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 hereListen now wherever you get your podcastsShare 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.
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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 ergoPouchThis 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 hereTune in to celebrate 100 episodes with us wherever you get your podcastsIf 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.
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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 forWhy 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 hereListen now wherever you get your podcastsLoved 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_
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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 approachHow 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 consistencyThe joy of rediscovering favourite foods after navigating food sensitivities through breastfeedingIf 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.
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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 parentsHow to choose the right carrier for your familyBaby wearing on the go Safety essentials every parent should knowWhy keeping our babies close is about more than convenienceSarah 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.babywearingThis 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 hereTune in now wherever you get your podcastsIf 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_
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.