Growing

In this episode, host Beth sits down with Kate - mum of three and postpartum doula to talk about all things twins. 

Kate shares generously about her experience becoming a twin mama including what it was like to find out, how this changed her plans for a home birth, how she prepared her home to welcome two newborns and the ways in which her and her medical team collaborated to ensure her birth experience was a positive one. 

There is so much wisdom in this episode, specifically about the power of letting go in motherhood. If you’re pregnant with twins or otherwise, you will love this episode. 

In this episode, host Beth is joined by the incredible Liesel, who you may know by her Instagram handle, @mommy.labornurse

In this episode of Growing, host Beth sits down with Alexandra Collier, an award-winning Melbourne writer who alongside an amazing career is a solo mum by choice. 

Well hey! On the agenda for today’s episode of Growing, host Beth steps you through what birth partners and support people can and should be doing to shift their mindset and step up as the BEST possible support person. 

Beth explains the importance of supporting from a place of confidence and trust rather than fear and lets you in on a powerful mindset shift that will change the way you look at birth support. 

This episode is a must listen for anyone preparing to give birth AND anyone preparing to support a loved one in labour. 

As a new parent, have you ever wondered…why am I receiving SO much conflicting advice. When it comes to newborn care and early parenting it can feel like everyone has a different opinion. 

In this episode Beth breaks down the ‘why’ and provides some insight into how you can cut through the noise and make decisions that feel right for you. 

Within this chat, Beth mentions some of her favourite, reliable resources that can help with decision-making in parenthood. These are listed below: 

Are you considering a sea change? In this episode Beth answers questions submitted by her online community about what it’s been like to move from the city to the coast. 

Topics include: 

• How did you pack up with a toddler running around? 

• Hidden costs and how to prepare

• How to support little ones through the change

• Do you miss the city? 

• Do you worry about being bored? 

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Building a community in a new place

And so much more. 

If you are thinking about making a big change for your family this episode is a great resource. 

Are you preparing to purchase a pram and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? 

In this episode Beth sits down with founder of Babybee prams and safety expert Emily Stone to discuss what you should be looking for when selecting a pram for your growing family. 

Emily breaks down the options and provides questions for you to consider such as, do we want a capsule? Should we be considering a double pram? What kind of accessories do I need to add on? 

In this episode Beth sits down with Dr. Kyla to talk about how we can support our kids to foster a positive relationship with food. Kyla has a PhD in childhood weight management and 15 years experience working with restrictive eaters. 

Food and meals are a big part of family life and many of us feel stressed or unsure what we should be feeding our children and how we should be setting them up for success. Kyla shares some of the ways in which we can model healthy behaviors around food and in turn, help our children create a healthy relationship with their amazing body.  

In this episode, host Beth sits down with mum of two Emily McCarthy. 

Emily shares what it was like to navigate on-going pregnancy sickness and prepare for her second birth after having had a traumatic birth with her first baby. We also learn about Em’s unexpectedly complex postpartum and how it felt to receive and ultimately recover from a devastating cancer diagnosis just weeks after meeting her second baby. 

There has been A LOT happening behind the scenes of Growing so In this episode, host Beth gives you a quick update on all things life and biz.

This episode of Growing is brought to you by PowerBirth, a comprehensive childbirth education course developed by an experienced midwife and passionate childbirth educator.

PowerBirth is specifically designed to reduce overwhelm, increase confidence and simply help you understand what to expect and how to work with your body throughout labour.

PowerBirth teaches you about your birth hormones, how to be an amazing support person, strategies for helping your baby adopt a great position in the pelvis, evidence based ways to reduce the chance of tearing and so so much more.

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week and this years theme ‘Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference For Working Parents’ host Beth is joined by Courtney Garland, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and pediatric sleep specialist to talk about how you can prepare to return to the paid workplace when your baby is still being breastfed. 

We discuss practical strategies for navigating conversations with your boss, what equipment you should have on hand, how often you will need to pump during the work day and strategies to help your baby take the bottle. 

Episode resources: 

Wondering what you can do to take care of your little one’s oral health and prevent problems down the track? Listen to this! 

In this episode of Growing, host and midwife Beth Ryan takes you through what to expect during the first six weeks of your baby’s life. 

A must listen for any pregnant mum, Beth details what normal feeding and sleeping patterns can look like with a newborn baby, how each day may look different, ways to settle your newborn and strategies for helping you feel calm and rested during your early postpartum. 

This episode is brought to you by Tommee Tippee and their newest baby monitor which is available now!

Introducing, Dreamsense – The smart baby monitor that senses everything but only communicates what matters most.

This i-OS or Android app-connected monitor helps parents relax and get some much-needed sleep. It includes a HD, pan and tilt night-vision camera and a wireless and rechargeable Parent Pod that uses colour and sound to communicate changes in baby’s sleep and surroundings.

Tracking sound, temperature, humidity, and light levels while baby sleeps, it plots any environmental changes on a timeline alongside any sleep disturbances. And if baby does stir in the night, parents can play a unique message, or use pre-set lullabies and sounds to help settle them. Head to tommeetippee.com to learn more.

Resource links:

In this BONUS episode host Beth Ryan and special co-host Jen Butler take you behind the scenes of their new business launch, Build & Bloom. 

Jen and Beth have both pivoted from working in full-time clinical careers to owning thriving online businesses and now they are on a mission to help other women achieve the same level of freedom, flexibility and fulfilment that they do. 

If you are a mum who wants to explore a different way to work during this season of life, this episode is not to be missed! 

In this episode host Beth sits down with Sophie to discuss motherhood, career pivots and life as a mum to three girls. From medicine to motherhood to host of an award winning podcast Sophie shares generously about her experiences and how she strives to be a positive influence in the online space.

This episode of Growing is brought to you by PowerBirth, a comprehensive childbirth education course developed by an experienced midwife and passionate childbirth educator. 

In this episode of Growing, host Beth Ryan takes you through what to expect in the first 48 hours after you give birth to your baby. This is an amazing listen for anyone journeying through pregnancy who wants a better understanding of the postpartum period. 

This episode discusses both vaginal and caesarean birth and touches on the topics including postpartum blood loss, pain management, breastfeeding and recovering from labour. 

This episode has been brought to you by BabyBee prams! Getting out and about with your little one can be challenging – it can feel like there’s so much admin involved that it’s almost not worth it. But the team at BabyBee have made it their mission to create prams that are not only stylish and affordable – but are also safe, practical and an absolute dream to use.

Are you considering a major career change? Curious about what it takes to run a successful online business? Join host Beth Ryan in this episode of "Growing" as she takes you behind the scenes of her journey from midwife to business owner.

Beth's career transition has been lots of fun but certainly full of challenges, trial and error and lots of learning on the go. In preparation for this episode, Beth turned to her online Instagram community and asked them what they wanted to know about running an online business. Today, she answers those burning questions and provides valuable insights for anyone looking to make a change in their own lives but unsure of where to start.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone who is considering becoming their own boss or anyone curious about what it looks like behind the scenes. 

In this episode of Growing I sit down with Dr. Renee White, biochemist, mum and doula. Renee provides so much practical advice for parents preparing for parenthood including strategies for implementing support, tips on how to create respectful boundaries and how to genuinely take care of yourself in motherhood. Renee combines her qualification and experience of working as a biochemist to provide research-informed support and advice to new parents. I absolutely LOVED this chat and know that you will too. 

In today’s episode I sit down with Jessica Rolph, mother of three, co-founder and CEO of Lovevery. Our chat is about so much more than the wonderful age-based playkits that Lovevery makes. Jessica and I talk about the dance between paid work and parenting, how to navigate those challenges and how the grass can always feel greener. I absolutely loved this chat and know that you will get so much out of it. 

Today we are joined by Susie Prout, midwife, lactation consultant and mum of three. Susie takes us through what to expect in the early days of breastfeeding including:

• Ways to prepare in pregnancy 

• The moments after birth

• How often a newborn baby feeds

• How to support your breastmilk supply

• Why overnight breastfeeds are crucial for boosting milk protection

And so much more. 

In today’s episode of Growing we are joined by Millie as she shares with us the birth of her first baby, her daughter Tigerlily. 

This story is an amazing listen! Millie shares generously about her experience being diagnosed with GD and the way she advocated for herself throughout her pregnancy, the many ways he and her husband Tom prepared for birth as a team and the challenge of waiting for labour to begin beyond 40 weeks gestation.

Resource links:

Today on the podcast Beth is joined by Erica Carew, a mum and school teacher with a passion for creativity and play! Simple activities can have a profound impact on a child’s development and play can start from the moment they are born. In this episode, Erica shares with us: 

• How to play with a newborn, beyond tummy time 

• How we can utilize simple household items for creative play 

• The many different ways ‘play’ can look. 

In this episode of Growing we are joined by Kate. Kate is a registered nurse and internationally board certified lactation consultant. Having worked in both community paediatrics and the neonatal unit, Kate now runs an instagram page and private lactation support practice, Little Bird Lactation. 

In this episode we discuss: 

- Should you purchase a pump in pregnancy why/why not?

- Reasons people commence pumping

- Pumping pros / cons 

- Pumping equipment: What do you actually need?

- Where to find support with pumping 

Labour can be intense! Sometimes we are shocked by the intensity of labour and can rapidly begin to spiral or panic. In today’s episode I share 3 of my favourite strategies for helping you keep calm and remain confident in labour. 

If you’re preparing to give birth, you might have heard the term ‘episiotomy’ and be wondering what on earth people are talking about. This episode breaks down what an episiotomy is and what the evidence has to say about use of the procedure in childbirth. A must listen if you’re expecting - As always, knowledge is power!

In this episode I sit down with Melanie from The Natal Naturopath to chat about all things iron. 

Iron is always essential to our health, but in pregnancy maintaining adequate iron levels is paramount to good maternal and neonatal health. Despite this, so many women struggle with iron deficiency before, during and after pregnancy. With many mainstream iron supplements contributing to gut irritation, It can be hard to know what to do if the treatment plan that’s been recommended isn’t cutting it! 

Melanie is as knowledgeable as she is passionate about helping mums maintain great iron levels in pregnancy. It was a pleasure to sit and pick her brain. 

Today I chat with Nikolina a journalist, author and mum to two busy little boys Noah and Leo. We talk about the jump from one to two kids as well as Nikolina’s experience with surrendering to motherhood, letting go of expectations, learning on her feet and ultimately learning to laugh at the chaos that comes with a close age gap. 

I loved talking to Nikolina and I know you will get so much out of this episode, especially if you are planning to grow your family soon. 

In today’s episode, we chat about stretch and sweeps, also called ‘membrane sweeps’. You will learn:

• What they are
• When they are offered
• What the evidence suggests
• Some of the limitations of the practice
• Things to consider when it comes to timing and your headspace!

I want to say a HUGE thank you for today’s sponsor LBDO.

In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 2 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.

Themes include:

• Intentional preparation for birth
• Mindset shifts
• Making peace with pain
• Open communication with your partner
• Hiring a doula and building your support team
• Positive postpartum

Resource links:

In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 1 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.

Themes include:

• Intentional preparation for birth
• Mindset shifts
• Making peace with pain
• Open communication with your partner
• Hiring a doula and building your support team
• Positive postpartum

Resource links:

If you’re expecting a baby, and you’re not the one preparing to give birth you might be starting to consider what your role is in the newborn days.

This episode is full of tips and tricks to support bonding and help partners to support the epic transition that is early motherhood.

This episode is sponsored by Made to Milk.

Made to Milk’s aim is to support mums to breastfeed with confidence by providing delicious lactation support products. From chunky home style cookies & brownies to decadent hot chocolates & lattes…there’s even options for gluten free, dairy free & soy free mums! You can enjoy 10% off storewide using the code GROWING10

If you usually parent as a couple, it can be SO daunting to take on the task alone if your partner is away. But, over the course of parenting, this scenario is somewhat inevitable so in this episode I run through what I did to prepare for a short solo stint.

In the early days of breastfeeding, it’s common to experience overfull, tight breasts as your milk comes in and this can be so uncomfortable!

In this episode I chat to you about how to avoid and soothe breast engorgement.

A huge thank you to this episodes sponsor PAEDS Education

PAEDS is an evidence based education service offering face-to-face and online baby and child first aid courses. Founded by paediatric intensive care nurses Grace and Sarah, PAEDS Education empowers parents with the essential skills and resources to successfully manage accidents and injury in the pre hospital moments. As mothers themselves, they know how overwhelming the idea of accident or injury can be for parents and are on a mission to help parents and carers combat fear and feel confident.

In this episode I step you through the tell-tale signs that labour is beginning and more importantly the reason why your midwife or doctor may encourage you to stay at home in the early phases on the birth process.

Do you know that all newborns have their hearing tested within days of birth?

In this episode we are joined by Crystal who is a clinical audiologist. Crystal explains the newborn hearing screen and answers some key questions for parents-to-be. This is such a great listen for anyone who is pregnant but also for parents of little ones as we also chat about where to get support if you are every concerned about your child’s hearing.

If you would like to learn more about hearing health, Crystal’s instagram ‘@early.ears.education’ is a fantastic resource.

This episode is a peek into what to expect at a routine pregnancy check up. I run you through:

• The frequency of routine visits
• What the goals of appointments are
• What you can do to feel prepared and take ownership of your education

In this episode I chat with Alex, founder of Milkdrop, a company determined to make your breast pump experience just that little bit easier!

In this chat we not only learn about Alex’s innovative pumping solution, we also dive into topics like, why are women often forgotten when it comes to health innovation? What impact does this have on our lives? What does it look like to run a flexible, parent-friendly workplace?

Alex generously shares about her own breastfeeding experience and some of the circumstances that led her to doing the work she does today.

Are you feeling the pressure to feed your baby a certain way? Maybe you are trying to navigate the early days of breastfeeding and feel like no matter what you do, the path to breastfeeding your baby is making you feel miserable.

Well, if this is the case, this episode is for you. There are lots of ways to nourish a baby and you are doing a wonderful job.

If you are in your second trimester, your care provider will begin asking you about your baby’s movement. Why? Because a change to your baby’s regular pattern of movement may indicate that they are not well.

Tune in to learn what is considered ‘normal’,  what you can do to feel reassured and what might happen in the event that you are concerned about your baby’s pattern of movement during pregnancy.

If you’re currently pregnant you are probably being told to ‘prepare’ for birth… and you might be thinking… I want to prepare but honestly, where do I start? What’s important?

This episode provides practical strategies you can use to get ready for the birth of your baby. As a midwife and childbirth educator I’m super excited about this episode. Supporting parents to feel informed and equipped for the birth process (and beyond) is what I’m allll about.

Tune in and make sure you hit subscribe to have future episodes of Growing drop straight into your poddy app.

Today’s episode looks at 5 popularly suggested strategies for getting labour started. If you are heavily pregnant and willing labour to begin, or perhaps you just want to learn more, this episode is for you!

This episode of Growing is sponsored by Sleepybelly. Sleepybelly’s pregnancy pillow is honestly a game changer for pregnant women everywhere!

It is no secret that getting comfortable in bed when you are pregnant becomes increasingly difficult as the months tick on. Sleepybelly’s unique design provides support for your back, side and tummy helping you to drift off and achieve a deeper, more restful sleep. As a midwife I absolutely love that this product helps you stay in the recommended side-lying position.

This episode looks at what whooping cough is, why the vaccine is suggested for all pregnant people and what we can do to protect newborns from whooping cough prior to their 6 week immunisations.

Keen for more?

In our first episode of Growing for 2023, I sat down with Vaughne Geary (@vaughne.geary) for a big beautiful chat about…life! Vaughne is a Melbourne based naturopath, birth & postpartum doula, co-founder of Mama Goodness and Co-Author of newly published book, Life After Birth.

Vaughne shares generously about her experience with studying a degree she eventually knew wasn’t for her, the decision to study naturopathy and her eventual journey into  the birth space.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Thank you Vaughne.

Keen for more?