Happy Mum Happy Baby

Giovanna’s guest this week is the brilliant Fiona Button! Fiona stars as Rose in one of Gi’s favourite shows, The Split, but off screen she has an even bigger role to play as mum to 7-year-old Fordy. Fiona opens up about her experience with health anxiety, how it impacted her pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the unique qualities of being a parent with ADHD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Kate Ferdinand is back! We last spoke to Kate back in 2020, and her blended family has since grown with the arrival of Cree and Shae. Kate tells Gi all about the challenges of this new phase of motherhood, including her difficult births and spending time in NICU. She also opens up about how she and husband Rio suffered a miscarriage and the heartbreak of having to tell their children. Plus, the guilt that comes with trying to accommodate babies and teenagers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

We're bringing ancient practices of health and wellness into the modern day for this very special episode. As parents, we know how tricky it can be to stay on top of everything but luckily Jo Woodhurst, Head of Nutrition at Ancient & Brave, is here to guide us through some simple changes you can make to help your family feel their very best. Gi and Jo discuss it all, from laying foundations for nourishing nutrition to some practical tips on getting the best night's sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

This week Giovanna is joined by the incredible Jessica Brown Findlay! Jessica is an actor, perhaps best known for her role as Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey. She opens up to Gi about becoming a mum to twin boys via IVF, and the complicated feelings she experienced around her friends' pregnancies whilst struggling with her own fertility. Jessica also discusses how pregnancy affected her acting career, plus makes us all fall a little bit in love with her husband Ziggy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

It’s a new year which means a whole host of brand new brilliant guests!  To kick things off, Gi welcomes singer and presenter Fleur East to the studio. Fleur tells Gi the amazing story of her home birth, which ended in her giving birth on her husband’s lap..! Fleur also opens up about the pressure she felt over feeding her baby girl, plus pays tribute to her late father who passed away just before Nova was born. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

This week we caught up with broadcasting legend Kate Thornton! Kate shares her best advice for raising young teens, finding male role models for her son, and why we should be championing single parents. Plus, Kate tells Gi why she’s not dreading the prospect empty nest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

On this week’s episode, Giovanna is joined by vegan chef and Youtuber Rachel Ama! She and Gi discuss the systemic racial bias within healthcare, and how that influenced Rachel to fight for a home birth. Plus, the highs and lows of having a covid pregnancy, the pressures of being a single mum, and of course, food! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Gi’s guest this week is the hilarious actress, comedian, and content creator, Jane Dowden, aka Mum and a Mic! Jane shares her journey of conceiving her twin boys through IVF. She also reflects on the emotional turmoil she faced when she went into early labour at just 21 weeks, being forced to confront the possibility that she could lose her babies. Plus, finding a work-life balance with acting jobs, and why being a parent can often feel like being a referee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

Giovanna is joined this week by the writer Kerry Hudson. Kerry had a turbulent upbringing marred by poverty. She tells Gi how homelessness and time spent in and out of foster care made her all the more determined to create a sense of stability and comfort for her own son. Kerry also shares her experience of giving birth in Prague, living life to the full with a chronic illness, plus how parenthood has affected her marriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

For this very special episode we’ve been working with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, which is currently in the middle of its biggest-ever fundraising appeal to build a world-leading cancer centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. And no-one understands the significance of this appeal more than this week’s amazing guest Shaima, whose daughter Tia was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer when she was just 4 years old. Tia is now 12 and doing well at home, but has spent over half of her life in hospital. Shaima sits down with Gi for a very candid conversation about her journey with Tia’s cancer treatment and why places like Great Ormond Street Hospital need our support. Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions about cancer. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Love is in the air in the studio this week! Everyone’s favourite maître d', Fred Sirieix, perhaps best known for appearing on Channel 4's First Dates, joins Giovanna to talk all things fatherhood, food, and falling in love with the UK. Fred also opens up about dad guilt, his upbringing in France, and the pride he felt when his daughter Andrea won a bronze medal for diving in this year’s olympics! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Giovanna quite literally fell off her chair from laughing so hard with this week’s guest Olivia Bowen! Reality royalty Olivia was runner-up on the second series of Love Island in 2016 with her now husband Alex Bowen. And six years later they became parents to baby Abel! Olivia and Gi talk body confidence, with Olivia opening up about her struggles with body image after giving birth, plus how much she loved dressing her baby bump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

This week we have journalist and broadcasting legend Victoria Derbyshire in the studio!  Victoria tells Gi all about life as a mum of two teenage boys, blending motherhood with a hugely successful career, and how her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis inspired her to marry her partner of 17 years. Plus Victoria speaks about the domestic abuse she faced in her childhood growing up with a violent father. Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions about domestic abuse. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

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, and Cilla answers some of your questions on stepparenting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

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.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

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 for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

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 baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

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 in our children and why we shouldn’t be afraid to challenge gender stereotypes. Plus Kirstie answers our community’s questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

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 motherhood. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around subjects including traumatic birth and PTSD. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

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 discussions around subjects including traumatic birth and PTSD. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2024

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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

This week Giovanna is joined by mum of 3, multi award winning content creator, Sunday Times Best Selling Author and ex-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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2024

Hollie McNish is a poet and author who came to prominence with her poetry and parenting memoir 'Nobody Told Me'. Her unique style paints a beautiful and heartwarming chronicle on a life as a new parent in modern Britain. Gi and Hollie discuss pregnancy birth and reading as well as touring with Little One! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2024

Wellness and pregnancy, when those urges come what should you be eating? Gi's guest this week is the creator of Deliciously Ella and mother of two, Ella Mills. We discuss pregnancy diets, home births and hear a true love story! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2024

How much do you know about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it's connection to fertility? Are you believing some of the myths out there surrounding the condition? On this month's Parenting SOS episode, Gi meets the nutritionist Lauren Johnson Reynolds, aka @LondonWellnessCoach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024

No one said being a parent was easy, but are we as honest as we could be? Blogger Victoria Emes is someone who isn't afraid to say it like it is. Gi speaks to Victoria about the realities of her parenthood journey - including grief, going sober and of course, lots of poo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024

Festival lovers, this one's for you. This week Gi meets the co-founder of Camp Bestival, Josie da Bank. We cover camping tips, how to create a festival feel at home and the challenges of raising four boys at different ages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2024

This week Gi finds out all about her future niece! Actress and author Carrie Hope Fletcher - aka Gi’s sister-in-law - discusses her pregnancy journey and how she feels about becoming a first time mum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2024

What is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? And what can you expect if your baby is taken in? On this month's Parenting SOS, Gi meets the clinical psychologist Dr Frankie Harrison, to drill down on the facts of NICU and what parents can do to make this experience less scary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2024