Growing

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. 

Ally’s memoir Inconceivable details her journey into motherhood after waking up one day with a strong urge to start a family, a goal that her partner didn’t share. 

In this chat, Ally shares what it was like to return to her parents home, age 37, heartbroken and yearning to be a mum, the joys and challenges of eventually realising that dream and provides insight into how we can better support people in non-traditional family structures to thrive. 

Beth absolutely loved this chat. Ally is warm, funny and incredibly clever. A must listen! 

Resource links:

Join Facebook group: Australian Solo Mothers By Choice

This week’s podcast is brought to you by Aussie baby sleepwear brand, ergoPouch. Their safe-sleep-approved range and TOG-rated pouches have been an important part of our journey with our little girl. 

Right now, ergoPouch is running a 20% off Click Frenzy Sale site-wide which means you can save big on all of their gorgeous new season prints, cult-favourite styles and sleep tools to help your little one sleep soundly. 

Terms and Conditions:

20% off Excludes Outlet, Gift Vouchers, Sleep Packs, Bundles, Gift Packs and Canvas Bags. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

Valid from the 23rd to the 26th of October 11:59pm 2023

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. 

These strategies and techniques are just some of the tools Beth teaches in her childbirth education course PowerBirth®, an incredible resource for expectant parents and available both online and face-to-face. You can learn more at www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

A HUGE thank you to one of Beth’s all-time favourite baby brands and sponsor of today’s episode ergoPouch. ErgoPouch have just launched their gorgeous holiday sleepwear collection just in time for school holidays… and a much-needed vacay! Inspired by the warmth of the sunny rays and our underwater friends, they’re perfect for a good night’s sleep after a day at the beach!

If you’re a long-time listener, you’ll know that Pops and I are big fans of ergoPouch – their certified organic tog-rated sleepwear keeps our girl comfy overnight all year long, ensuring she’s neither over-heating nor cold. With the weather warming up, you can simply use their handy ‘What to Wear’ guide to quickly work out how to dress your baby for bed according to the temperature.

Check out their clay-colored Sunny print and sea-themed Ocean print on ergopouch.com.au. Plus, ErgoPouch have kindly given our listeners 20% off with code GROWING until the 11th of October.

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: 

Eat Pray Sleep by Dr. Preeya Alexander (GP and Mum!)

The Australian Breastfeeding Association 

The Raising Children Network

La Leche League (Breastfeeding support)

Unicef Infant Formula and Responsive Feeding Guideline (Formula support) 

Sick Happens (Navigating Inevitable Childhood Illness) 

Lactation and Infant Feeding Resource with Susie Prout 

This episode of Growing is brought to you 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.

Sleepybelly are so confident that you will love their pillow that they offer a 30-night money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your pillow with the code BWB10. Visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to shop now.

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. 

Keen to connect with Beth? Follow her on Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or jump over to her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

If you’re looking for evidence-based birth education, Beth offers a range of courses. More information available at www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

Resource links:

newysupply.com.au

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? 

The team at Babybee have also put together a pram buying guide to help cut through the noise. Check it out here

This episode is sponsored by PowerBirth childbirth education course. PowerBirth teaches you the knowledge and skills to navigate birth with confidence. The course covers what to expect during labour, how to set up your birth space,, how to work with pain, how to be an amazing support person and so much more. You can learn more about the online and in-person options at www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

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.  

You can learn more about Dr Kyla on instagram @dr_kyla and her offerings via her website www.mealtimes.com.au

This week’s podcast is brought to you by Aussie baby sleepwear brand, ergoPouch. If you haven’t heard of ergoPouch they make certified organic, premium, ergonomically designed sleepwear.

Their safe sleep range covers newborn up to 12 years of age and we have been big fans since our 2 year old daughter Poppy was just a newborn.

We’ve found their TOG-rated sleeping bags are snug and cosy, but also breathable, ensuring Pops is comfy all night long. They also wash incredibly well, keeping their shape and feel – a testament to their excellent quality

I’m super excited to share that ergoPouch have just launched their new range of timeless Heritage prints curated exclusively in-house in Melbourne. The designs are beautiful, playful and nature-inspired.

You can purchase the NEW Heritage Collection and the entire ergoPouch range exclusively online through at ergopouch.com.au

In this episode, Beth sits down with Dr. Erin Bowe to discuss the signs and symptoms of birth trauma and what you can do next if you feel traumatised by the events of your birth. 

Erin shares valuable information about the ways in which birth trauma can manifest itself in the postpartum period as well as practical strategies for getting help.  

Erin has a wonderful range of resources designed to support new mothers, which you can access here. 

A huge thank you to our episode sponsor, BabyDink!  

As lovely as baby snuggles are, sometimes we need to be hands-free. Our friends at BabyDink know that new parents don’t often have a lot of time (or headspace!) to be dealing with anything too complicated, so they’ve designed the ultimate “no-wrap wrap” to keep your baby close without the admin. 

With no confusing ties or buckles, their award-winning BabyDink Newborn Carrier provides the same cosy fit every single time – with organic, soft and breathable, stretchy fabric that’s designed to grow with you and your baby – from birth to six months.

Get 15% off their entire range using the code GROW15 at the checkout. This code cannot be used with any other offer. Available only at babydink.com.au.

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. 

This episode is truly a beautiful listen and one I know you will get so much from.. You can follow Em on Instagram @emac5555 and sign up to her newsletter at https://emilymccarthy.substack.com/https://emilymccarthy.substack.com/ 

Listen to Em’s birth first story here: 

https://australianbirthstories.com/podcast/episode-243/ 

For more information on bowel cancer screening, treatment and support visit 

https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/ 

A huge thank you to this week’s episode sponsor Tommee Tippee and their amazing Made for Me™ Wearable Breast Pump. Powered by you, the newest Tommee Tippee breast pump is wearable and cord-free! It slips comfortably into your bra, meaning you can pump totally hands-free – whenever, wherever. It can be controlled using the Tommee Tippee app, and is the only breast pump that mimics a baby's natural suckling motion using smart ConstantComfort™ technology. The breast pump has a clever nipple-alignment light to help you pump in the most comfortable position, day or night, and the milk collector bottle is compatible with Tommee Tippee’s award-winning Closer to Nature® teats, so you can feed your baby in a few simple steps. The Made for Me™ Wearable Breast Pump is available now from tommeetippee.com.au and Baby Bunting stores.

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.

This course is available online at birthwithbeth.com.au/powerbirth-online

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: 

Courtney’s website and Instagram https://mamalinc.com/mama-linc-online-classes/ @mamalinc

Australian Breastfeeding Association milk storage guidelines https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/storing-ebm 

Episode sponsor: 

This episode of Growing is brought to you 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.

Sleepybelly are so confident that you will love their pillow that they offer a 30-night money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your pillow with the code BWB10. Visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to shop now.

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

Host Beth sits down with Dr. Bethany, a qualified dentist AND educator to learn how we can care for little teeth and gums. Bethany answers questions such as: 

• How soon should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

• When should the first visit to the dentist take place? 

• Should I use toothpaste?

• How much toothpaste should I use? 

• How worried should I be about sugar consumption? 

And SO much more. 

You can connect with Dr. Bethany via her website or on instagram @drbethanystoothtales

Remember to hit ‘follow’ to get more episodes of Growing in your ears every week. 

A huge thank you to this week’s episode sponsor, iL Tutto. 

iL Tutto’s range of stylish, functional, and ever-so-cosy Nursing Chairs will provide you with the ergonomic support and the comfort your body needs, making your feeding journey more relaxing and enjoyable. iL Tutto are offering our Growing audience an exclusive 15% off code for the next month, which can be used across their huge range of stylish Nursing Chairs, along with their CoZee Co-Sleeping Bassinets, Cots, Chests and even play mats! This code expires at 11:59pm Sunday 27 th August and cannot be used with any other offer. Only available at iltutto.com.au

DISCOUNT CODE: GROW15

To connect with Beth and learn more about how she can support you in pregnancy visit www.birthwithbeth.com.au or checkout her Instagram @birthwithbeth_ 

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:

Listen to Growing Episode 48: What should I expect in the 48 hours after I give birth? on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Listen to Growing Episode 46: Practical strategies for a positive postpartum with biochemist, mum and doula Dr. Renee White on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

BabyDink | The Comfy Baby Carrier

Joey Mama | New Mum Essentials & Baby Carriers

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! 

From 18th-20th July 2023, Jen and Beth are hosting a FREE live training event called ‘What’s Your Why’. You can sign up at www.jenbutler.com.au/findyourwhy and check out the Build & Bloom Instagram page @buildandbloom_gals

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. 

This course 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. This course is available online at birthwithbeth.com.au/powerbirth-online 

Resource links:

Listen to Beyond the Bump on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Learn more about Beth’s Positive Induction course at birthwithbeth.com.au/positive-induction

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.

BabyBee are all about making it as easy as possible to get out and about with your little one at every age and stage – and with thousands of five-star reviews and multiple industry awards won, they’re a brand that many Australian parents know, love and trust. Checkout their amazing range at babybeeonline.com

Resource links:

Listen to Growing E44: Breastfeeding in the newborn stage with lactation consultant Susie Prout on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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. 

To stay connected with Beth and learn more about her courses and resources that can support you on your journey, be sure to follow her on Instagram @birthwithbeth_ and visit her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au.

A HUGE thank you to Australian Birth Stories for making today's episode of Growing possible!!

This episode of Growing is made possible by one of my favorite resources for expectant parents, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, written by Sophie Walker, the host of the incredible Australian Birth Stories podcast. This beautiful book provides invaluable insight into the Australian maternity care system; what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy journey and various ways to prepare for your birth so that you can feel empowered in your decision making.

I love the way Sophie has sprinkled insightful self-care strategies throughout the book, such as mindfulness prompts, relaxation exercises and conversation starters. This book goes far beyond your usual pregnancy manual and perfectly encapsulates the wisdom of Australian birthing parents, partners and pregnancy professionals alike. You can grab a copy of the book from www.australianbirthstories.com.

Resource links:

Canva

Later: Social Media Management Tool

Planoly: Social Media Management Tool

Rode USB microphone

Kajabi

Thinkific

Squarespace

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. 

Renee is the founder of Australia's first biochemist-led doula village where she and her team provide high quality continuity of care for parents journeying through pregnancy and postpartum. You can learn more about their services at www.ifillyourcup.com and on Instagram @fillyourcup_ 

Resource links:

The Science of Motherhood Podcast with Dr. Renee White

Insight Timer - Free Meditation App

Grab 'The Quickie' - Renee’s Go-To Guide for The Fourth Trimester

Are you preparing to give birth? 

If you want to feel excited and empowered for birth (leave the nerves behind!) my online birth preparation course is the PERFECT fit. Jump over to my website www.birthwithbeth.com.au/courses to learn more about how I can support you.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood. 

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. 

Head to lovevery.com or follow Jess on Instagram @jessicarolph to learn more!

Are you preparing to give birth? 

If you want to feel excited and empowered for birth (leave the nerves behind!) my online birth preparation course is the PERFECT fit. Jump over to my website www.birthwithbeth.com.au/courses to learn more about how I can support you.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on Instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood. 

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. 

I love Susie’s modern, judgment free approach to breastfeeding support and if you are looking for more I highly recommend joining her breastfeeding success membership. To learn more you can follow the link here or follow Susie on Instagram

If you’re pregnant and looking for birth education visit Beth’s website www.birthwithbeth.com.au to check out her range of empowering, evidence based courses designed to help you feel confident and calm. 

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. 

Today we pick up where we left off in episode 42. Millie shares with us what it was like to realise she was going into labour, how she managed the earlier hours at home with her husband and what unfolded after arriving at the hospital in active labour. 

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:

Australian Birth Stories Podcast

Sophie Walker’s Birth Class

Podcast Episode 254: Beth on Australian Birth Stories

Today on the podcast we are joined by Sharon Stoliar. Sharon is an Australian midwife, mother and author. Following a traumatic birth experience that left her with long-term health complications, Sharon became a fierce advocate for change and a voice for birthing women everywhere. Her book “Scars of Gold” details her journey from a harrowing postpartum, lengthy recovery and road to recognition in which she worked  tirelessly to ensure her concerns were heard and systems were changed. 

sharonstoliar.com

Follow Sharon on IG: @sharonstoliar

Sharon’s email address: [email protected]

This episode is proudly sponsored by ergoPouch. Check out their Outlet now for great savings!

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. 

You can learn more about Erica and her wonderful resources at https://www.chroniclesofplay.com.au/

Keen to learn more about your host Beth? Beth is a registered midwife and loves supporting families to prepare for birth. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to find out which course is for you. 

In today’s episode of Growing, host Beth Ryan is joined by relationship and parenting coach Leonie Akhidenor to discuss the challenges couples face in their relationships after having kids. Drawing on questions and concerns submitted by their online community, they explore topics such as the mental load, communication, lack of libido, resentment, and self-care.

Leonie provides valuable insights on how to share the mental load, communicate effectively, and delegate tasks to create a more balanced partnership. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care, finding ways to maintain intimacy, and addressing any underlying feelings of resentment.

Whether you're a new parent or an experienced one, this episode is full of practical tips and advice for navigating the ups and downs of relationships after kids. Tune in now to learn more!

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 

You can connect with Kate on Instagram @littlebirdlactation and her website www.littlebirdlactation.co.nz 

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 want to learn more about preparing for labour and birth, sign up to my birth course PowerBirth at www.powerbirthcourse.com.au 

A big thank you to today’s sponsor, Sleepybelly. It is no secret that getting comfortable in bed when you are pregnant becomes increasingly difficult as the months tick on. Sleepybelly’s unique pregnancy pillow 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. 

Sleepybelly are so confident that you will love their pillow that they offer a 30-night money back guarantee! You can get 10% off your pillow with the code ‘BWB10’ and visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to shop now. 

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!

This episode of Growing is made possible by one of my favourite resources for expectant parents, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth written by Sophie Walker, the host of the incredible Australian Birth Stories Podcast. This beautiful book provides invaluable insight into the Australian maternity care system, what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy journey and various ways to prepare for your birth so you can feel empowered in your decision-making. I love the way Sophie has sprinkled insightful self-care strategies throughout the book such as mindfulness prompts, relaxation exercises and conversation starters. This book goes far beyond your usual pregnancy manual and perfectly encapsulates the wisdom of  Australian birthing parents, partners and pregnancy professionals alike. You can grab a copy of the book from www.australiabirthstories.com

Keen to connect with Beth? Head to her Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or jump over to her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au 

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. 

If you would like to learn more about Melanie and the work she does you can visit thenatalnaturopath.com.au or follow her on IG @thenatalnaturopath

Let’s be honest, going to the park with your toddler can get boring. In this short but sweet episode I share three things we have been doing lately to fill our days together. 

If you are living the toddler life and are looking for inspo, you will love this episode.

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. 

You can find out more about Nikolina by visiting her Instagram @heynikolinak or heading to https://heynikolinak.com/b/mymummylovesfudge 

Resource links:

Maggie Dent

A huge thank you to todays episode sponsor Made to Milk’s 

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 . Head to their website www.madetomilk.com.au 

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.

This episode of Growing is made possible by LBDO. LBDO is on a mission to break down taboos and stigmas around sex and pleasure and they do this through the creation of sexual wellness products that are as beautiful as they are effective. Their most popular product, the Essensual Vibe, could honestly be mistaken for a design ornament and is not something you will be embarrassed to have hanging around your bedroom...quite the opposite! This product along with their lubricant and oil are the perfect things to get you feeling re connected with your body during pregnancy or after birth when you feel ready. When it comes to sex and pleasure, mothers are often left out of the conversation completely, so I am so proud to be partnering with LBDO to change the conversation and help you feel like 'you' again. If you want to learn more and browse the range of stunning products head to www.lbdo.com

Keen to connect? Follow me on Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or visit my website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

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:

Birthing with Confidence: Savvy Choices for Normal Birth by Rhea Dempsey

Listen to Australian Birth Stories

Sophie Walker’s Birth Class

This episode is sponsored by PowerBirth, my online birth preparation course. Powerbirth is a collection of the knowledge and skills I wish ALL parents had before embarking on the journey of labour.  The course steps you through the process of labour and birth, helps you understand the role of your key birth hormones, how to work with them, how to work with your body in labour… we talk about strategies for working with pain and also look at how you can support the process of birth. Students have life-time access to the course from the time of purchase, including to any course updates meaning you can even refresh your memory down the track if you choose to grow your family. To learn more and sign up visit www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

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:

Birthing with Confidence: Savvy Choices for Normal Birth by Rhea Dempsey

Listen to Australian Birth Stories

Sophie Walker’s Birth Class

This episode is sponsored by PowerBirth, my online birth preparation course. Powerbirth is a collection of the knowledge and skills I wish ALL parents had before embarking on the journey of labour.  The course steps you through the process of labour and birth, helps you understand the role of your key birth hormones, how to work with them, how to work with your body in labour… we talk about strategies for working with pain and also look at how you can support the process of birth. Students have life-time access to the course from the time of purchase, including to any course updates meaning you can even refresh your memory down the track if you choose to grow your family. To learn more and sign up visit www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

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

https://www.madetomilk.com.au/

Want to learn more about Beth or say hi? Follow her on Instagram @birthwithbeth_ or visit her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

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.

If you want to learn more about Beth or say hi, follow her instagram @birthwithbeth_ or visit her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

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.

Grace and Sarah have generously given us a discount code allowing you to save a huge 30% on their online using the code 'GROWING30'. You can learn more at https://courses.paeds.education/

If you want to learn more about Beth or say hi, visit her instagram @birthwithbeth_ or go to her website www.birthwithbeth.com.au

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.

A huge thank you to PowerBirth, my online childbirth preparation course for sponsoring todays episode. Powerbirth is a collection of the knowledge and skills I wish ALL parents had as before embarking on the journey of labour.  The course steps you through the process of labour and birth, helps you understand the role of your key birth hormones, how to work with them and how to work with your body in labour.  We talk about strategies for working with pain and also look at how you can support the process of birth. Students have life-time access to the course from the time of purchase, including to any course updates meaning you can even refresh your memory down the track if you choose to grow your family. To learn more and sign up visit www.powerbirthcourse.com.au

Keen to connect? Follow beth on her instagram @birthwithbeth_ or visit www.birthwithbeth.com.au

Oh gosh, strap in! I didn’t realise how many lingering emotions I had on this topic until I hit record and started talking. In this episode I let you into our weaning experience, how I knew it was time, some of the strategies we used to get through it, how my daughter handled it and more importantly…How I got through the hormonal shift (hint: I cried a lot).

My hope for this episode is that it helps anyone navigating this to feel seen and understood. Whether you are weaning after a day, a week or a year +, it comes with big emotions and the challenge of finding a new normal.

If you enjoy this episode, please let me know by jumping over to my Instagram @birthwithbeth_ , leave a review or share the episode with a friend.

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.

Would you like to feel prepared and excited for birth? Checkout my online birth course, PowerBirth at www.birthwithbeth.com.au or follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for more information on birth and beyond.

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

If you would like to feel prepared and excited for birth, check out my birth preparation course PowerBirth. You can learn more at www.birthwithbeth.com.au or follow me on my Instagram page @birthwithbeth_  to access heaps more education for birth and beyond.

We also reference two podcasts. You can learn more about them here:

1. australianbirthstories.com
2. @beyondthebump.podcast

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.

I absolutely LOVE this chat. You can find more about Alex and Milkdrop at https://www.milkdroppumps.com/en-au

We also reference a book titled Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez which you can learn more about here https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

Enjoy!

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.

Keen for more? Visit www.birthwithbeth.com.au to learn about my birth preparation courses or jump over to my instagram @birthwithbeth_ for midwifery with a side of motherhood!

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.

Keen for more? Visit www.birthwithbeth.com.au to checkout my birth preparation courses or come and say hello to me on IG @birthwithbeth_

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.

Keen for more? You can checkout my birth preparation courses at www.birthwithbeth.com.au and visit my IG @birthwithbeth_

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.

Sleepybelly are so confident that you will love their pillow that they offer a 30-night money back guarantee! You can get 10% off your pillow with the code ‘BWB10’ and visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to shop now.

Thank you Sleepybelly for making this episode of Growing possible and for helping uncomfortable mums everywhere get some rest!

Keen for more?

Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au or come and say hello on IG @birthwithbeth_

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?

Jump over to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to learn how I can support you in pregnancy or visit @birthwithbeth_ for heaps more educational content!

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?

Jump over to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to learn how I can support you in pregnancy or visit @birthwithbeth_ for heaps more educational content!

In our final episode for 2022, I deep dive into our experience with starting daycare including questions submitted by the Birth With Beth Community. This episode is intended as a big virtual hug to anyone taking this step in the near future. I understand how daunting it can be but also know it can be a wonderful step for the whole family unit.

Questions addressed include:

• How old was our daughter when we started?
• How many days did she start with?
• How did we know what center to choose?
• How on earth did it work with naps?
• Were we still breastfeeding? How did that work?
• What was the sickness like?

And lots more.

Thank you for joining me over the last couple of months. I will be BACK early next year with more Growing goodness. Enjoy your break, stay safe and I’ll see you in 2023.

On this episode of Growing we are joined by Claire Andrews. Claire is a midwife, maternal child health nurse, mum and owner of Safe Hands Early Parenting. Her resources are incredible and I highly recommend jumping over to her instagram @safehandsparenting

With the festive season among us, we sat down to talk…Christmas and babies. As JOYFUL as Christmas events are, navigating them with a new baby can feel daunting.

We talk about setting expectations, tips for maintaining routine, managing sleep, hard conversations with family and more.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas - we hope this episode helps! x

Ahh nap transitions! IYKYK, they can be so tough.

We recently dropped from 2 naps down to 1 so in this episode I chat through how we knew it was time to make a change, some of the things we did to navigate that shift. We’ve come through the other side (yay!) so I hope these tips help you or at least demonstrate solidarity in the ever-changing game that is motherhood.

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so that Growing automatically drops into your podcast app every Monday and Wednesday with more bite-sized insight to pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

If you’ve followed me on instagram for a while, or you’ve engaged in any of my courses, you know i’m super passionate about creating environments that support physiological birth. This episode let’s you in on 5 things that can influence your birth as well as the evidence to support them.

Below are the key references I mention if you feel like digging a little deeper!

Lawrence A, Lewis L, Hofmeyr GJ, Dowswell T, Styles C. Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2.

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003934.pub2/full/es#

Cluett ER, Burns E, Cuthbert A. Immersion in water during labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 5. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub4/full?contentLanguage=en

Wrønding T, Argyraki A, Petersen JF, Topsøe MF, Petersen PM, Løkkegaard ECL. The aesthetic nature of the birthing room environment may alter the need for obstetrical interventions - an observational retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):303.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

Do you know that sleeping on your back in late pregnancy is not recommended?

This episode runs through some facts and myths around sleep position in pregnancy and provides a quick overview of what is safest, the “why” behind the recommendations and some tips on getting comfy.

Are you preparing to give birth?

If you want to feel excited and empowered to birth (leave the nerves behind!) my online birth preparation course might be PERFECT fit. Jump over to my website www.birthwithbeth.com.au to learn more about how it can support you to feel ready!

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

Welcome back to Growing! Today we're talking about three conversations to have with your partner in pregnancy. When a newborn joins the family, sleep is in short supply, emotions are high (the good and challenging) and it's hard to have productive, considered conversations. 

Tune in to learn how you have big conversations ahead of time and what you might like to chat about. 

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

Lately I've been reflecting on my pregnancy with my daughter...what was good about it? What did I find challenging?... And what I keep coming back to is that I really lacked and craved community.

This episode is an honest look at the experience of loneliness in motherhood, why we are so uncomfortable asking for help and ways that we can achieve connection and feel supported in this pivotal time of life.

FREEBIE

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

In today's episode, we are backtracking a little. I put up a question box on my IG stories inviting you to ask anything you wanted to know about me or my approach to things, and in this episode I answer as many as I can!

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

Your first appointment with your chosen care provider is known as the ‘booking in visit’. Today I chat you through what to expect and answer the following questions:

• When does a ‘booking in’ visit take place?
• What should I bring?
• Should my partner attend this visit?
• What kinds of questions will I be asked?
• More

This episode will help you prepare, know what to expect and start to feel excited for this pregnancy milestone.

FREEBIE

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

While it is scary and hard to think about, especially when you’re in the early weeks of your pregnancy, it is estimated that up to 1:4 women will experience miscarraige…and for those people, having access to resources and open conversation is so so important. There is no time limit on your grief, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

This episode discusses:

• What to expect during a miscarriage
• Where to go if you start bleeding
• How long bleeding can last
• Where to get support for pregnancy loss + more

Where to find support for pregnancy loss:

SANDS Australia - 24/7 phone support on 1300 072 637

www.sands.org.au

Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758

www.gidgetfoundation.org.au

Pink Elephants Support Network

www.pinkelephants.org.au

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)

National helpline Monday-Saturday 9am-7L30pm AEST/AEDT 1300 726 306

www.panda.org.au

Center of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

www.cope.org.au

Bears of Hope  - 1300 11 4673

www.bearsofhope.org.au

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

While I was super excited to be pregnant, I found the first few months of pregnancy to be incredibly physically and emotionally challenging. In this ep I share honestly about the ups and downs of early pregnancy, and what i’ll be doing differently if i’m lucky enough to be pregnant again in the future.

FREEBIE

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

It is estimated that around 70-80% of pregnant people will experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Today we’re chatting about that icky sick feeling that comes hand in hand with the early weeks and some key strategies to get through. I hope this episode brings you some relief or at the very least, the knowledge that you aren’t alone.

FREEBIE

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

Welcome back to Growing! Today is episode 3 and we are deep diving into body changes in the first trimester. We know that as bub grows, so does your beautiful bump but have you ever wondered what is actually going on inside you amazing body in order to grow a human…from scratch? It is truly mind blowing. This episode serves as a reminder of a) how incredible you are and b) why you need to give yourself permission to slow down and look after yourself.

FREEBIE:

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

In episode 2 of Growing we are talking early pregnancy ultrasound, also known as ‘the dating scan’:

• What is it?
• Do I need one?
• What will happen on the day?

All of these questions are answered and more!

FREEBIE:

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.

In the very first episode of Growing (yay!) we are starting at the beginning and chatting through what happens after a positive home pregnancy test?

This episode is perfect for you if you’re considering pregnancy, trying to conceive, currently in early pregnancy or just want to learn more. We go through:

• What to expect at your first GP visit
• What tests and screenings are on offer
• Who takes over your pregnancy care moving forward + more!

FREEBIE

Currently pregnant and keen to get organised? Grab our FREE first trimester checklist. This handy guide takes the overwhelm out of early pregnancy and steps you through some of the main things to consider. Head to www.birthwithbeth.com.au to download yours today.

Keen for more? Follow @birthwithbeth_ on instagram for education, updates and insights. Consider it midwifery with a side of motherhood.