It’s Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas!
Our bodies are feeling a little cranky, a little sore, and carrying babies through this hot, hot summer is no small physical feat. If you’re feeling it too - you’re not alone.
R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)
Recommendation: Get into the water — the ocean, the pool, anywhere you can dunk your head under. A good pair of togs, a sarong, some funky jewellery and a great hat go a long way. Sink into the slowness, enjoy being by the water. You bloody deserve it doll.
Recipe: A refreshing Mango Chia Seed Pudding — cool, nourishing and perfect for summer. Find the recipe here
Recommendation: The MCO Beauty Lip Mask — a summer staple for dry, tired lips. Shop it here
Recipe: A festive Christmas Quencher (non-alcoholic punch) — hydrating, celebratory and perfect for Christmas Eve sipping.
Lil’s Mums text about the quencher reads:
It starts with a lemon/sugar syrup -maybe 1 cup of sugar, juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup of water long strips of the lemon rind (use vegetable peeler) big sprigs of mint.
Boil together till sugar dissolves. Cool leaving rind and mint in the syrup until you put the quencher together.
Add the strained quencher base to a large tin of pineapple juice, ginger ale and soda water.
Ps while we’re talking about Lil’s Mum the naked reference quote from this weeks chat is here
A very Merry Christmas from us to you, we’re so grateful to be in all the seasons alongside you.
Beth’s PicksLil’s Picks
This week on Growing, we’re donning our Mrs Claus hats and chatting all things Christmas giving. We dive into what’s going into the Santa sacks for our kids - with a focus on thoughtful, practical and joy-filled ideas. If you’re still searching for inspiration, there might be a few ideas here for you too.
OUR SANTA SACK PICKS:
Share this episode with a friend who’s in the thick of festive planning - or someone who needs ideas that feel a little more intentional and a little less overwhelming.
This week Beth poses the important question: how many Airtaskers does it take to build an IKEA cupboard? As it turns out… quite a few. And it’s still not quite finished.
The good news? Her twinny boys are growing beautifully (we’re talking almost off the charts x2), which feels like a reassuring little nudge that even under double load, her body knows exactly what it’s doing.
Meanwhile, Lilly is knee-deep in silly-season chaos asking herself two things: Where the helly is that husband she married and where the helly is her iron? (Spoiler: she’s depleted on all fronts.)
The girls also share a loving little reminder to compliment the mothers in your life. A small noticing can land like a hug — and we all need more of those.
On R&R
Beth’s Recommendation: A great summer read — The Paper Palace and a Recipe (sort of): Pods. Yes, the chocolate ones in a packet snickers or mars or whatever takes your fancy. A recipe at a stretch, but deeply delicious.
Lilly’s Recipe: A slow-cooked shredded beef ragu from RecipeTin Eats — perfect for boosting those iron levels. Make it here and Recommendation wise she’s suggesting a gorgeous, wholesome follow from a UK mum — @lifeatbluebell_
If you love the podcast, please recommend us to your mums group — and if you haven’t already, we’d so appreciate a rating and review. It helps more than you know.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
This week we’re diving deeper into an ongoing growing pain with Beth - one sparked by a quote she stumbled across on Emma Morris Instagram about how burnout and motherhood can collide in a big and overwhelming way. Together, the girls tease out what might be fueling the fire:
the relentless societal expectations placed on mothers
the invisible load of flurrying, scurrying, and holding everything together
It’s reflective, heartfelt and deeply validating for anyone who feels stretched thin during this season.
Meanwhile, Lil is feeling a little lonesome. Her husband is deep in silly-season festivities (every day and night) while she’s home picking up the pieces - and honestly, where are the Christmas parties for the mums?!
R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)
Beth’s Picks
Recipe:
A family favourite: this delicious, quick and comforting Sweet Chilli Chicken & Cashew Stir-Fry — perfect for weeknights. Try it here
Recommendation:
A beautiful round-up of local small businesses to shop this Christmas:
Lauren Sissons Studio – Art prints, wall stickers & kids card gamesRommer – Beautiful tableware for kidsKick Brick – Construction toys for kidsMaynetic – Magnetic boards & toysMum Club – The BEST caps for mums, dads, aunties & unclesYour local bookshop – Always a perfect choiceDesign Planner Kids – Personalised reusable colouring matsTara Treasures – High-quality felt toysSound Slam – Card game for family funDays In The Sand – Bright wetsuits for kids
Lil’s Picks
Recipe:
A delicious and versatile Beef Brisket from Boob to Food — tender, comforting and so good. Get the recipe here
Recommendation:
Inspired by a fortune cookie that read: “You deserve a rest. Relax and watch a movie.” So we’re passing that on to all of you — consider this your official sign to pause. Make it a Christmas movie… or don’t. Whatever tickles your pickle.
Motherhood: Easier Said Than Done.
This week, Beth is feeling the weight of motherhood - and the never-ending list of shoulds.
You know the ones: we should rest, we should drink water, we should move our bodies, we should nourish our bodies, we should look after ourselves… and yet the how feels completely out of reach. It’s one of those big, honest chats about the gap between what we know and what we can actually manage in the thick of motherhood.
She also shares her sweet little glimmer of taking her daughter to the cinemas for the first time… where there is now (wait for it) a kids’ playground inside the cinema. Has society lost the plot entirely or is this an absolute hack? Hard to say, we’re not sure either.
Meanwhile, Lil is her own growing pain this week. She’s in a full shame spiral about her phone addiction and has bought herself a brick… but she’s so addicted she can’t seem to activate said brick. Make of that what you will.
Lil’s Recommendation
She’s obsessed with Avocado Zinc — specifically the tinted SPF and the blush for an easy, lazy-girl, put-together moment. It’s on sale — treat yourself Shop Avocado Zinc here
Lil’s Recipe
A bold but life-changing avocado toast upgrade: add pickles (and goat’s cheese, and butter). She knows it’s a big ask — but it’s worth every bite.
Beth’s Recommendation + Recipe
A two-for-one delight: packet mix muffins.
Any box from the supermarket will do — fun with a toddler, low-pressure, and absolutely in alignment with our current energy levels.
Also to circle back to a previous R&R of Lil’s Beth now has her very own Tineco mop and she’s absolutely sold — you can be to if you want to jump on the bandwagon Tineco .
This week’s episode is full of feelings, fears, laughter and the kind of friendship that carries you through the chaos of motherhood.
Lil’s growing pain hits deep: her parents will be away when her second baby is due, and it’s unearthed a much bigger emotional wobble - that age-old fear of expanding your family and wondering how everyone will cope with the shift. Beth gently holds space, offering reassurance, validation and the reminder that worry often shows up when we’re standing on the edge of something beautiful.
Beth’s growing pain is a little more tick tick boom - quite literally. ’Tis the season for paralysis ticks, and an unexpected trip to emergency threw her week off. All is well now, but the girls chat through what happened, what to look for, and share the NSW Health Tick Fact Sheet for fellow Aussie parents - you can read it here.
And if, like Lil, you need to level up your first-aid kit (sadly tick off not included), check out Rhythm First Aid for family-friendly kits and resources.
R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)
Beth’s Recipe: A gift from her mum and the perfect silly-season starter: Confit tomato and ricotta crostini. Fresh, quick, delicious.
Beth’s Recommendation: A beauty fave for daily wear: the Maybelline foundation (it’s on sale, so treat yourself).
Lil’s Reverse Recommendation: Skip the movie Regretting You (trust us). Instead, grab popcorn + Malteasers and sit outside the cinema catching up with a girlfriend — infinitely better.
Lil’s Recipe: This delicious, crispy potato “salad” — flavourful, easy and so satisfying. Watch it here.
Don’t mind Lil’s dulcet, slightly sultry tones this week — she’s sick as a dog and tries not to complain about it *too* much.
Beth’s throwing her hat in the ring for the Hot-Mess Mum Award after dropping a few too many mental-load balls (don’t even get us started on the drama that is the Centrelink portal).
It’s honest, funny, and full of the small moments that make motherhood both ridiculous and relatable.
Lil’s R&R
Recommendation: Eau Bags — the perfect blend of chic and practical.
Recipe: Lil’s Yiros Wrap Shopping List — coming to @growingthepodcast this week!
Beth’s R&R
Recipe: Chewy choc-chip cookies — simple, sweet, and guaranteed to lift your mood.
Recommendation: Twoobs Shoes — comfy, sustainable, and perfect for mum-life on the go.
This episode is proudly brought to you by Looma Collective — the Aussie brand creating beautiful, practical essentials for little ones. Everything they produce is designed to make everyday moments calmer, comfier and more sustainable. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off and thank us later.
Explore the full range here
Follow along on Instagram @looma.collective
The girls are sharing their glimmers - from Beth’s pregnancy fatigue finally lifting to Lil being back teaching some scrummy, nurturing classes for mums.
And as for growing pains…both are physical this week. Beth’s pelvis is hanging on by a thread, and Lil’s got two big, itchy problems she needs to get off her chest (literally).
Plus, the girls are introducing a brand-new segment, it’s Mum’s version of Relaxing and Rejuvenating: R&R (Recipe & Recommendation) - because who doesn’t love a good rec and a quick win?
Recipe: Vegan Banana Bread — add choc chips (vegan or not), and Loco Loves are elite if you’re feeling fancy.
Recommendation: The Tineco Mop — she’s spenny but worth every cent. Wait for a sale and always follow the cleaning and care instructions.
Beth’s R&R
Recommendation: Ambra Pregnancy Undies — not sexy, but soft, practical, and so comfortable.
This episode is proudly brought to you by Looma Collective — the Aussie brand creating beautiful, practical essentials for little ones (and their parents). From bibs to bedding, everything they make is designed to make everyday moments calmer, comfier, and more sustainable.
Explore the full range at looma.com.au
Lil’s R&RFollow along on Instagram @looma.collective
This week, we sit down with the wonderful and wise Courtney Adamo — mother of five, writer, and creative who has beautifully navigated motherhood from newborn days through to tweens and teens.
This conversation feels like a big, reassuring and warm hug for both Lilly and Beth — and we hope it lands the same way for you. Together we talk about:
The rituals and rhythms that shape family life
How to create moments of connection and calm amidst the chaos
Little traditions that make the everyday feel special and intentional
The evolving seasons of motherhood — and how to meet them with grace
It’s a grounding, heart-warming chat full of wisdom and gentle reminders that family life doesn’t have to be perfect and that raising little kids is a beautiful but hard season.
You can find Courtney on Instagram @courtneyadamo
Discover her beautiful new book The Family Home — available here
Rommer is officially back — and we’re celebrating!
Their beautifully designed, practical mealtime range is made for real family life — from starting solids to snack time on the go. Growing listeners get 20% off when you use code GROWING at checkout. Valid until 31st October (excludes bundles). Shop the full range here
Tune in wherever you get your podcast, please share this episode with a friend!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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_
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.
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.
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_
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't
Our go-to meals that we serve on repeat
How we plan our meals, snacks, staples and freezer fillers
This 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 5/10/25
Jump over to Instagram @growingthepodcast to grab our favourite recipes and share your go-to meal ideas with us.
Hosts:
@lillian.beth
@birthwithbeth_