Happy Mum

What happens when you’ve spent so long holding everything together that you simply can’t anymore?

This week, Giovanna sits down with former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! Magazine Rosie Nixon to talk about the breakdown that became the catalyst for transforming her life.

Rosie opens up about motherhood, the pressure to keep going and the guilt that can come with admitting you’re struggling.

Rosie’s book...

Trigger warning: this episode includes discussions around bereavement and cancer. If you feel this may be a difficult listen, please choose another episode x

Giovanna is joined this week by her good friend and CoppaFeel! co-founder Maren Sheldon.

Maren opens up about navigating first-time motherhood alongside her twin sister Kris's incurable breast cancer diagnosis. and shares the honest, sometimes heartbreaking, and often un...

This week, the hilarious Maddy Lucy Dann joins us for a chat about becoming a mum for the first time.

Maddy tells Gi what it’s really like balancing life as an A&E doctor with pregnancy, including navigating night shifts while expecting, and how becoming a mum has changed the way she sees her work.

She also opens up about sharing her aspects of her life online, including the criticism she faced over a breastfeeding ...

This week on Happy Mum, we are joined by strong, inspiring and incredible mother of two Sophie Derry.

When Sophie's daughter Odette started vomiting on car journeys and having headaches, doctors initially put it down to travel sickness. An eye test changed everything, revealing a brain tumour that would lead to emergency surgery and fifteen further operations over seven months. Before the family could catch their breath, Sophie'...

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 ...

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, whil...

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 de...

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...

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, starring 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 mee...

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 beco...

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...

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 g...

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...

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 he...

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 &mdas...

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 t...

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 t...

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, po...

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 Ki...