This week on Growing, the Lilly and Beth talk VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) with Dr Hazel Keedle - midwife, researcher, and leading voice for women planning birth after caesarean. If you're seeking a different experience after a planned or emergency C‑section, this evidence-based conversation aims to help you feel both informed and supported.This episode is proudly sponsored by PowerBirth. Our go-to for evidence-based birth prep - created and taught by midwives, for you. Whether you’re a first time parent, creating strategies for your VBAC or just want to feel more empowered for your birth. This course gives you practical tools that actually make a difference. PowerBirth is all about helping you feel calm, confident and connected in your birth experience. Explore the course at powerbirthcourse.com.au and use our code GROWING20 for 20% off (valid until 31/8/25) What We Cover:What the current research says about VBAC safety Four key factors Hazel identifies that support a better birth experienceHow to set yourself up for a supported VBAC experience - from care provider choices to mindsetCommon misconceptions about VBAC (and what the evidence actually shows)Explore Hazel Keedle’s Publications & Resources:FREE Downloadable Guide to a Better Birth after Caesarean Book: Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth. Based on her PhD, this accessible guide intertwines research and birth stories to lay out the four factors crucial to planning a VBAC. Buy Yours NowThe Clinician’s Guide to Better Birth after CaesareanWritten for midwives, doulas and obstetricians, this resource translates the research into practical tools and strategies for VBAC support using the four‑factor framework Pre - Order HereJournal Publications & Workshops: You’ll find peer‑reviewed studies on VBAC, birth trauma, and maternity care approaches in Hazel’s research portfolio. Hazel also runs workshops using her evidence-based framework to train clinicians in VBAC support Here Explore more at Dr Keedle’s website, including full listings of journal articles and interactive VBAC workshops Professional work & workshops and Journal publicationsListen now to this evidence-rich episode wherever you stream podcasts and share with someone you know who’s planning a birth after a caesarean and wants more confidence in their choices.
This week on Growing, the girls get into the real weeds of modern motherhood - the kind of stuff that rarely makes it onto The Gram.Beth (@birthwithbeth_) opens up about the relentlessness of keeping everything afloat - parenting little people, running a business, showing up for friendships, and trying not to drop the ball. It's the mental load. It's the juggle. And it's that all-too-familiar feeling: we can do it all - just not all at once.Meanwhile, Lilly (@lillian.beth) is wrestling with the slow-burn decision of whether to wean her 18-month-old. Bye bye boob? Night weaning? What even is the plan when co-sleeping and breastfeeding have been so beautiful… but something’s shifting? SOS. This episode is light on the tangible tips and heavy on the solidarity. If you’re also in the trenches, or just craving honest mum-to-mum conversation, this one’s for you.Let's connect! Stay up to date by following us @growingthepodcast on InstagramHosted by: Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_ Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth
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E92: Can we talk about trying to conceive?
In today's episode of Growing, Lilly and Beth have an honest chat about their respective experiences of ‘trying’ for a baby and the strangeness of the waiting for something you want badly but is not within your control.We chat about the wild brain shift that happens for some women (them included) when you decide you want to be pregnant and it’s all. you. think. about.This episode addresses how 'trying' starts fun and rapidly becomes tedious.The weird limbo you land yourself in by unintentionally forecasting The challenges that can arise for your relationship in TTC limboImportantly, our thoughts go out to you if the TTC experience has been hard, disappointing or painful for any reason - especially if you’re still on that path. We hope with our whole hearts that you get to meet your baby soon and are sending lots of love your way.If you enjoy this episode, it would mean so much if you could share it with your circle! Come and follow us on IG @growingthepodcast Hosted by: Beth - @birthwithbeth_ Lilly - @lillian.beth
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E91: Meeting Mum in Matrescence: A Practical Guide for Dads
In this episode of Growing, we’re joined by Jason from @raising_fathers - father of two, coach, and champion of conscious fatherhood, for a practical conversation about how Dads can show up for their partners during matrescence. If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your partner through the rollercoaster of early motherhood, this episode is your guide. Whether you’re preparing to become a parent, in the thick of the fourth trimester, or just want to do things differently Jason brings practicality and gentle wisdom to this chat.We talk about:What matrescence actually is (and why it matters for fathers too)How Dads can support and emotionally attune to their partners through identity shiftsDads identity shifts and how they experience this monumental change too Tips for keeping connection and communication alive amidst sleepless nightsLots of practical go to’s for Mums and Dads entering and working through the huge transition that is parenthood - together as a team This is one of those episodes that we think every new Dad (and Mum!) should hear. Share it with your partner, your mate who’s expecting, or your parenting group.Follow Jason: @raising_fathersWork with Jason: www.raisingfathers.comDon’t forget to hit follow and leave a review, it helps us reach more parents just like you. And come say hi over on Instagram @growingthepodcastHosted by: Beth Ryan @birthwithbeth_Lilly Claxton @lillian.beth
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☎️ Call the Midwife - Ask us Anything
We’re wrapping up our Call the Midwife mini-series with a juicy Q&A - answering your most commonly asked questions about pregnancy, birth and the weird, wonderful in-betweens.In this unfiltered and fun finale, Beth and Lilly talk through everything from the practical to the personal, including:Can you have sex in labour?What’s a vulval varicosity?!Midwives vs obstetricians - who does what?Birth plans: yes or no?Is this discharge normal?And lots more! Pregnancy sleep is a whole thing, and that’s where Sleepybelly comes in. It’s the pregnancy pillow designed to support your bump, back and hips, so you can rest more comfortably (even in your third trimester acrobatics phase). Use the code GROWING10 for 10% off. Enjoy a 30-night risk-free trial at sleepybelly.com.au
Growing is your handbook for birth, babies and beyond brought to you by midwives and mums Beth Ryan and Lilly Claxton. Join us every Wednesday for a solid dose of solidarity as we explore all things motherhood.
Ireland