Happy Mum

Latest Episodes:

How do I handle my child’s fussy eating? Parenting SOS with Annabel Karmel Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Parenting SOS is back, and we’re diving into all things fussy eating with children's food guru Annabel Karmel!*

Annabel, the leading expert on nutrition and cooking for babies and children, sits down with Gi to discuss why some kids are just fussy when it comes to food (spoiler: it's not your fault!), the importance of celebrating good eating habits, and she shares some creative ways to encourage our little ones to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet.

Plus, Annabel answers some of your questions about picky eating, offering a wealth of practical tips and delicious recipes along the way!

*Our discussion with Annabel focuses specifically on picky eating and Annabel’s area of expertise as a nutritionist and chef. While we do touch on the differences between fussy eating and ARFID in the episode, we recognise that restrictive eating and sensory issues with eating are much more complex than what our discussion covers, and requires its own specialist support. For our listeners with children experiencing extreme food aversions, we encourage them to seek guidance from health professionals who specialise in this area, and hopefully it’s a topic we can discuss more in the future.

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

Holly Bourne on what to do when your baby won’t sleep Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode, Giovanna sits down with bestselling author Holly Bourne!

Holly tells Gi about the impact sleep deprivation had on her mental state when her baby daughter just wouldn't sleep.

She also opens up about her long and painful journey to getting treated for endometriosis, a condition that is still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Plus, Holly talks about writing her latest novel in the throes of first-time motherhood. So Thrilled for You is ahilarious, raw and honest expose of early motherhood and friendship, and you can get your copy here!

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

Fiona Button on ADHD, health anxiety, and postnatal depression Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

Kate Ferdinand returns: talking mum guilt, blended families and birth trauma Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

Finding time for wellness in a busy world with Ancient & Brave Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

Jessica Brown Findlay on navigating fertility and twin parenting Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

Fleur East on why she felt shame around feeding Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Kate Thornton on raising a son as a single mum Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

Rachel Ama on racial disparities in maternity care Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

Jane Dowden (Mum and a Mic) on going into labour at 21 weeks Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

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.