This week we’re diving deeper into an ongoing growing pain with Beth - one sparked by a quote she stumbled across on Emma Morris Instagram about how burnout and motherhood can collide in a big and overwhelming way. Together, the girls tease out what might be fueling the fire:the relentless societal expectations placed on mothersthe invisible load of flurrying, scurrying, and holding everything togetherIt’s reflective, heartfelt and deeply validating for anyone who feels stretched thin during this season.Meanwhile, Lil is feeling a little lonesome. Her husband is deep in silly-season festivities (every day and night) while she’s home picking up the pieces - and honestly, where are the Christmas parties for the mums?!R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)Beth’s PicksRecipe:A family favourite: this delicious, quick and comforting Sweet Chilli Chicken & Cashew Stir-Fry — perfect for weeknights. Try it hereRecommendation:A beautiful round-up of local small businesses to shop this Christmas:Lauren Sissons Studio – Art prints, wall stickers & kids card gamesRommer – Beautiful tableware for kidsKick Brick – Construction toys for kidsMaynetic – Magnetic boards & toysMum Club – The BEST caps for mums, dads, aunties & unclesYour local bookshop – Always a perfect choiceDesign Planner Kids – Personalised reusable colouring matsTara Treasures – High-quality felt toysSound Slam – Card game for family funDays In The Sand – Bright wetsuits for kidsLil’s PicksRecipe:A delicious and versatile Beef Brisket from Boob to Food — tender, comforting and so good. Get the recipe hereRecommendation:Inspired by a fortune cookie that read: “You deserve a rest. Relax and watch a movie.” So we’re passing that on to all of you — consider this your official sign to pause. Make it a Christmas movie… or don’t. Whatever tickles your pickle.
--------
40:12
--------
40:12
E111: Motherhood - Easier Said Than Done
Motherhood: Easier Said Than Done.This week, Beth is feeling the weight of motherhood - and the never-ending list of shoulds.You know the ones: we should rest, we should drink water, we should move our bodies, we should nourish our bodies, we should look after ourselves… and yet the how feels completely out of reach. It’s one of those big, honest chats about the gap between what we know and what we can actually manage in the thick of motherhood.She also shares her sweet little glimmer of taking her daughter to the cinemas for the first time… where there is now (wait for it) a kids’ playground inside the cinema. Has society lost the plot entirely or is this an absolute hack? Hard to say, we’re not sure either. Meanwhile, Lil is her own growing pain this week. She’s in a full shame spiral about her phone addiction and has bought herself a brick… but she’s so addicted she can’t seem to activate said brick. Make of that what you will.Lil’s RecommendationShe’s obsessed with Avocado Zinc — specifically the tinted SPF and the blush for an easy, lazy-girl, put-together moment. It’s on sale — treat yourself Shop Avocado Zinc hereLil’s RecipeA bold but life-changing avocado toast upgrade: add pickles (and goat’s cheese, and butter). She knows it’s a big ask — but it’s worth every bite.Beth’s Recommendation + RecipeA two-for-one delight: packet mix muffins.Any box from the supermarket will do — fun with a toddler, low-pressure, and absolutely in alignment with our current energy levels.Also to circle back to a previous R&R of Lil’s Beth now has her very own Tineco mop and she’s absolutely sold — you can be to if you want to jump on the bandwagon Tineco .
This week’s episode is full of feelings, fears, laughter and the kind of friendship that carries you through the chaos of motherhood.Lil’s growing pain hits deep: her parents will be away when her second baby is due, and it’s unearthed a much bigger emotional wobble - that age-old fear of expanding your family and wondering how everyone will cope with the shift. Beth gently holds space, offering reassurance, validation and the reminder that worry often shows up when we’re standing on the edge of something beautiful.Beth’s growing pain is a little more tick tick boom - quite literally. ’Tis the season for paralysis ticks, and an unexpected trip to emergency threw her week off. All is well now, but the girls chat through what happened, what to look for, and share the NSW Health Tick Fact Sheet for fellow Aussie parents - you can read it here.And if, like Lil, you need to level up your first-aid kit (sadly tick off not included), check out Rhythm First Aid for family-friendly kits and resources.R&R (Recipe & Recommendation)Beth’s Recipe: A gift from her mum and the perfect silly-season starter: Confit tomato and ricotta crostini. Fresh, quick, delicious.Beth’s Recommendation: A beauty fave for daily wear: the Maybelline foundation (it’s on sale, so treat yourself).Lil’s Reverse Recommendation: Skip the movie Regretting You (trust us). Instead, grab popcorn + Malteasers and sit outside the cinema catching up with a girlfriend — infinitely better.Lil’s Recipe: This delicious, crispy potato “salad” — flavourful, easy and so satisfying. Watch it here.
--------
55:26
--------
55:26
E109: Two Hot Mess Mums
Don’t mind Lil’s dulcet, slightly sultry tones this week — she’s sick as a dog and tries not to complain about it *too* much.Beth’s throwing her hat in the ring for the Hot-Mess Mum Award after dropping a few too many mental-load balls (don’t even get us started on the drama that is the Centrelink portal).It’s honest, funny, and full of the small moments that make motherhood both ridiculous and relatable.Lil’s R&RRecommendation: Eau Bags — the perfect blend of chic and practical.Recipe: Lil’s Yiros Wrap Shopping List — coming to @growingthepodcast this week!Beth’s R&RRecipe: Chewy choc-chip cookies — simple, sweet, and guaranteed to lift your mood.Recommendation: Twoobs Shoes — comfy, sustainable, and perfect for mum-life on the go. This episode is proudly brought to you by Looma Collective — the Aussie brand creating beautiful, practical essentials for little ones. Everything they produce is designed to make everyday moments calmer, comfier and more sustainable. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off and thank us later. Explore the full range hereFollow along on Instagram @looma.collective
--------
57:34
--------
57:34
E108: Itchy boobs, pelvic pain and sleep dilemmas
The girls are sharing their glimmers - from Beth’s pregnancy fatigue finally lifting to Lil being back teaching some scrummy, nurturing classes for mums.And as for growing pains…both are physical this week. Beth’s pelvis is hanging on by a thread, and Lil’s got two big, itchy problems she needs to get off her chest (literally).Plus, the girls are introducing a brand-new segment, it’s Mum’s version of Relaxing and Rejuvenating: R&R (Recipe & Recommendation) - because who doesn’t love a good rec and a quick win?Recipe: Vegan Banana Bread — add choc chips (vegan or not), and Loco Loves are elite if you’re feeling fancy.Recommendation: The Tineco Mop — she’s spenny but worth every cent. Wait for a sale and always follow the cleaning and care instructions.Beth’s R&RRecommendation: Ambra Pregnancy Undies — not sexy, but soft, practical, and so comfortable.This episode is proudly brought to you by Looma Collective — the Aussie brand creating beautiful, practical essentials for little ones (and their parents). From bibs to bedding, everything they make is designed to make everyday moments calmer, comfier, and more sustainable.Explore the full range at looma.com.auLil’s R&RFollow along on Instagram @looma.collective
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.
Österreich