Growing

This week on Growing, Beth interviews our very own Lil, chatting all about her choices and plans in preparation for her upcoming VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean).
We know this can be a big and often complicated topic, so we approach it specifically with Lil’s perspective and lived experience in mind. If you’re planning a VBAC or exploring your birth options, we encourage intentional conversations with your care provider and birth team.
Together, we dive into many aspects of VBAC preparation, beyond birth prep, we deeply honour the postpartum space—acknowledging the need for gentle support, rest, and recovery in the weeks after birth.
We mention Lil’s birth story, to her debrief of that experience, to mindset shifts, pain relief tools, and body work with G.Lorri. You also might enjoy our insightful chat with Hazel Keedle on VBAC, which is a must-listen for anyone walking this path.
And if you’re curious about the evidence behind how midwives themselves birth and the outcomes associated, we reference this 2022 study on midwives birthing well and improved outcomes.
We hope this episode feels supportive and empowering —wherever you are in your pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting journey.

This week on Growing Beth has been affronted by a few too many unsolicited and (quite frankly rude) comments about her beautiful and growing body (carrying twins no less) so this is a PSA to pipe down in the cheap seats and leave pregnant women aaaaalone. No notes. 
Lil’s playing bed tetris trying to figure out sleeping arrangements for her toddler and making sleep (sort of) work in her household with a baby on the way. 
Recipes:
Hot chook mad? Check out @nataliechassay ‘One Chook Three Salads’ Series 

@villageformama  Chicken & Quinoa Stew – nourishing, grounding, and perfect for the postpartum season (or any season, really).

Recommendations
@piyama_co Pajamas – Lil (on behalf of Beth and herself) is voting PJs as self-care essentials. They’re soft, cute, and perfect for your postpartum cocoon. Shop Piyama

Lauren Sissons’ Fruit & Veg Memory Game – A gorgeous and fun way to play with your little one: Shop the Memory Game

We’re so glad to have you here — truly.
If you loved the episode, leave us a review, share with your mum club, or tag us over on Instagram:
@growingthepodcast | @lillian.beth | @birthwithbeth_

Expecting Twinnies… This week Beth takes us inside her twin pregnancy experience and answers some common questions about what it's like to grow TWO babies.
From managing medical appointments to navigating the emotional weight of a more complex pregnancy, this episode is filled with candid insight, raw honesty, and those soft glimmers we love to find in the middle of it all.
We cover:
How this twin pregnancy compares to Beth’s previous low-risk experiences

Physical and emotional changes in the third trimester

Birth planning: Caesarean, vaginal, or staying open?

What the acronyms actually mean: DCDA vs MCDA vs MCMA twin pregnancies

How Beth and her family are preparing practically and emotionally

Mental health through pregnancy: the highs, the hard bits, and being held

Beth shares generously and gently - with reflections that will resonate with any parent navigating uncertainty and excitement in equal measure.
Podcasts we mentioned 
Beth's Birth Story with Alfie and Beth's Birth Story with Poppy 
Beth's Birth Debrief with Alfie
Jodi Wilson's 4 Birth Stories and @practisingsimplicity 
Gidget Foundation AustraliaIf this conversation brings up anything for you, or you're navigating perinatal mental health yourself, we encourage you to access support through the Gidget Foundation.
Book a support session here
If you loved this episode, please consider sharing it with a fellow parent, leaving a kind review, or tagging us on 
Instagram: @growingthepodcast 
Hosts: @lillian.beth & @birthwithbeth_

The girls are back - and you heard it here first, Growing's first-ever on-air snort. You're welcome.
Lil’s growing pain this week? Her poor pregnant trotters. The hoofs are not serving, and the jury’s out on whether they’ll ever recover. Thankfully, pajama gate is closed — she’s been reunited with her beloved cotton ruffles. Oh, and bonus? Her husband has upgraded himself to in-house barista status. Just in time for that next postpartum cocoon.
Meanwhile, Beth is in her feelings — her littlest love has just started daycare, and it’s a big shift. Huge love to any other parents navigating change and transition right now. Physically, the twin pregnancy toll is real and rising — and emotionally, Beth’s reflecting on the bittersweet beauty of watching her little sister step into motherhood but is fairly sure she got the baby shower games wrong...
Lil’s Recommendation:For a glowy princess summer — Bondi Sands Tanning Milk
Bondi Sands Tanning Milk. Because SPF and shimmer can absolutely co-exist.
Beth’s Recipes:🥗 Chickpea & Halloumi Salad
Quinoa

Tinned chickpeas

Roasted veggies

Halloumi (pan-fried in sweet chilli sauce)

Chopped herbs + rocket

Lemon yogurt tahini dressing - inspired by Jessica Prescott’s Epic Salads 

This link might inspire you further @jess__food

🍕 Easy-Peasy Pizzas
Woollies dough balls

Whatever toppings you’ve got

Whacked in the air fryer (divine)

Beth’s Recommendation:📚 Epic Salads by Jessica Prescott — because salad should never be boring.
Help Us Grow
If this episode made you laugh-snort, feel seen, or hungry for salad and sunshine, please share it with a friend, leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, or tag us on socials — it makes the world of difference to us.
Follow us on Instagram:
@growingthepodcast

@lillian.beth

@birthwithbeth_

Recommendations & RecipesWe love our glimmer girlies and we’re so grateful to have you here 💫

This week on Growing, we’re keeping it hot n heavy — but this time it’s the breathing that’s heavy.
Beth’s waving the anaemia flag (yep, Lil passed the baton) and is feeling the very real effects of low iron. The midwife verdict? Don’t underestimate a good iron supplement if your body needs it. Consider this your midwife-approved nudge to check in with yourself and refill your cup.
Meanwhile, Lil’s in full-blown pajama gate. She treated herself to some delicious postpartum jammies only to discover they’re being held hostage at her old address. Drama. Cotton. Ruffles. Justice.
On a more luxurious note, Beth prescribes every parent the ultimate tonic: a night away sans children. It’s the kind of medical advice we can all get behind.
R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)
Lil’s Recipe:
Birthday Cake from RecipeTin Eats
In honour of her baby boy turning TWO — cue the confetti and buttercream.
Lil’s Recommendation:
A chic, throw-on “moo moo” (her words, not ours) from Saffron Lane. Perfect for postpartum lounging with flair.
Beth’s Recipe:
Zooper Doopers. No prep. No shame. Just frozen glory in a plastic tube — because it’s hot and we’re pregnant.
Beth’s Recommendation:
UNE PIECE Swimwear. Yes, they were gifted, but Beth’s also put her money where her bump is — and she swears they’re worth every cent.
Let’s Stay Connected
Love the episode? Share it with your mums group, drop us a review, or tag us when you’re listening — we adore hearing from our glimmer girlies. 
Follow along over on Instagram:
@growingthepodcast
@birthwithbeth_
@lillian.beth