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Kids & Family

Happy Mum

Giovanna Fletcher

In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this podcast is essential listening for any parent seeking solidarity and support.


A Pixiu Production


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 336 episodes
  • Updated Tuesday

Episodes336

  • Tuesday · 59 min

    Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me”

    Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of suicide, mental illness and childhood trauma that some listeners may find upsetting. Ruthie Henshall has spent decades captivating audiences on stage, but in this episode she joins Giovanna to talk about the role that has shaped her most: being a mum! Ruthie reflects on choosing motherhood at the height of her career, raising two daughters as a single parent, and how becoming a mum changed her ambitions forever. She also opens up about her own childhood, the lasting impact it had on her parenting, and the unexpected healing she found with her mother later in life. Ruthie's new memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 23 · 23 min

    The Future of Midwifery Starts Here | Life of a Midwife Ep. 12

    How has maternity care changed over the last few decades, and what still needs to improve? In the final episode of this series, we reflect on the evolution of birth and look forward to the future of maternity care. 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 Links from our midwives: All4Maternity is the go to place for education and support if you’re a midwife or student midwife. And All4Birth is the home for expectant and new parents - free, non-biased, evidence-based information! Curated by a midwife ❤️ BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 20 · 1 hr 17 min

    I Won’t Let This Define Elsie: Jen Stancombe on Grief, Love & Her Daughter's Legacy

    TW: This episode contains devastating conversations around child loss from a traumatic event, and themes of grief. 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. In this week's episode, Gi sits down with Jen Stancombe to honour the life of her daughter, Elsie Dot Stancombe. In July 2024, seven-year-old Elsie was one of three young girls killed in the Southport attack. Jen joins Gi to share who Elsie truly was beyond the headlines: a joyful, caring, and inspirational big sister, who brought light to everyone she met. Jen speaks about navigating the unimaginable grief alongside her husband David and their younger daughter, while sharing how love for Elsie continues to shape their family every day. She also reflects on the strength they've found in keeping Elsie's memory alive and the purpose they've discovered through the foundation created in her name. We are incredibly grateful to Jen for trusting us with Elsie's story. To find out more about the incredible work being carried out in Elsie's memory, or to support the foundation, please visit Elsie's Story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 16 · 16 min

    Can Fear Change the Way You Give Birth? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 11

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 Fear and hope often exist side by side throughout pregnancy and birth. This week two midwives highlight the importance of clear, compassionate communication -- from easing birth anxieties to supporting families through pregnancy loss. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 14 · 59 min

    The Greatest Title: WWE’s Becky Lynch on Becoming a Mum

    This week make some noise for the first wrestler to join us on the podcast: WWE icon Becky Lynch! Known to millions as The Man, Becky tells Gi about the moment she found out she was pregnant — while reigning as WWE Champion. She also opens up about becoming a mum to daughter Roux during the pandemic and the challenges that followed, including post-weaning depression, grief after losing her father, and learning to see her body in a whole new light. Watch Becky on WWE Raw live every Monday night exclusively on Netflix! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 9 · 15 min

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

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm can make all the difference. This week two midwives share the emergencies they'll never forget. 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 Links from our midwives: Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences East Anglian Midwives offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 1 min

    The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner

    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. 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. 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 Louise Thompson for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner. UPDATE: 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. Links: Follow Theo on Substack Breaking the Taboo book Birth Trauma Association Maternity Commissioner Petition Our interview with Louise Thompson Do you follow our new Substack yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 2 · 19 min

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

    Was home birth different in the 1970s compared to today? 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! 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 Links from our midwives: All4Maternity is the go to place for education and support if you’re a midwife or student midwife. And All4Birth is the home for expectant and new parents - free, non-biased, evidence-based information! Curated by a midwife ❤️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 30 · 1 hr 23 min

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

    In this episode Giovanna sits down with NHS GP, resident GP on BBC Morning Live and bestselling author, Dr Punam Krishan! Punam opens up about her own traumatic first birth and the life-threatening complications, postnatal depression, and PTSD that followed. 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 check your chests! Dr Punam's latest book, The Mother Load Every Mother’s Guide to Juggling Health, Life & Happiness, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 25 · 15 min

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

    How do midwives hold it together in times of immense pressure? In this episode we hear from two midwives who have learned how to stay calm during overwhelming moments. 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 Links from our midwives: Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began East Anglian Midwives offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 23 · 1 hr 25 min

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

    This week, we’re marking Father’s Day with a very special episode as we welcome Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett to the studio! They join Gi to share their remarkable journey to parenthood, including the moment their first surrogate withdrew from the process, how their own childhoods shaped the parents they wanted to be, and the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby Leven to the world. 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. You can learn more about Adam and Jamie’s petition to change surrogacy law here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 18 · 16 min

    Everybody Grieves Differently | Life of a Midwife Ep. 7

    Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜 What happens when birth leaves a mark that doesn't just disappear? 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. 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 Links from our midwives: Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 16 · 1 hr 10 min

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

    This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her first ever podcast interview! 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. Lauren also shares more about her involvement in the ‘Raise the Age’ campaign — and since recording this episode, Keir Starmer has announced plans for under-16s to be banned from social media by spring 2027 👏👏👏 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 11 · 24 min

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

    In this episode of Life of a Midwife, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling. From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to becoming the midwife she once desperately needed herself. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 9 · 1 hr 1 min

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

    This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio! Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two home births. 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 Laurasings.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 4 · 14 min

    Trust Your Gut | Life of a Midwife Ep. 5

    "If my gut is telling me something is wrong, something is wrong." This week we hear from two midwives who know the power of following their instincts. 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 Links from our midwives: Midwife Pip: The Home of Trusted Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Support For Parents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 2 · 1 hr 1 min

    Why Susannah Fielding Believes Every Parent Should Learn Attachment Theory

    This week Gi reunites with her old friend Susannah Fielding! You’ll know Susannah from This Time with Alan Partridge, Man vs Baby, and Wolf Hall — but her most important role is being mum to her two-year-old son Alfie. 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. 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. You can catch Susannah starring opposite Adrian Lester in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noël Coward Theatre from 13th June. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 28 · 21 min

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

    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 💜 This week on Life of a Midwife 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. Anna also speaks candidly about her own experiences of having children. 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 Links from our midwives: Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 26 · 1 hr 3 min

    Mollie King on Becoming a Mum While Losing Her Dad

    This week, Giovanna sits down with singer, presenter and all-round ray of sunshine Mollie King ! Mollie chats to Gi about life with her two young daughters, the realities of motherhood (no sleep), and her exciting new venture into podcasting. She also opens up about navigating her father’s terminal illness while preparing to welcome her first baby. Don’t forget to check out Novel Idea — Mollie’s brilliant new podcast with Matt Edmondson! If you’re loving the conversations on the podcast, make sure you subscribe to our brand new Substack! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 21 · 21 min

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

    Trigger warning: this episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners. Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary. This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore. 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 Links from our midwives: Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.