Happy Mum

Am I a good enough parent? with Clemmie Telford

This week on 'Asking For A Friend', Gi discusses Vulnerability with author of 'But Why?', Clemmie Telford. From answering difficult questions from kids to having an open conversation with yourself, Gi and Clemmie talk about feeling lost and when to ask for help.<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>

Am I Incontinent? with Emma Brockwell

This week on 'Asking For A Friend' Gi discusses Pelvic Floor Health with founder of Pevic Roar and author of 'Why Did No One Tell Me?, Emma Brockwell. With tips on how to keep your pelvic floor healthy and your questions answered on everything from excercising when pregnant to urinary incontinence.<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>

Am I OK? with Stacie Swift

In this episode of 'Asking For A Friend' Gi is joined by illustrator, mum and author of 'You Are Positively Awesome', Stacie Swift. The pair discuss everything around parental mental health, practising self love and answer your listener questions around wellbeing. <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>

What is Gut Health? with Dr Megan Rossi

In our very first Asking For A Friend episode, Gi is joined by Dr Megan Rossi,&nbsp;a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist with a PhD in gut health&nbsp;to discuss how the microbes in your stomach can impact the physical and mental health of mother and child.<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>

Introducing Asking For A Friend

Introducing 'Happy Mum Happy Baby: Asking For A Friend', a brand new incarnation of the show where Gi will be speaking to leading parenting experts and asking your questions about the issues that affect us all through our parenting journeys. From your pelvic floor to mental health, weaning to bed-wetting and teething to trauma, we got it all covered. Make sure you submit your questions for our experts by heading over to Giovanna's socials! @mrsgifletcher<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>

Tom Daley

In this week's episode, Giovanna is joined by none other than diving extraordinaire, and keen knitter, Tom Daley. The pair sit down to talk all things fatherhood and the ins and the outs of surrogacy. <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>

Dope Black Dads

Joining Gi today is Marvyn from Dope Black Dads, an organisation that provides a safe space for fathers who wish to discuss their experiences of being black, a parent and masculinity in the modern world.<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>

Anna Mathur

Psychotherapist, bestselling author of Mind Over Mother and mum to three, Anna Mathur is today's guest. <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>

DIY Dads

Joining Gi today is James from the DIY Dads. He's a DIY lover, gardener and an advocate for LGBTQ+ parenting and adoptive families. <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 Rangan Chatterjee

<p>Today’s episode is all about improving health and happiness! Gi is joined by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, father of two, physician, author and podcast host of ‘Feel Better, Live More.’&nbsp;</p><p>Dr Chatterjee explores how his own childhood affects the way he parents and why he feels he’s a better person because of his children.</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>

Malorie Blackman

BAFTA winner, author and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman OBE is on the podcast! She speaks to Gi about her experience of miscarriage and raising her daughter who’s now in her 20s.&nbsp;<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>

Ben Anderson (The Diary of a Dad)

Today Gi chats to co-founder and managing director of Musicalize and father of five Ben Anderson (AKA The Diary of a Dad.) Together they explore everything he’s learnt since becoming a dad- from placentas being delivered to the power of communication. Ben also talks about the very difficult experience of his twins being born at 21 weeks and passing away shortly after birth.&nbsp;<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>

Kate Lawler

<p>Gi is joined by former Big Brother housemate, host of podcast Maybe Baby, and drive-time presenter on Virgin Radio, Kate Lawler. Kate speaks about how turning 40 sparked a desire to have a child. After her baby Noa was born, Kate battled with feelings of resentment, frustration and loneliness that eventually turned into joy. As well as raising awareness of mental health struggles woman can face after giving birth, Kate's now focusing on spending time with her baby. </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>

Laura Jackson

Today Gi chats to Laura Jackson- presenter, columnist and CEO of online market Glassette about the joys of being a mum! <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>

Ellie Taylor

Gi’s guest today is actress, comedian, author of ‘My Child and Other Mistakes’ and mother of one Ellie Jane Taylor. They chat about Ellie not feeling maternal before deciding to have a child but how she now believes her baby has opened her heart and made her a nicer person. &nbsp;<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>

Josh Widdicombe

Comedian Josh Widdicombe is Gi’s first guest of the new series! They have a giggle about the joys of family life; explore why Josh decided to start his chart-topping parenting podcast and discuss how he juggles late-night gigs with being a dad. &nbsp;<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-size: Izzy Judd

In the last mini episode of this series, Gi listens back to a moving interview with one of her oldest friends, violinist and mother of two Izzy Judd. Izzy and Gi met through their husbands, who are in a band together. In this clip, Izzy describes her journey with anxiety, infertility, miscarriage and undergoing IVF.<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>

Annie Macmanus

Annie Mac, or Annie Macmanus, is on the show! Author, presenter and DJ chats to Gi about juggling loud late nights with being a mum, taking the decision to leave Radio 1 after 17 years and finally getting to put her kids to bed.&nbsp;<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>

Ian 'H' Watkins

Father of two and pop star in Steps, Ian ‘H’ Watkins is today’s guest. Gi hears about H’s experience of surrogacy, taking his kids on tour with Steps and making the most of his platform to fly the flag for people in the LGBTQ+ community.&nbsp;Please note this episode contains conversation about miscarriage. <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-size: Sarah Turner AKA The Unmumsy Mum

In this mini episode, Gi chats to Sarah Turner AKA ‘The Unmumsy Mum’ about her writing that explores those less than picture-perfect parenting moments.<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>

Lisa Faulkner

<p>Gi is joined by actress, chef and presenter Lisa Faulkner. They speak about Lisa's experience of IVF, deciding to adopt her daughter and her family’s love of a roast dinner. </p><p>This episode contains discussion around miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. If you’d prefer, please choose another episode.</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>

Part Two: Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee

<p>Gi is joined by ex-Coventry City player turned reality star Ashley Cain and partner aesthetic practitioner<strong> </strong>Safiyya Vorajee. The couple’s baby Azaylia died at eight months old after fighting a rare form of cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia. We’ve split the episode into two parts because Gi wanted you to hear as much of their story as possible.</p><br><p>In part two, the couple talk to Gi about how they celebrated every moment they had with their baby girl Azaylia. They’ve set up a foundation in Azaylia's name to support families dealing with childhood cancer.</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>

Part One: Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee

<p>Gi is joined by ex-Coventry City player turned reality star Ashley Cain and partner aesthetic practitioner<strong> </strong>Safiyya Vorajee. The couple’s baby Azaylia died at eight months old after fighting a rare form of cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia. We’ve split the episode into two parts because Gi wanted you to hear as much of their story as possible.</p><br><p>In part one, Gi learns how Safiyya took pregnancy in her stride and gave birth to Azaylia during covid lockdown. The couple explain when they started to think something was wrong with their baby and they stress how they want to make parents aware of the symptoms of leukaemia.</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-size: Tom Fletcher

In this ‘baby-size’ episode, Gi listens back to her chat with her husband, musician and writer Tom Fletcher. Recorded in 2017, they chat about how Tom navigated being a birthing partner and the often less discussed daddy guilt.<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>

Vernon Kay

Gi catches up with friend from ‘I’m a Celebrity’, presenter and father of two, Vernon Kay. Vernon chats about being a dad to two girls, from getting excited about his daughter’s first music festival and turning into his own father.&nbsp;<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>

Harps Kaur

<p>Today Gi is chatting to blogger Harps Kaur. They discuss Harps’ experiences of post-natal depression after giving birth to her son Arjun and the impact of her son Saajan’s surprise Down's Syndrome diagnosis.</p><br><p>In Harps’ blog ‘Baby Brain Memoirs,’ she writes about everything from the highs and lows of motherhood to travel adventures to party planning!</p><br><p>Please note, this episode contains conversation about sensitive topics, including depression and suicidal thoughts. If you feel uncomfortable with these subjects, please pick a different episode.</p><p>If you're feeling depressed or are unsure about your mental health, The Samaritans run a confidential 24-hour helpline. You can call for free in the UK on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for other ways to find support.</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-size: Emma Willis

<p>Throughout the last seven series of Happy Mum Happy Baby, there have been some amazing, informative and moving conversations.</p><br><p>Gi wanted to bring you some of her favourite moments in a series of ‘baby-sized’ episodes. So to kick off, we hear part of her chat with best friend TV presenter Emma Willis. They talk about developing confidence as a new mum and three kids in, feeling like you still have no idea what you’re doing!</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>

Alexandra Heminsley

<p>In this episode, Gi meets writer and journalist Alexandra Heminsley. Gi hears about Alexandra’s experience of IVF, how a huge error in a test result affected her during pregnancy, and how she came to terms with the fact her then-husband was going to transition.</p><p>&nbsp;</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>

Jake & Hannah Graf

Gi meets a couple The Guardian have named “The UK’s most influential LGBT Power Couple.” Captain Hannah Graf MBE is an Officer of the British Army serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 2013 she came out as a transgender woman and became one of the highest-ranking transgender soldiers within the British Army.&nbsp;Jake Graf is an award-winning director, writer and actor known for his roles in ’The Danish Girl' and ‘Colette’', ’. After meeting in 2015, last year they welcomed their first child into the world.<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>

Emma Barnett

<p><br></p><p>From Woman’s Hour to Newsnight, today’s guest is broadcaster, journalist and writer Emma Barnett. Gi hears about Emma’s struggles with endometriosis, her IVF journey and learns how she was keen to retain her sense of self after giving birth to her son.&nbsp;</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>