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.Â
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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_
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E96: Feeding The Family: Our Grocery Budgets, Hacks And Go-To Meals
In this episode we unpack how much we're dropping on groceries, how we organise family meal times and all the little hacks along the way that make it all work. We chat:What we're spending on average each week Where we're shopping - what works about this and what doesn'tOur go-to meals that we serve on repeatHow we plan our meals, snacks, staples and freezer fillersThis is a nosy look into a weekly routine we're ALL doing, plus we share lots of ideas and tangible tips you can steal.This week's episode of Growing is proudly brought to you by Ergopouch and their incredible Drift Home Baby Monitor, which not only features a 360 degree pan tilt and integrated sound machine but aslo includes an embedded 'what to wear' temperature guide taking the guess work out of dressing your baby for bedtime. Use the code GROWING20 for 20% off (selected styles only, T&C's apply). Code is valid until 5/10/25Jump over to Instagram @growingthepodcast to grab our favourite recipes and share your go-to meal ideas with us.Hosts:@lillian.beth@birthwithbeth_
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E95: Realistic Recovery After Birth
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 daysWhy rest isn’t optional - it’s essentialThe truth about the 6-week postpartum check-upThe myth of bouncing backThis 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-NegotiablesCaesarean Birth Non-NegotiablesPostnatal StayJoin 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.Â
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E94: VBAC: A Conversation with Dr Hazel Keedle
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 experienceHow to set yourself up for a supported VBAC experience - from care provider choices to mindsetCommon 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 NowThe 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 HereJournal 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 publicationsListen 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.
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.
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