Growing

This week’s growing pains and glimmers include those moth*er flipping moths, suburban chicken negotiations and the radical act of having a minute (or two nights) to yourself. Beth’s back from a work trip with a hot take: sometimes the rest we need runs so much deeper than sleep, although of course sleep also helps. We unpack mum guilt, deep rest and remembering who you are outside of being Mum. Plus, Lil shares her experience flying with two little ones (shoutout to childless friends doing the most), Tassie farm-life fantasies and whether Ben can be convinced that suburban chickens are, in fact, essential.Turns out, you can love your life and still need a little break from itA huge thank you to ergoPouch, a long-time favourite in both our households. From swaddles to sleeping bags and big-kid PJs, we love their quality, gorgeous prints and clever TOG-rated designs.Shop the Nursery Rhymes collection and use code GROWING20 for 20% off site-wide. T&Cs apply.R&R: Recommendations, Recipes & RebuildsBETH’S REBUILD - Deep restBeth’s biggest takeaway from her work trip is that rest isn’t always about sleep. Consider this your permission slip to make space for you — whatever that looks like in this season.BETH’S RECOMMENDATION - Youth on HBO Max A new comedy from Sharon Horgan, the brilliant writer and star behind Bad Sisters. Smart, funny and centred on the messy business of being a woman in the world. BETH’S RECIPE - Veggie-packed nachosA family-friendly dinner that gets the kids excited about corn chips while sneaking in plenty of goodness. Cook mince with grated zucchini, grated carrot, onion, black beans and taco seasoning. Spoon it over corn chips, top with grated cheese, then finish with avocado. LIL’S RECOMMENDATION - A Basket by the Door by Sophie HansenA beautiful cookbook full of achievable recipes for sharing, freezing, dropping off and showing people you care. Sometimes there’s nothing better than flicking through an actual cookbook, finding something delicious and keeping food simple.LIL’S RECIPE - Big-bowl Bircher muesliInspired by the very wholesome Tassie house-sit life: a big bowl of Bircher muesli in the fridge, ready to go, with stewed apricots and Greek yoghurt alongside. If you’re enjoying Growing, we’d love you to leave us a review, share the episode with your mum-group WhatsApp, or come and chat it out with us on Instagram at @growingthepodcast.

Beth’s hit the bodily fluids trifecta this morning - covered in vomit, poo and wee all before 8am. And on this we chat about the many layers that come with loss in identity in motherhood and how hard it is to actually dress comfortably and practically and still feel like ourselves. Sleep remains sticky however the good news on that front is bunk beds have entered the household and are a huge success. Lil is captain community and trying to work out are we just *trashed* by a Friday and is her walk and talk group better as a hump day treat on a Wednesday? Good news is they’re almost at the finish line of the marathon that is toilet training. And the crowd went wild. Lil’s recommending her April 29 Phone Strap because in this gig two hands are a luxury and you deserve to look good while juggling. Lil’s recipe quick and easy (but actually going to fuel your day) kind of breakfast Recipearce Breakfast Burritos. Batch prepare them, freeze and enjoy. Beth’s recipe is good old zucchini slice but this one has some delicious charred corn on top. Beth’s bunk beds - Juniper Temple and Webster And if this episode made you laugh, nod along, or feel a little less alone, share it with a mum, leave us a review, and come hang out with us on Instagram @growingthepodcast

*SPRING BREAK THROWBACK* The Transition From 1 - 2 Please note this is a throwback episode, the ergoPouch code shared in todays episode is not currently active. 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 rich 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.Shop ergoPouch here - CODE NOT VALID - apologies. Listen now wherever you get your podcastsShare this episode with a fellow parent who could use some solidarity and a reminder that joy can live right alongside the juggle.Follow us on Instagram @growingthepodcast for more real-life reflections on parenting, pregnancy and matrescence.

This week Beth has given a little bit of extra and unexpected love to her first baby, PowerBirth which comes heavy with logistics, literal migraines, a lot of moving parts, but also loads of gratitude and joy. There’s something really lovely about returning to a part of yourself and your work that you’ve had to put down for a while, and remembering just how much you love it.Lil’s baby is teething. So her household has officially had a case of the grizzle grumps. But, as we know all too well, growing teeth isn’t easy - hence the entire premise of this segment: growing pains can be literal growing pains.Meanwhile, Lil is teetering on the edge of falling off her rebuild bandwagon and has decided that perhaps the rebuild is actually a magnesium hot chocolate in bed, a Strawberry Vanilla Burst Loco Love⁠ and a Kindle. And honestly? Who are we to argue with that. That is actual self care. Pssttt.. Beth has a code for the hot choc: BIRTHWITHBETH She’s also recommending that everyone in her life listen to The Imperfects episode on Matrescence that includes you glimmer girls. Beth is loving her Aesop body wash and Mixa moisturiser and her current rebuild is simple: upping her steps, especially now she can get out and about a little more easily with the twins.And an honourable mention goes to the Babybee LUNA2 Double Pram⁠ Lil picked hers up on Marketplace and, full disclosure, Beth has worked with Babybee — but the sentiment remains: that’s a bloody great double pram for getting two babies in and out of the car.And as always, come hang out with us over on Instagram @Growingthepodcast and tell us what you’re growing through, what your current rebuild looks like and, most importantly, what you’re currently recommending to your fellow Glimmer Girls.

Lil is deep in the toddler trenches - food refusal, parental preference, running away (quite fast) and the weighty question “am I actually doing any of this right?”. We chat boundaries, big feelings, finding your parenting style and the push and pull of parenting a tiny person who understands far more than they can actually regulate. Beth mentions Dr Siggie for child development support if you are also looking for a little software upgrade. Beth is five months in with the twins and off the back of vaccinations with two babies she’s had a big old week and discovered that perhaps four children is many, many children. The glimmer is she’s feeling the excitement and joy of stepping back into paid work (a little more) and is reminded of just how much she loves her job and business baby PowerBirth. OUR REBUILDSBeth: Getting back into Pilates — two classes a week, three weeks running. Turns out everyone was annoyingly right: exercise does make you feel better.Lil: Early morning walks with Ben and the boys. If you're already awake, you may as well go for the river walk.RECIPE + RECOMMENDATIONSPistachio Chocolate Dates: Dates + pistachio butter + melted chocolate = an elite little sweet treat. Pop the filled dates in the freezer before dipping them in chocolate so they hold their shape. Perfect for our pregnant listeners wanting to get their date fix. Pistachio Papi is the elite spread, could also just use pistachio butter. Australia Post App: Lil has also discovered parcel tracking and parcel lockers and is wondering why nobody told her sooner. Also for our pilates princesses Leelo Active - Buttery, secure Pilates princess pants. And Glimmer Girls - we want to hear from you. What parenting software are you currently upgrading? What does your rebuild look like? Come tell us over on Instagram @growingthepodcast and join the conversation. 💌

Okay, so we’re a good four-and-a-bit months into life with our little babies and, truth be told… the tired in us is tired.Beth has been managing naps for the better part of five years now and, look, it’s a lot. Speaking of five years, her first baby has just celebrated her fifth birthday, and isn’t that just magic in itself?Meanwhile, Lilly’s house is also a little bit chaotic on the sleep front. It’s working… kind of. But she’s had the realisation that self-care and an exercise routine probably aren’t going to look convenient in this season of motherhood and she’s choosing to prioritise them anyway.Recipes & RecommendationsBeth is recommending her LED face mask. We know… it’s wildly indulgent, but Beth’s verdict? Worth it. Here’s a little comparison to save you the research. Lil is living in her cosy Linen House dressing gown.Recipe Tin Eats’ Birthday Cake is every bit as delicious as everyone says it is. Yes, it’s involved. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it.Lil’s current breakfast obsession is a throw-together porridge with cinnamon, sultanas, peanut butter and a splash of vanilla. Add an egg while cooking for extra protein, or top with Greek yoghurt to serve.And on the rebuilding front? Lil has treated herself to a few new exercise outfits because she deserves them and she’s a Pilates Princess, after all. Beth has booked her first exercise class in. Yehaaa. Look at us go.As always, come and join the conversation over on Instagram at @growingthepodcast⁠. We’d love to know what’s one small thing you’re doing this week to rebuild and refill your cup?

This week on Growing, we’re deep in the reality of winter with little kids. Beth shares the scary experience of RSV sweeping through the family, the emotional rollercoaster of navigating ED with sick babies, and why trusting your instincts as a parent matters.Lil is navigating the less glamorous combination of postpartum and PMS, reflecting on just how much women carry, while celebrating the beautiful relief of watching Franklin settle into his happy little self.We also chat about the unexpected magic of slowing down. Sometimes the best play doesn’t come from another activity it comes from boredom, imagination and letting kids create their own little worlds.This weeks R&R: Beth is loving Couples Therapy on SBS, open-ended toys and a hearty meatball soup. Lil is recommending Ottolenghi’s Chicken Marbella⁠ and the L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil⁠ (or the more budget-friendly MCo Beauty Smoothing Almond Oil Body Wash⁠) for a little everyday luxury.Glimmer girls - we know you get it and god we’re grateful. Follow us! @growingthepodcast @[email protected]

This week on Growing we’re wondering where our inner girls have disappeared to. We chat about the all-consuming season of motherhood, how many layers of our former selves feel quietly tucked away, and the strange mix of missing the freedom of “before” while knowing, we wouldn’t trade where we are now for the world. Beth gets wonderfully practical, taking us through exactly how she manages to get a toddler and two tiny babies out of the house. Meanwhile Lil’s postpartum fatigue has finally caught up with her and the very real tension of desperately wanting to soak up every moment while also needing five uninterrupted minutes. This week Lil is recommending a comforting chicken pot pie recipe, while Beth loved reading The Heir Apparent. Lil wants to shout out Namastudio’s sentimental name prints⁠, and the Babybee Luna Pram⁠ — bought second-hand and absolutely obsessed.As always Glimmer Girlies, thank you for spending a little part of your week with us. We hope this episode reminds you that even if parts of yourself feel a little dormant right now, they’re still there — and so are we. 🤍

This week on Growing we’re discussing a fairly groundbreaking revelation: motherhood is amazing and also, very hard. Possibly the biggest slice of humble pie either of us have ever consumed. One universal truth remains - men could absolutely never.The constant questioning of am I doing enough? Am I doing this right? and the vulnerability that creeps in when comparison enters the chat. Beth reflects on life with the twins and how, with a little hindsight, some parts of this season have felt heavy. It’s a lot… but gosh golly, it’s worth it.Meanwhile Lil would like to formally acknowledge that she misses the era of spontaneous vinos with girlfriends. And can we all agree we are somehow simultaneously under and overstimulated at once? How is that possible. Science, explain.Beth has a bliss ball recipe to tackle the breastfeeding munchies and is currently loving the surprisingly elite shhhhhh setting on ErgoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine⁠ — highly recommend giving it a whirl. Lil is recommending house slippers, ignoring the state of your floors, and stocking the freezer with these Shredded Mexican Beef Burritos⁠ because future you deserves support.A little love this week for Sound Slam a brilliant Aussie-created, play-based learning tool. Grounded in the science of reading, it helps little ones develop phonological awareness through connection, play and learning that genuinely feels fun (which frankly is the dream). Perfect for families wanting to build confidence before those school years arrive.As always, thank you Glimmer Girlies. Motherhood can feel enormous, beautiful, relentless and deeply humbling all at once — we see you, and we’re so glad you’re here 🤍Follow us! @growingthepodcast@birthwithbeth_ @lillian.beth

We’re back in your ears answering your questions and sharing where we’re currently at in our postpartum hazy daze.This week we’re chatting about the elusive topic of sleep and what that looks like in our households right now, do our kids have the same name?! Our skincare favourites, how we met, midwifery and career pathway changes, and how we’re navigating postpartum fashion.Kel King's Postpartum Dressing Episode⁠Lil’s Skincare RosterLa Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+⁠Aeon Liquid Magic Avocado Zinc Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops⁠We are so grateful you’re here - sending you a little glimmer of love for wherever you’re at.

Beth has climbed the mountain that is mastitis and is happily - finally - on the other side. She shares the feeding plan she’s landed on for her twinnies, what’s feeling sustainable for her family, and a very gorgeous reframe around postpartum bodies and what they’re actually made for. We’re doing our very best to put down the negative self-talk, one tender little reframe at a time.Meanwhile, Lilly has survived her first week with her husband back at work and it was mostly magical… with, of course, several moments of complete madness. The logistics have logistics, the toddler activities need activity cherries on top, and Beth comes through with some genuinely brilliant mum tips for making the day work for you.Once again, the women are the best. Thank you for being here - we simply adore you. Also if you haven’t yet watched Off Campus, well what are you waiting for dolly?Recommendations & RecipesLil’s Recipe:An easy throw-together biscuit recipe perfect for little helping hands and those “we need an activity immediately” afternoons. Toddler Biscuit RecipeLil’s Recommendation:Spotify audiobooks for kids - an unexpected little parenting gemLa Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 a gentle little skin saviour for dry, irritated, postpartum-everything skinBeth’s Recommendation:Prime Minister - the Jacinda Ardern documentaryBecause we promised Lil’s mum: Australian Breastfeeding Association Mastitis Resource

Another glimpse inside the utter chaos that is our deeply postpartum lives right now. Beth and Lilly unpack the glimmers and growing pains of life at home with very little babies — both starting to feel slightly ready to re-enter society while also being firmly in the trenches of newborn life. We also chat about the weird emotional pressure cooker that can be Mother’s Day — and if you finished the day feeling a little overstimulated, underwhelmed or strangely emotional… we completely get it.Lil has been experiencing the challenges of an unsettled baby and the girls hold hands and remind each other that yes this parts: equally normal, hard, magical and utterly mad.Plus our usual R&R recommendations because we’ll never stop trying to romanticise the trenches.Lilly found this podcast episode with Dr Eliza Hannam helpful for reassuring her on unsettled babies: Bloom with Body, Birth & Baby episode with Dr Eliza HannamLil’s current nervous system obsession: Krumbled Magnesium Hot Chocolate (Adding collagen because we’re trying to thrive, not just survive.) Use Beth’s code: BIRTHWITHBETHBeth’s recommendation: a postpartum wardrobe refresh. Nothing dramatic — just a few pieces that help you feel a tiny bit more like you when leaving the house with milk stains and two minutes of sleep.Beth’s Recipe: nourishing lemon chicken soup that’s freezer-friendly and genuinely delicious: Avgolemono Soup RecipeHuge thanks to ergoPouch for supporting the podcast this month.We are deep in our newborn cocoon era and leaning heavily on ergoPouch right now — from their beautiful swaddles and sleep suits to the cot sheets that somehow survive the endless overnight changes.We’re also obsessed with the Drift Away Sound Machine, which has become part of our entire nighttime rhythm.Use our code BIRTHWITHBETH for 20% off until the end of May.If this episode made you feel seen, send it to a mum friend who’s also somewhere between blissed out and barely holding it together 💛And don’t forget to follow Growing wherever you listen to podcasts.

This week we are coming to you live from the trenches — where time is meaningless, snacks are essential, and the witching hour feels like a personal attack. We’re gasbagging (professionally) and pulling at all the loose threads of early postpartum life — from the chaos of juggling multiple naps in one household (who knew sleep could require this much admin?) to the nightly spiral of “is this the witching hour or just… our personality now?”Lil is, once again, back in her toxic situationship with her phone (again… again 🙃), while Beth is emerging - phoenix-like — feeling a little more like herself physically, which we are celebrating loudly. Somewhere in the middle of all of this, we’re both finding a rhythm… not a good one, not a consistent one, but a rhythm nonetheless and honestly that feels like growth.It’s chaotic, it’s honest — and if you’re in early postpartum too, this one will feel like sitting on the couch with friends who are also just trying to piece it together 🤍🍝 R&R — Recipe & RecommendationBeth’s Recipe: Crispy chilli oil — less of a recipe, more of a personality trait at this point. Put it on everything and suddenly you’re thriving.Beth’s RecommendationStrangers by Belle Burden - a beautifully raw memoir about identity, motherhood, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go to plan. Lil’s Recommendation For freshly postpartum, breastfeeding mums: lymphatic massage for breast engorgement — game changing. Lil swears by doing it in the shower with a lush oil or body wash and pretending it’s a wellness ritual instead of survival. It’s gentle, effective, and can bring real relief when things feel full, tight, and borderline offensive.Watch: Lymphatic Massage for Breast Engorgement (Step-by-Step)Lil’s Recipe: Burger nights at home 🍔 when capacity is low but vibes are still important. Head to Coles and grab the at-home Grill’d burger patties… elite, no notes.