Happy Mum, Happy Baby

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.

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Episodes

  • Melissa Hemsley on fertility, food and feeling like a failure

    Tuesday, 22 October 2024

    57 minutes

    Giovanna sits down with Melissa Hemsley for this week’s delicious episode!Melissa is a former private chef, a writer, and a huge champion of sustainable, nourishing food. Now mum to baby Summer, Melissa and Gi had so much to catch up on, from IVF and pregnancy to ultra-processed foods and placenta smoothies…Melissa also opens up to Gi about her struggles with fertility and postnatal anxiety, and the steps she took to healing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Your mental health questions answered: Parenting SOS with Professor Sam Wass

    Tuesday, 15 October 2024

    30 minutes

    This week’s Parenting SOS is another bonus episode brought to you by Bupa, who have identified some of the most urgent questions when it comes to helping our children with their mental health.Giovanna welcomes back child psychologist Professor Sam Wass to guide us through these questions, which include how to have conversations about drugs and alcohol, and how to support a child through a period of change or stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Kellie Bright on her fight for SEND support

    Tuesday, 8 October 2024

    55 minutes

    On this week’s episode, Giovanna is joined by Bad Girls and Eastenders actress Kellie Bright, who is also mum to three boys!Kellie talks about having two of her babies via IVF, plus tells Gi what it was like being pregnant at 44.Kellie also talks about her fight to get her son an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), a document which describes a child’s special educational needs and should entitle them to support in school from the local council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Olly & Amelia Murs on juggling popstar life with new parenthood

    Tuesday, 1 October 2024

    54 minutes

    An exclusive this week as new parents Olly and Amelia Murs join Giovanna for their first interview as a couple!They tell Gi all about life with baby Madison, and Olly shares his heartbreak at having to leave Amelia and their newborn baby daughter to go on tour.Plus bodybuilder Amelia talks about training during pregnancy and her struggle with recovery after her c-section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Anton Du Beke on IVF, Strictly, and fatherhood at 50

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024

    53 minutes

    Prepare to be dazzled on this week’s episode as Giovanna is joined by none other than Strictly Come Dancing legend Anton Du Beke!Anton speaks candidly about his IVF journey with wife Hannah, who was initially told she wouldn’t be able to have children, and their joy at becoming parents to twins. Plus, Gi and Anton talk writing books for children, learning to dance, and even throw in some spontaneous singing! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • How do I talk to my child about mental health? Parenting SOS with Professor Sam Wass

    Tuesday, 17 September 2024

    32 minutes

    Did you know that 50% of mental health conditions start by the age of 14? Child psychologist Professor Sam Wass, who you might recognise from Channel 4's The Secret Life of 4- and 5-Year Olds, joins Gi to chat all things young people’s mental health, in a special Parenting SOS episode brought to you by Bupa. Sam shares his tips and strategies for parents to have open conversations about their children’s mental health, plus the steps to take if you’re feeling concerned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Andrea McLean on parenting through divorce

    Tuesday, 10 September 2024

    1 hour 2 minutes

    This week, Giovanna catches up with Loose Women royalty, tv presenter and mum of two, Andrea McLean!There was so much to talk about with Andrea, from her childhood in Trinidad, to getting diagnosed with endometriosis, and feeling the pressure to go back to work as the breadwinner.Plus, Andrea opens up about the ending of her marriages and navigating her role as a stepmum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Laura Anderson on the realities of being a single mum

    Tuesday, 3 September 2024

    52 minutes

    Giovanna’s guest this week is former Love Island and Celebs go Dating star, Laura Anderson! Laura opens up about being mum to 1-year-old Bonnie, balancing motherhood with her new job co-hosting Capital Scotland’s breakfast show, plus, as a former air hostess, Laura gives Gi her top tips for flying with children.Laura also speaks candidly about the ups and downs of life as a single parent and why she now strives to live in the present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Tana Ramsay on working through grief as a family

    Tuesday, 27 August 2024

    49 minutes

    On this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna welcomes Tana Ramsay - best-selling cookery book author, wife to Gordon, and mum to Meg, Holly, Jack, Tilly, Oscar, and baby Jesse!Tana tells Gi all about her IVF journey and what it’s been like raising 6 children (who range from 6 months to 26 years old)! Plus, why Gordon decided not to attend some of their births… Tana also talks about the heartbreaking loss of her son Rocky and how she and her family worked through their grief together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • How do I form a healthy relationship with my stepchild? Parenting SOS with Cilla Appeaning

    Tuesday, 20 August 2024

    34 minutes

    It’s estimated that around 1 in 3 families in the UK are a blended family, which means more of us than ever are becoming stepparents. Why then, is there still such a stigma attached to stepmothers in particular? And where is the support for them?These are questions Cilla Appeaning asked when she met her now husband and became a stepmum to his two children. And so she founded the Stepmums Club, a platform to provide support to the growing number of stepmums and to reject that harmful ‘wicked stepmother’ stereotype.She and Gi discuss the challenges that come with living in a blended family, a...

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  • The Byes on why their parenting style has changed after four children

    Tuesday, 13 August 2024

    53 minutes

    This week, Eastender’s actor James Bye and his wonderful wife Victoria join Giovanna to talk about the chaos (and fun) that comes with raising their four boys!They share with Gi some of the difficulties they’ve faced on their parenting journey, including secondary infertility, endometriosis, and birth trauma. Plus, we hear some hilarious stories on traveling with four children, laminated birth plans, and cheese and pickle sandwiches! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Zoe Blaskey on letting go of perfectionism

    Tuesday, 6 August 2024

    57 minutes

    Motherkind Founder Zoe Blaskey joins Giovanna this week. Zoe is a transformational coach and is all about making mums feel less alone and more resilient, empowered, and fulfilled. What’s not to love?She and Gi discuss some of the quick and simple self-care tools we can use to help us become our most confident selves in motherhood. She also opens up about her own parenting journey, and how the word ‘matresence’ has helped her navigate the physical, emotional and spiritual changes that happen after having a baby - and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Jim & Sarah Chapman on raising two under two

    Tuesday, 30 July 2024

    52 minutes

    On this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna catches up with Youtuber Jim Chapman and his model wife Sarah, who welcomed their second child last year.They tell Gi about Sarah’s experience with hyperemesis gravidarum and reflect on the births of their children, including an intense moment when Sarah’s waters were broken manually. Plus we delve into the trials and tribulations of negotiating with toddlers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • How do I navigate mum guilt as a working parent? Parenting SOS with Tobi Asare

    Tuesday, 23 July 2024

    40 minutes

    On this episode of Parenting SOS, Gi welcomes the founder of My Bump Pay, Tobi Asare. Tobi was inspired to create a platform to help give women the confidence to achieve their career goals amidst the barriers that can hold back working mothers. Her book,The Blend: How to Successfully Manage a Career and a Family, is all about overcoming the challenges that come with working motherhood.Tobi and Gi had so much to talk about, from negotiating maternity leave to returning to work with confidence. Plus Tobi answers your questions on how to thrive as a working parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

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  • Stacey Heale on guiding children through grief

    Tuesday, 16 July 2024

    1 hour

    In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna sits down with Stacey Heale, a writer, campaigner, and the author of ‘Now is Not the Time for Flowers’, a candid exploration of grief written by Stacey following the death of her husband Greg.Stacey tells Gi about the day Greg was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and how they navigated the realities of parenting their two daughters through his terminal illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Anna Williamson on her anxiety disorder during pregnancy

    Tuesday, 9 July 2024

    55 minutes

    Anna Williamson has many strings to her bow. She’s an author, presenter, podcaster, life coach, counsellor, and mental health campaigner. She is also mum to two children and our guest on this week’s episode!Anna opens up to Gi about her perinatal and postnatal anxiety, the lessons she learned from her difficult first birth, and the importance of postnatal care.Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions around subjects including traumatic birth and postnatal depression. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

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  • Becky Adlington

    Tuesday, 2 July 2024

    1 hour 4 minutes

    We have a 4-time Olympic medalist in the Happy Mum Happy Baby studio this week! Becky Adlington is Britain's most successful female Olympic swimmer, having won two gold medals at the Beijing 2008 olympics when she was just 19, and then two bronze in London 2012.Becky tells Gi that becoming a mum has brought out her softer side, plus shares the story of meeting her husband on a dating app. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her baby daughter after she suffered a late-stage miscarriage.Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions around subjects including miscarriage and ba...

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  • Tanya Burr

    Tuesday, 25 June 2024

    49 minutes

    Giovanna’s guest this week is Youtube royalty Tanya Burr! One of the UK’s first influencers back in 2009, Tanya’s makeup tutorials and fashion vlogs have gained her millions of followers over the years. Now a mum to baby Sage and back on Youtube after a 5 year break, there was lots to catch up on!Tanya tells Gi all about her motherhood journey so far, including the sickness she experienced during pregnancy, plus the decision behind her return to making long-form content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • What impact do gender stereotypes have on raising boys? Parenting SOS with Kirstie Beaven

    Tuesday, 18 June 2024

    55 minutes

    On this month’s Parenting SOS, Giovanna sits down with Kirstie Beaven, Founder and Editor in Chief of Sonshine, a quarterly magazine all about raising boys in a more equal world.Kirstie felt like the messaging around being a ‘boy mum’ was always one dimensional - it was all about stinky socks, dirty houses and muddy football boots! And so she was inspired to create a space that spoke about the many other aspects of motherhood, and provide resources that could help us as parents talk to our boys about gender equality.Kirstie and Gi discuss the importance of encouraging emotional intelligence...

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  • Emma Gannon

    Tuesday, 11 June 2024

    42 minutes

    It’s something a little bit different on this week’s show. Giovanna’s guest is the bestselling author Emma Gannon, who is child-free by choice. Emma opens up to Gi about her personal decision not to have children and the importance of finding supportive child-free friendships. They also talk about how choosing not to have kids doesn’t mean having to grow apart from your friends who do, plus the societal pressure put on women to experience motherhood. You can read more from Emma over on The Hyphen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Louise Thompson (Part Two)

    Tuesday, 4 June 2024

    1 hour 6 minutes

    Gi continues her conversation with Louise Thompson...This week Giovanna is joined by former Made in Chelsea star, author and businesswoman, Louise Thompson.Louise’s life changed when she suffered severe complications during the birth of her son Leo, which left her in Intensive Care. Since then she has suffered with PTSD and continued health problems, resulting in recently being fitted with a stoma bag.This is the second part of Louise’s candid conversation with Gi where she describes the impact her experiences have had on her mental health whilst also coming to terms with the challenges of ...

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  • Louise Thompson (Part One)

    Tuesday, 4 June 2024

    56 minutes

    This week Giovanna is joined by former Made in Chelsea star, author and businesswoman, Louise Thompson.Louise’s life changed when she suffered severe complications during the birth of her son Leo, which left her in Intensive Care. Since then she has suffered with PTSD and continued health problems, resulting in recently being fitted with a stoma bag.This is the first part of Louise’s candid conversation with Gi where she describes the impact her experiences have had on her mental health whilst also coming to terms with the challenges of motherhood.Trigger Warning: This episode contains disc...

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  • Paul C Brunson

    Tuesday, 28 May 2024

    1 hour 1 minute

    Today on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Gi is joined by TV presenter, relationship expert, entrepreneur, father and husband, Paul C Brunson. Paul is well known for his work on shows such as Celebs Go Dating and MAFS and on this week's episode, Gi has the absolute pleasure of hearing about Paul's own relationship with his wife Jill and their two sons, Liam and Kingston. They discuss moving children abroad, homeschooling, raising boys and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Why isn’t my child talking yet? Parenting SOS with Emma Pomroy

    Tuesday, 21 May 2024

    42 minutes

    On this month's Parenting SOS, Gi is joined by leading Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist, Emma Pomroy. Learning to communicate and express yourself isn’t something that comes naturally to all children. and Emma is passionate about enabling parents and families with the tools to make all children confident and competent communicators. As always on Parenting SOS, we'll be answering our communities' questions with this month's focus on language and speech development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Janette Manrara & Aljaž Škorjanec

    Tuesday, 14 May 2024

    56 minutes

    Its strictly babies this week as Giovanna is joined by everyone's favourite dancers, Janette Manrara & Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette and Aljaz discuss life with their baby girl, Lyra, Janette's journey back to the dancefloor post caesarean section and Aljaz's role as a hands on super dad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Jenni Falconer

    Tuesday, 7 May 2024

    51 minutes

    This week, Giovanna is joined by TV and Radio presenter Jenni Falconer. Jenni is host of 'Runpod' and came into the studio days after completing the London Marathon! They discuss Jenni's beautiful relationship with her daughter, Ella as well as remembering Jenni's journey back to running post birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Jessica Urlichs

    Tuesday, 30 April 2024

    35 minutes

    This week, Gi's guest is the inspirational and award winning author, poet and mother, Jessica Urlichs. Jessica Urlichs is a bestselling author ("From One Mother To Another" and writes about the "beautiful messy" of motherhood and life. Jessica and Gi discuss her approach to writing and life with her 3 young children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Audrey from The Receipts podcast

    Tuesday, 23 April 2024

    31 minutes

    We love it when guests bring their baby onto the show, and this week, Audrey from The Receipts podcast is in the studio with her baby girl! Audrey discusses not enjoying pregnancy, always wanting to be a mum and perceptions of Motherhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Sleep Support 101

    Tuesday, 16 April 2024

    45 minutes

    On this month's episode of Parenting SOS, Gi is joined by Eve Squires and Gemma Fryer, founders of Calm and Bright Sleep Support and authors of 'Love To Sleep'. Eve and Gemma are THE Sleep Support Specialists and are here to answer all of your sleep related conundrums! Eve & Gem talk about why sleep training has such a bad rep, the impact of sleep deprivation on our mental and physical health and what we can do about it. They deep dive into our community’s questions, covering topics from night wakes to night feeds, the dynamics of siblings sharing rooms and much more! Hosted on Acast. See a...

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  • Louise Boyce (aka Mama Still Got It)

    Monday, 8 April 2024

    1 hour 11 minutes

    This week Giovanna is joined by mum of 3, multi award winning content creator, Sunday Times Best Selling Author and model, Louise Boyce aka Mama Still Got It.Its a truly wonderful conversation about the joys of birth and Motherhood with possibly the best Letter on Motherhood we've ever heard!'Mama Still Got it!’ by Louise Boyce is out in paperback, £9.99, published by Harper Collinswww.waterstones.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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