Happy Mum

This week, our favourite reality star turned singing and cooking sensation Megan McKenna joins Giovanna in the Happy Mum studio! Megan tells Gi all about becoming a mum to Landon, including her experience with IVF and what it’s like living between two countries as a new mum. She also reflects on the bullying she experienced at school, and how it shaped her confidence and the way she wants to parent. Plus, stay tuned for a surprise at the end of the episode! 👀 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Made in Chelsea's Sam and Alice Vanderpump join Giovanna to talk about the reality of becoming parents. Alice bravely opens up about what life feels like for her right now as she navigates postnatal depression. She talks honestly about anxiety, feeling isolated and how she hasn't felt like herself since becoming a mum. Sam shares what it has been like supporting Alice through her mental health struggles, while also reflecting on his own health journey and how becoming a dad has given him a new perspective on what his own parents went through. Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump’s Story is available to stream on Channel 4 now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer holidays are in full swing... and if your usual routines have gone completely out the window, you're definitely not alone! Whether you're juggling work and childcare, surviving later bedtimes, entertaining little ones, or simply trying to keep everyone fed, this special episode is here to remind you that you're doing a better job than you think. 00:54 – Keira Knightley gets refreshingly honest about sleep deprivation, survival mode and the reality of those early months 09:47 – Lucy Watson on letting go of expectations, trusting your instincts and why comparison is never helpful 19:03 – Carrie Hope Fletcher & Joel Montague discuss juggling careers and family life, and why you don't have to follow anyone else's path 25:18 – Lacey Turner shares why she's become more relaxed with each child, and why sometimes you just have to throw the parenting books out the window 35:37 – Emma Willis on why accepting help doesn't make you a bad parent...it makes you human! ☀️☀️☀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We might only be halfway through the summer holidays, but for many families the countdown to a new school year has already begun. And September can bring a whole mix of emotions for children and parents alike. So, as part of Matalan’s Back to School Special, Giovanna sits down with NSPCC expert Gail Sayles to talk about something that can make all the difference when those school gates open again: confidence. Drawing on years of supporting children through everything from school anxiety and bullying, to exams and friendship worries, Gail shares thoughtful, practical advice on how we can help our children navigate big feelings, build self-belief and feel empowered as they head back to school. And the confidence doesn’t stop here! The Matalan Confidence Caravan is hitting the road this August, giving you the opportunity to add a personalised message to your little one’s pre-purchased Matalan uniform. The Confidence Caravan will be visiting four stores: Bilston, Preston, Luton and Swindon - check @shopmatalan or in-store for dates. For more support, please visit the links below: Childline counsellors are available to take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from children and young people under 19 NSPCC Helpline is available between 10am and 4pm, Monday - Friday if you have concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x You might know her from Pop Idol, s tarring in the West End as Tina Turner, or her recent stint joining Take That on tour, but this week Zoe Birkett is reflecting on her role as a mum. Zoe shares with Gi how she never imagined motherhood for herself, how meeting her husband changed everything, and why returning to a career she loves has made her a better mum. She also opens up about her experience of pregnancy loss while performing as a leading lady in the West End, opening up about navigating grief behind the scenes, and the support that helped her through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x 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.

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.

Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth and breast cancer. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.