Happy Mum

Staying Calm When Birth Takes a Dangerous Turn | Life of a Midwife Ep. 10

<p>When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm can make all the difference. </p><br><p>This week two midwives share the emergencies they'll never forget.</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the <em>Life of a Midwife</em> series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p><strong>Links from our midwives:</strong></p><p><a href="https://shows.acast.com/happymumhappybaby/episodes/www.littlelightsupport.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Little Light Support </a>offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences</p><p><a href="https://www.eastanglianmidwives.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">East Anglian Midwives</a> offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner

<p>Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.</p><br><p>Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.</p><br><p>She also opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the lack of adequate postnatal support she received afterwards, experiences that led her to launch the first UK parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Since then, she has continued campaigning alongside <a href="https://shows.acast.com/93632869-73cf-44c9-bc9a-3e596d6fbe8f/665df1701f0f1a0012571024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Louise Thompson</a> for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner.</p><br><p><strong>UPDATE:</strong> Since recording this episode, the government has announced the appointment of the UK’s first-ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, as part of efforts to improve maternity and neonatal care across England. </p><br><p>Links:</p><p><a href="https://theodoraclarke.substack.com/s/breaking-the-taboo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow Theo on Substack&nbsp;</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Taboo-about-birth-trauma/dp/1785909355" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Breaking the Taboo book</a></p><p><a href="https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Birth Trauma Association</a></p><p><a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751174" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maternity Commissioner Petition</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj84EwGpvic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our interview with Louise Thompson</a></p><br><p>Do you follow our new <a href="https://substack.com/@happymumhq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Substack</a> yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Baby Born in a Bus Stop (and Other Home Birth Stories) |Life of a Midwife Ep. 9

<p>Was home birth different in the 1970s compared to today?</p><br><p>This week, two midwives take us inside the world of birth beyond the hospital: from pioneering one of the earliest home water births to facing the realities, risks, and unexpected moments that come with bringing a baby into the world at home — even when the carpet is cream!</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p>Links from our midwives:</p><br><p><a href="https://www.all4maternity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All4Maternity</a> is the go to place for education and support if you’re a midwife or student midwife.</p><p><a href="https://www.all4birth.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">And All4Birth</a> is the home for expectant and new parents - free, non-biased, evidence-based information! Curated by a midwife ❤️</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Punam Krishan on Maternal Health: "I Wasn't Taken Seriously Because I Was An Anxious Mum"

<p>In this episode Giovanna sits down with NHS GP, resident GP on BBC Morning Live and bestselling author, Dr Punam Krishan!</p><br><p>Punam opens up about her own traumatic first birth and the life-threatening complications, postnatal depression, and PTSD that followed.</p><br><p>She also talks about the breast cancer diagnosis she received last year that reinforced the importance of listening to her body and advocating for herself. Please take this conversation as a reminder to <a href="https://coppafeel.org/breast-cancer-info-and-advice/how-do-i-check/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">check your chests!</a></p><br><p>Dr Punam's latest book,<em> </em><strong><em>The Mother Load Every Mother’s Guide to Juggling Health, Life &amp; Happiness, is out now!</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How will I survive this career if I can't watch one birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 8

<p>How do midwives hold it together in times of immense pressure?</p><br><p>In this episode we hear from two midwives who have learned how to stay calm during overwhelming moments.</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the <em>Life of a Midwife</em> series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p>Links from our midwives:</p><br><p><a href="https://www.change.org/p/make-birth-safer-protect-midwives-working-hours?source_location=search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org</a></p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/439080/hard-pushed-by-leah-hazard/9781787464216" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began</a></p><p><a href="https://www.eastanglianmidwives.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">East Anglian Midwives</a> offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Father’s Day Special: The Reality of Surrogacy as a Same-Sex Couple

<p>This week, we’re marking Father’s Day with a very special episode as we welcome Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett to the studio!</p><br><p>They join Gi to share their remarkable journey to parenthood, including the moment their first surrogate withdrew from the process,&nbsp;how their own childhoods shaped the parents they wanted to be, and the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby Leven to the world.</p><br><p>Adam and Jamie also open up about the public scrutiny they’ve faced as a same-sex couple starting a family, and why they’re advocating for surrogacy law reform to better recognise intended parents from birth.</p><br><p><strong>You can learn more about Adam and Jamie’s petition to change surrogacy law</strong> <a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/763161" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Everybody Grieves Differently | Life of a Midwife Ep. 7

<p>What happens when birth leaves a mark that doesn't just disappear?&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this episode we hear from two midwives who understand the lasting impact of birth trauma and what it means for the families who are left without clear answers.</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the next series of <em>Life of a Midwife</em>, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p>Links from our midwives:</p><p><a href="https://shows.acast.com/happymumhappybaby/episodes/www.littlelightsupport.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Little Light Support </a>offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lauren Cowell Beyond the Headlines: Motherhood, Campaigning and Entering Her F*ck It Era

<p>This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her <strong>first ever podcast interview</strong>!</p><br><p>After years of keeping a low profile while navigating public scrutiny, Lauren opens up to Gi about life after divorce, co-parenting, and how she handled the intense media attention surrounding her pregnancy with partner Simon Cowell.</p><br><p>Lauren also shares more about her involvement in the <strong>‘Raise the Age’ campaign</strong> — and since recording this episode, Keir Starmer has announced plans for under-16s to be banned from social media by spring 2027 👏👏👏</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A Midwife's Own Survival Story | Life of a Midwife Ep. 6

<p>In this episode of <em>Life of a Midwife</em>, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling. </p><br><p>From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to becoming the midwife she once desperately needed herself.</p><br><p>If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email at midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Laura Marling’s Wild Second Home Birth: "My Daughter Was Downstairs Watching Paddington!"

<p>This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio!</p><br><p>Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two home births.</p><br><p>She also discusses her mission to create children's music that parents can genuinely enjoy, and introduces her new venture, 'Laura Sings Raffi,' a 17-track cover album of beloved children's songs. Each song is brought to life with videos illustrated by Laura and animated by Rob Shuttleworth. Out now at <a href="http://laurasings.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Laurasings.co</a></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Trust Your Gut | Life of a Midwife Ep. 5

<p>"If my gut is telling me something is wrong, something is wrong."</p><br><p>This week we hear from two midwives who know the power of following their instincts.</p><br><p>If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><p><br></p><h4>Links from our midwives:</h4><p><a href="https://www.midwifepip.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Midwife Pip: The Home of Trusted Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Support For Parents</a></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Susannah Fielding Believes Every Parent Should Learn Attachment Theory

<p>This week Gi reunites with her old friend Susannah Fielding! You’ll know Susannah from <em>This Time with Alan Partridge</em>, <em>Man vs Baby</em>, and <em>Wolf Hall</em> — but her most important role is being mum to her two-year-old son Alfie.</p><br><p>Susannah opens up to Gi about growing up with a single mother and an intermittently absent father, how those experiences shaped her relationships, and why she’s so focused on breaking cycles and not passing trauma on to her own child.</p><br><p>She also shares the story of her planned home birth that turned into an emergency C-section, the challenges she faced with breastfeeding, and what it’s been like returning to the theatre as a mum.</p><br><p>You can catch Susannah starring opposite Adrian Lester in <em>Cyrano de Bergerac</em> at the Noël Coward Theatre from 13th June.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Delivering Triplets in a War Zone | Life of a Midwife Ep. 4

<p>Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜</p><br><p>This week on <em>Life of a Midwife</em> we hear more of Anna’s extraordinary story, beginning with one of the first births she attended in South Sudan before she had even qualified as a midwife.</p><br><p>Anna also speaks candidly about her own experiences of having children.</p><br><p><br></p><p>If you’re interested in being part of the next series of <em>Life of a Midwife</em>, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>Links from our midwives:</strong></p><p>Donate to <a href="https://msf.org.uk/secure/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Médecins Sans Frontières</a></p><p><a href="https://babyszn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BabySZN™</a> is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer</p><p><a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/frontline-midwife-9781526625533/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Frontline Midwife</a> by Anna Kent</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mollie King on Becoming a Mum While Losing Her Dad

<p>This week, Giovanna sits down with singer, presenter and all-round ray of sunshine Mollie King !</p><br><p>Mollie chats to Gi about life with her two young daughters, the realities of motherhood (no sleep), and her exciting new venture into podcasting.</p><br><p>She also opens up about navigating her father’s terminal illness while preparing to welcome her first baby.</p><br><p>Don’t forget to check out Novel Idea — Mollie’s brilliant new podcast with Matt Edmondson!</p><br><p>If you’re loving the conversations on the podcast, make sure you subscribe to our brand new <a href="https://substack.com/@happymumhq?utm_source=substack-feed-item" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Substack</a>!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Am I here? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 3

<p>Trigger warning: this<strong><em> </em></strong>episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners.</p><br><p>Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary.</p><br><p>This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore.</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the next series of <em>Life of a Midwife</em>, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p>Links from our midwives:</p><p>Donate to <a href="https://msf.org.uk/secure/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Médecins Sans Frontières</a></p><p><a href="https://babyszn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BabySZN™</a> is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer</p><p><a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/frontline-midwife-9781526625533/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Frontline Midwife</a> by Anna Kent</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Intrusive Thoughts, Exhaustion & Crippling Shame: Kimberley Nixon’s Postnatal OCD Reality

<p><strong>TRIGGER WARNING: </strong>this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away and come back when you're ready 💛</p><br><p>May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever.</p><br><p>Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of her son, Kimberley Nixon found herself in some of the darkest days of her life.</p><br><p>Kimberley opens up to Giovanna about experiencing dark and intrusive thoughts, being diagnosed with postpartum OCD, and why she felt it was so important to share her story.</p><br><p>Kimberley's brilliant new book <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/She-Seems-Fine-to-Me/Kimberley-Nixon/9781398557536" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">She Seems Fine To Me </a>is out now.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Baby's First Breath | Life of a Midwife Ep. 2

<p>What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time?</p><br><p>In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby!</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the&nbsp;next series of <em>Life of a Midwife</em>, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p><strong>Links from our midwives:</strong></p><br><p><a href="www.babyszn.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BabySZN™</a> is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

'Nothing Came Naturally': Lydia West on Hyperemesis, Breastfeeding & Struggling to Connect

<p>Over the past nine years, <em>Happy Mum Happy Baby</em> has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because when a mum feels supported, seen, and heard, everything else can flourish. So... welcome to the era of <em>Happy Mum !</em></p><br><p>And joining us to start this exciting new chapter is the gorgeous Lydia West. You’ll know Lydia from <em>It’s a Sin</em>, <em>Years and Years</em>, and <em>Big Mood, </em>but what you may not know is that she welcomed TWO babies between filming seasons one and two of <em>Big Mood!</em></p><br><p>For the first time, Lydia opens up about her pregnancies and births, sharing her experience of severe hyperemesis, as well as the challenges she faced with bonding and feeding.</p><br><p>She and Gi also discuss her returning to work just eight weeks postpartum, the importance of supported childcare on set, and learning to loosen the reins amid the chaos of toddler life!</p><br><p><em>Big Mood series two is now streaming on Channel 4</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Making a Midwife | Life of a Midwife Ep. 1

<p>To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries!</p><br><p>Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past and present, as they reflect on the moments that have shaped their lives and careers.</p><br><p>In this first episode, we'll trace the moments two women were pulled into midwifery.</p><br><p>We’ll return to our regular guest episodes next Tuesday xx</p><br><p>If you’re interested in being part of the <em>Life of a Midwife</em> series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk</p><br><p><strong>Links from our midwives:</strong></p><p><a href="www.littlelightsupport.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Little Light Support </a>offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences</p><p><a href="https://www.change.org/p/make-birth-safer-protect-midwives-working-hours?source_location=search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org</a></p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/439080/hard-pushed-by-leah-hazard/9781787464216" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Life of a Midwife: Due 5th May!

<p>We’ve got a special delivery coming your way… a brand-new miniseries! </p><br><p><em>Life of a Midwife</em> brings you raw, honest, and deeply personal stories from midwives — past and present — as they share the moments that shaped not just their careers, but their lives.</p><br><p>Our first episode drops on Tuesday 5th May, perfectly timed to celebrate International Day of the Midwife! And new episodes delivered every Thursday after that.</p><br><p>So join us as we honour the voices behind some of life's most extraordinary moments 💜</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Hannah Witton on Pregnancy with a Stoma: What It’s Really Like

<p>This week Giovanna sits down with creator and OG YouTuber Hannah Witton!</p><br><p>Hannah opens up about navigating motherhood while living with long-term chronic illness.</p><br><p>She also shares her journey with secondary infertility and the emotional challenges of coping with other people’s pregnancy announcements.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

'I Was Told the Problem Was Me’: Raising My Autistic Daughter

<p>Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina is autistic.</p><br><p>In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Catherine sits down with Giovanna for a conversation about the journey to getting Nina—now 31—her diagnosis.</p><br><p>This episode is all about letting go of perfection, and learning to navigate a world not built for autistic children.</p><br><p>Catherine’s memoir, <em>Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me</em>, is available now.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Comedian Emma Doran: Pregnant at 18 in a Convent School

<p>In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran. </p><br><p>Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed.</p><br><p>She also shares how she began stand-up on maternity leave, performing her first open mic when her baby was just six weeks old!</p><br><p><br></p><p>Catch Emma on tour! Emma Doran has extended her Emmaculate UK and Ireland stand-up tour up until 2027, including the London Palladium on 7th February 2027. Emma will also make her debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard – Beside from 5 – 30th August (excl 12th, 19th, 26th). For more info and tickets visit <a href="emmadorancomedy.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">emmadorancomedy.com</a></p><br><p>(Pic credit: Ray Burmiston)</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Vicky Pattison: What If I’m Not a Good Mum?

<p>When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure?</p><br><p>This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having children to adoption, surrogacy, or choosing a child-free life—and why the answer isn’t always simple.</p><br><p>Vicky also opens up about her childhood, shaped by complex family dynamics and her relationship with her dad, and how that’s influenced her fears about becoming a mum. </p><br><p><strong><em>Vicky Pattison: Maybe, baby? is available now on C4 Streaming.</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Jake Humphrey's ‘Horrible’ School Days Made Him a Better Parent

<p>This week, we welcome broadcaster, High Performance Podcast host, and father of two, <strong>Jake Humphrey</strong>, to the studio.</p><br><p>Jake and Giovanna share their experiences of being bullied at school, with Jake sharing how those early challenges later helped him navigate public scrutiny as the BBC’s F1 presenter. He also talks candidly about fertility struggles and the deal he made with his wife while trying to conceive their first child during long periods away for work...!</p><br><p><em>'Game Plan: Level Up Your Mindset.&nbsp;Own Your Future'</em>&nbsp;is out now!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Hannah East Talks About Her Loss on Stage

<p>In this episode, Gi sits down with comedian Hannah East to talk about the chaos of parenting three children.</p><br><p>Hannah shares her unique career journey, from competing on Gladiators (where she met her husband) to presenting at the 2012 Olympics.</p><br><p>She also opens up about her fertility struggles and two miscarriages, and how her experiences with grief inspired her to create a stand-up show to help others feel less alone.</p><br><p>Buy tickets to Hannah's tour <a href="https://www.hannaheast.com/comedy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside Debbie Bright’s Life as a Foster Carer

<p>In this episode, Giovanna sits down with&nbsp;Debbie Bright&nbsp;for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. </p><br><p>Best known to many from&nbsp;<em>TOWIE</em>, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years.</p><br><p>Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on.</p><br><p>Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood, and offers heartfelt advice to anyone considering fostering.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Chessie King on the shocking reality of IVF costs

<p>Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King!</p><br><p>Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of divorce.</p><br><p>She also talks about the emotional journey of trying to conceive again after experiencing fertility struggles.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Steve Backshall: ‘it’s a terrible time to be a parent’

<p>This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall </p><br><p>Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. </p><br><p>He also opens up about his wife Helen's inspiring journey training for the Tokyo Olympics just months after giving birth, and of course, there are plenty of tales from his iconic adventures along the way.</p><br><p><strong>LEGO® Education has launched four innovative STEM sets for young builders&nbsp;aged 7+, championed by explorer Steve Backshall. These sets turn children's big 'Why?' questions into hands-on,&nbsp;independent&nbsp;scientific discovery. Available today via&nbsp;select&nbsp;LEGO Stores and&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://lego.com/LEGOEducation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LEGO.com/LEGOEducation</strong></a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Episode 300: The Emma Willis Takeover

<p>One huge milestone.&nbsp;One unforgettable twist 👀</p><br><p>To celebrate 300 incredible episodes of&nbsp;<em>Happy Mum Happy Baby</em>, Giovanna finally finds herself on the other side of the table, lovingly nudged out of the hosting chair by none other than her best friend Emma Willis!</p><br><p>In a perfect full-circle moment, Emma—who was&nbsp;<em>HMHB</em>’s very first guest—returns to turn the tables and get the full story on Gi’s parenting journey.</p><br><p>It’s raw, revealing, and the perfect way to honour 300 episodes of honest conversation!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>