask questions at every step

Whether you’re newly pregnant or just want to feel more informed, this is a great starting point to understand what’s being tested - and why.

Sponsored by Sleepybelly

Let’s be honest: pregnancy sleep can be a bit… tricky. That’s why we love Sleepybelly - the ultimate pregnancy pillow that supports your bump, back and hips, so you can finally rest easy. It’s designed by parents and trusted by health professionals.

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

Thanks for tuning in - and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow parent-to-be.

In this episode of Growing, we unpack our top non-negotiables for vaginal birth from our experience as both Mothers and Midwives. We provide some midwifery insight on the essential knowledge, items and mindset shifts that help you step into labour and postpartum feeling supported, informed, and powerful. 

From evidence based quality birth education to pain relief tools and practical support, we discuss what can make a meaningful difference on the day. We also share our favourite postpartum must-haves to help you care for your body and feel held during recovery.

• The #1 thing we want every woman (and their support team) to do before birth

• How movement, mindset and support shape your labour experience

• Tools to consider for physical and emotional support (TENS, water immersion, and more)

• Our go-to postpartum essentials for comfort and healing

• Your go-to birth preparation course, PowerBirth → Explore the Power Birth Course → Follow on Instagram: @yourpowerbirth

• Postpartum Favourites: → Bubba Bump – postpartum recovery wear and support → Due by the Memo – curated essentials for new mums → Postpartum Panties – designed for real-life recovery

If you’re preparing for birth or these episodes might also support you:

• Caesarean Birth Non-Negotiables → Listen here

• Newborn Care 101 → Listen here

• 5 tips for Breastfeeding Success → Listen here
  

This one’s for every mum-to-be who wants to feel confident and calm as they approach birth.

Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more on pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Please tap follow in your podcast app and share this episode with someone preparing to birth their baby!

Join your hosts on IG:

@lillian.beth

@birthwithbeth_

Growing a tiny human? Your body’s working overtime - and sometimes, it absolutely lets you know.

This episode of Call the Midwife, our expert-led mini-series by Growing the Podcast, is all about the physical changes and discomforts of pregnancy. From the sharp twinges of round ligament pain to the deep pelvic pressure of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), we unpack what’s typical, what might need further support, and what can actually help.

• Why back pain, hip tightness, and rib discomfort are common in pregnancy
  

• What causes round ligament pain and how to ease it
  

• Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD): symptoms, support and practical strategies
  

• Leg cramps, rib flare, and how to soothe nighttime aches
  

• Red flags: when discomfort might signal something more
  

• When to seek support from your midwife, GP or a women’s health physio

• Pregnancy pillows (like Sleepybelly) to support your bump, back and hips
  

• Pelvic-friendly movement and alignment tips
  

• Support belts, heat packs and when to reach for extra help

This episode is proudly supported by Sleepybelly, the ultimate pregnancy pillow trusted by thousands of Australian mums and endorsed by health professionals.

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

Whether you’re newly pregnant or deep in your third trimester, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating physical changes with comfort and confidence.

Share it with a fellow mama-to-be, and don’t forget to hit follow wherever you listen.

In this episode, we cover:Tools & Tips We Mention:Follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast

In this episode, Beth revisits her journey of weaning her eldest daughter, Poppy - something that many mums go through, but few talk about. 

Weaning isn’t just about dropping feeds. It can be a whole-body, whole-heart experience filled with hormonal shifts, emotional ups and downs, and often, a surprising sense of loss. Whether you’re thinking about weaning, in the thick of it, or supporting someone who is, this episode is here to offer insight and solidarity.

• Beth’s emotional and physical experience saying goodbye to breastfeeding

• Practical tips for easing the transition

• How to honour the identity shifts that come with this part of motherhood

• The glimmers: the spaciousness that weaning has allowed, Beth feeling a new sense of self and a reconnection to her body. 

This is one of our most-loved episodes for a reason. We hope it meets you with kindness, comfort and reminds you you’re not alone in this season.

Know someone going through weaning? Share this episode with them.

Loved this episode? Drop us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify—it truly helps other mums find us.

• Australian Breastfeeding Association – Weaning Info

• Follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast

Welcome back to Call the Midwife, a special mini-series from Growing - this mini series is your go-to shortcut to everything you should know about pregnancy.

Whether you’re newly pregnant, in your third trimester, or just planning ahead, this series is here to guide you with warmth, evidence, and real-life insight.

In this episode, we’re talking about something simple but so important: safe sleep during pregnancy. You’ve probably heard that sleeping on your side from 28 weeks is recommended - but do you know why?

We unpack the latest Australian guidelines and evidence, including a key study published in The Lancet, linking side-sleeping from 28 weeks with a significantly reduced risk of stillbirth. Plus, we share practical tips for making side-sleeping easier and more comfortable - hello, Sleepybelly pillow!

✨ This is essential listening for every pregnant woman who wants real, actionable advice backed by science.

• Why side sleeping from 28 weeks matters

• How to get more comfortable (tip: your pillow matters!)

• Tools and tricks for a better night’s sleep in late pregnancy

• How these small changes can make a big impact

• Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow – Support your bump, back and hips with Sleepybelly. Enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial and get 10% off with code GROWING10
  

• The Lancet Study on Stillbirth & Sleep Position
  

• Red Nose Australia – Trusted, evidence-based advice on sleep safety for pregnancy and beyond

Huge thanks to our friends at Sleepybelly – the ultimate pregnancy pillow for bump and back support, proudly designed in Australia and loved by thousands of mums.

What You’ll Learn:Resources & Links:Share this ep with a fellow mum-to-be or post it to your Instagram stories and tag us at @growingthepodcast. It could be just the info she needs.

We know feeding your baby isn’t always straightforward. This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by Dr. Eliza Hannam - GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Possums-accredited practitioner and founder of Nurtured Medical for a refreshingly honest and non-judgemental chat about all the ways to nourish your baby.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, mixed feeding, bottle feeding or using formula, this episode is here to meet you with warmth, compassion and gentle guidance. Because while feeding can be a beautiful part of early parenting, it can also be full of pressure, confusion and comparison. We want to help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

From the hormonal magic of breastfeeding to the challenges so many parents quietly face, we explore the full feeding spectrum.

This episode is for any parent who’s been up at 3am wondering if they’re doing it “right”, who’s felt the sting of unsolicited advice, or who simply wants to understand their options and feel supported in their choices.

• The beauty and complexity of breastfeeding

• Making mixed feeding work for your family

• Formula feeding without guilt or pressure

• Responsive feeding and tuning into your baby’s cues

• When and where to seek support

• Letting go of the idea of a “perfect” feeding journey

Dr. Eliza Hannam is a Sydney-based GP with extended training in lactation (IBCLC), women’s and children’s health, perinatal mental health and neuroprotective developmental care. She is a Possums-accredited practitioner and the founder of Nurtured Medical - a modern general practice dedicated to nurturing women, babies and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. 

Work with Dr. Eliza Hannam:

• Website: www.nurturedmedical.com.au

• Book Online: HotDoc – Dr. Eliza Hannam

• Instagram: @drelizahannam

Services available in-person (Leichhardt, Sydney), via Telehealth, and home visits in select suburbs. Areas of care include:

• Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and sleep support

• Antenatal shared care and pregnancy planning

• Postnatal recovery and mental health

• Holistic care for babies and children 

• Possums & Co – Neuroprotective Developmental Care

• Australian Breastfeeding Association

• Raising Children Network – Feeding your baby

• Healthdirect – Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding

Join our community of parents supporting each other through the messy, magical seasons of raising and loving little people. Instagram: @growingthepodcast

In This Episode We Explore:Meet Our Guest: Dr. Eliza HannamResources Mentioned:Follow Growing PodcastDid you find the episode helpful?Please follow, rate and review Growing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more parents find this supportive space and feel less alone.

Feeling queasy? You’re not alone. In this episode of Growing, we’re calling on our clinical midwifery insight and personal experiences to unpack everything you need to know about nausea and vomiting in pregnancy—from the common morning sickness to the more severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Firstly — we see you and we promise it gets better. 

Whether you’re newly pregnant or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with practical advice, evidence-based strategies, and compassionate support.

What You’ll Learn:

• What causes nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP)?

• The difference between typical morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum

• Midwife-approved tools and tips to ease symptoms

• When it’s time to consider medications

• How to know when to ask for help—and where to go for it

We’re here to help you feel informed and supported during this very real part of the pregnancy journey.

Huge thank you to our friends at Sleepybelly – good sleep is crucial in supporting you through pregnancy sickness. Sleepybelly provides the ultimate pregnancy pillow for bump and back support. Enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial and claim 10% off with code GROWING10 at sleepybelly.com.au 

For more on hyperemesis gravidarum, visit: Hyperemesis Australia – a go-to resource for information and community support.

Clinical guidelines and support: RANZCOG – Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (Search for relevant patient and professional guidance)

Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: @growingthepodcast and we’d love it if you shared this episode with a fellow parent-to-be or friend navigating early pregnancy.

Thanks for tuning in to Growing and our new series Call the Midwife! Your pregnancy education starts right here.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review—and help us reach more incredible women and parents-to-be just like you.