Happy Mum

Latest Episodes:

Why Am I here? | Life of a Midwife Ep. 3 May 21, 2026

Show notes

Trigger warning: thisepisode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners.

Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary.

This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore.

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:

Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières

BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer

Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent

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

Intrusive Thoughts, Exhaustion & Crippling Shame: Kimberley Nixon’s Postnatal OCD Reality May 19, 2026

Show notes

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so 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 💛

May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever.

Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of her son, Kimberley Nixon found herself in some of the darkest days of her life.

Kimberley opens up to Giovanna about experiencing dark and intrusive thoughts, being diagnosed with postpartum OCD, and why she felt it was so important to share her story.

Kimberley's brilliant new book She Seems Fine To Me is out now.

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

Baby's First Breath | Life of a Midwife Ep. 2 May 14, 2026

Show notes

What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time?

In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby!

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:

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.

'Nothing Came Naturally': Lydia West on Hyperemesis, Breastfeeding & Struggling to Connect May 12, 2026

Show notes

Over the past nine years, Happy Mum Happy Baby has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because when a mum feels supported, seen, and heard, everything else can flourish. So... welcome to the era of Happy Mum !

And joining us to start this exciting new chapter is the gorgeous Lydia West. You’ll know Lydia from It’s a Sin, Years and Years, and Big Mood, but what you may not know is that she welcomed TWO babies between filming seasons one and two of Big Mood!

For the first time, Lydia opens up about her pregnancies and births, sharing her experience of severe hyperemesis, as well as the challenges she faced with bonding and feeding.

She and Gi also discuss her returning to work just eight weeks postpartum, the importance of supported childcare on set, and learning to loosen the reins amid the chaos of toddler life!

Big Mood series two is now streaming on Channel 4

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

Making a Midwife | Life of a Midwife Ep. 1 May 05, 2026

Show notes

To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries!

Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past and present, as they reflect on the moments that have shaped their lives and careers.

In this first episode, we'll trace the moments two women were pulled into midwifery.

We’ll return to our regular guest episodes next Tuesday xx

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

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

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

Life of a Midwife: Due 5th May! Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

We’ve got a special delivery coming your way… a brand-new miniseries!

Life of a Midwife brings you raw, honest, and deeply personal stories from midwives — past and present — as they share the moments that shaped not just their careers, but their lives.

Our first episode drops on Tuesday 5th May, perfectly timed to celebrate International Day of the Midwife! And new episodes delivered every Thursday after that.

So join us as we honour the voices behind some of life's most extraordinary moments 💜

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

Hannah Witton on Pregnancy with a Stoma: What It’s Really Like Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

This week Giovanna sits down with creator and OG YouTuber Hannah Witton!

Hannah opens up about navigating motherhood while living with long-term chronic illness.

She also shares her journey with secondary infertility and the emotional challenges of coping with other people’s pregnancy announcements.

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

'I Was Told the Problem Was Me’: Raising My Autistic Daughter Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Catherine Simpson thought she was failing as a mother throughout the first 10 years of her daughter Nina's life. After a decade of misdiagnosis, blame, and searching for answers, she finally discovered the truth: Nina is autistic.

In this episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby, Catherine sits down with Giovanna for a conversation about the journey to getting Nina—now 31—her diagnosis.

This episode is all about letting go of perfection, and learning to navigate a world not built for autistic children.

Catherine’s memoir, Hold Fast: Motherhood, My Autistic Daughter and Me, is available now.

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

Comedian Emma Doran: Pregnant at 18 in a Convent School Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Giovanna sits down with comedian, author, and podcaster Emma Doran.

Emma reflects on becoming pregnant as a teenager while attending an all-girls convent school, and the challenges that followed.

She also shares how she began stand-up on maternity leave, performing her first open mic when her baby was just six weeks old!

Catch Emma on tour! Emma Doran has extended her Emmaculate UK and Ireland stand-up tour up until 2027, including the London Palladium on 7th February 2027. Emma will also make her debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard – Beside from 5 – 30th August (excl 12th, 19th, 26th). For more info and tickets visit emmadorancomedy.com

(Pic credit: Ray Burmiston)

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

Vicky Pattison: What If I’m Not a Good Mum? Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

When it comes to having children, what happens when you’re just not sure?

This week, Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan Ramadan join Gi for a chat about the pressure to decide, the different paths available—from having children to adoption, surrogacy, or choosing a child-free life—and why the answer isn’t always simple.

Vicky also opens up about her childhood, shaped by complex family dynamics and her relationship with her dad, and how that’s influenced her fears about becoming a mum.

Vicky Pattison: Maybe, baby? is available now on C4 Streaming.

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

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