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...

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...

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...

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? -...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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_...

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...

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...

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...

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!