Published by Beth Ryan and Lilly Claxton
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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts47 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?
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
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
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. 🤍
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 forget to follow Growing wherever you listen to podcasts.
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.
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 Recommendation Strangers 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.
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 Keedle Body Work with G.Lorri Lil’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.
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.
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_
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_
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_
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 pick Il Tutto CoZee Co-Sleeper — Beth’s pick Prams 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 workhorse Chekoh Wrap Carrier — perfect for those early newborn days Swaddles Swaddle Up / Swaddle King style — great in the early days (Lil loved jersey material) ergoPouch — both girls love once baby is rolling Halcyon Nights Swaddles — Beth’s favourite Play Mats Munchkin & Bear Playmat — wipeable and practical (Beth) Muse Edition Playmat — aesthetic and functional (Lil) Bottles Pigeon Bottles Bouncer BabyBjörn Bouncer — loved by both (Lil bought second-hand this time) Onesies Bonds — especially press-stud zippys and snap singlets Seed Heritage Cotton On Kids Target Organic Cotton — great affordable staples Feeding Lights Amazon Night Light — soft, practical glow Krystle Knight Selenite Lamp — a more luxe, calming option Nappy Caddies Kiin Baby Caddy — Lil’s pick Bunnie Nappy Caddy — Beth’s pick Breast 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 round and plans to live in it this time 🤍 If you loved this episode, please share it with an expecting friend or someone in the newborn trenches — and if you haven’t already, we’d be so grateful for a review. Follow along: @growingthepodcast @lillian.beth @birthwithbeth_