Giovanna Fletcher

The truth about fostering children with Debbie Bright

In this episode, Giovanna sits down with Debbie Bright for an eye-opening conversation about what it’s really like to be a foster carer. Best known to many from TOWIE, Debbie is also one of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers, having cared for over 200 children across 35 years. Gi and Debbie talk about why children enter care, the importance of showing compassion rather than judgment toward birth parents, and the emotional reality of saying goodbye when children move on. Debbie also opens up about her own turbulent childhood and offers heartfelt advice to anyone considering fostering. Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD

It was all worth it

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IVF costs how much?!

Chessie King talks us through her experience of sharing her fertility journey online with her community and discovering some of the hidden costs that can come with the IVF process.

This is where we had the chat that could have ended it all

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Chessie King joins Gi Fletcher to discuss her IVF journey.

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Chessie King: we were on the brink of divorce

Our guest this week is presenter and author Chessie King! Chessie opens up to Giovanna about navigating her husband’s postnatal depression and the incredibly tough time that left their marriage on the brink of divorce. She also talks about the emotional journey of trying to conceive again after experiencing fertility struggles. Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD

I was always looking for what I was put on this planet to do until I became a dad

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Are schools accepting the fact that each child is different?

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She started training 5 weeks after having twins and became the first mum rower on the GB

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Adventure can make kids happy! #shorts #podcast #adventure

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The power of twins #shorts #podcast #twins

This week Steve Backshall joins Giovanna Fletcher to discuss adventure, taking risks, parenting and his admiration for both his wife and his children. Known for inspiring hands-on discovery. Steve shares a truly incredible story about the birth of his twins, when his baby girl finally started breathing when her brother was gently placed beside her.

The moment I realised what life was really about #shorts #dadlife #parenthood

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, we welcome explorer, presenter, writer and father, the inspiring Steve Backshall. Many of you will know Steve for his incredible adventures and expeditions that take him around the globe In next week’s episode, we take a dive into Steve’s family life and really come to understand Steve as a dad, a husband and what keeps him truly motivated in his life and career. Steve sits down with Giovanna Fletcher and shares: ✨His views on risk after having children ✨His biological want and need to be a dad ✨Having twins and their incredible birth story ✨How his wife trained herself postpartum for the Tokyo Olympics ✨How childhood shaped him as an adult ✨Incredible stories from his famous adventures Steve is such an interesting and motivational guest, reminding us that following our passions is so important and that adventure is often better together.

Steve Backshall: 'children have lost the ability to risk assess'

This week, Giovanna is joined by adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall Steve and Gi catch up on family life as he reflects on his childhood and how it shaped the person he is today. He also opens up about his wife Helen's inspiring journey training for the Tokyo Olympics just months after giving birth, and of course, there are plenty of tales from his iconic adventures along the way. LEGO® Education has launched four innovative STEM sets for young builders aged 7+, championed by explorer Steve Backshall. These sets turn children's big 'Why?' questions into hands-on, independent scientific discovery. Available today via select LEGO Stores and LEGO.com/LEGOEducation Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD #podcast #dad #parenthood

‘My body expelled him.’

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It happens to so many of us...

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You feel like you’ve failed in your first go at being a mum

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‘I was not there. For two weeks, I was in a deep acute psychosis.’

*Trigger warning: Sensitive content regarding mental health. Jade Lloyd us through the moment she got taken to the Mother and Baby Unit after being diagnosed with Postpartum Psychosis. If you or anyone you know might be struggling, please find some key resources below: @actiononpp [https://www.app-network.org/](https://www.app-network.org/) @pandas_uk [https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/](https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/) @samaritanscharity [https://www.samaritans.org](https://www.samaritans.org/donate-mental-health/?campaign_name=PAID2526_A&utm_source=google&utm_medium=psearch&utm_campaign=igrg_brand_search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21565411426&gbraid=0AAAAADiwX7axj0S89L0Xm0y-KdYWPlQzn) @mindcharity [https://www.mind.org.uk/](https://www.mind.org.uk/)

‘You hypnobirthed THE SH*T out of those babies.’

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300 episodes. One huge surprise. Laughs, tears, and so much joy.

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THE TABLES HAVE TURNED.

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Episode 300 Emma Willis takes over!

One huge milestone. One unforgettable twist

One huge milestone

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*Trigger warning: Sensitive content regarding mental health and self harm.

Jade sits down with Gi to recall the moment she had to reach out to a friend due to having potentially harming thoughts after a disagreement with her husband shortly after she had a baby.

Maternal mental health needs to be taken seriously.

We know the leading cause of death within the first year of motherhood is suicide. That’s a fact and the numbers haven’t improved for decades. MMH goes beyond the ‘baby blues’, and I’m in awe of this week’s guest Jade Lloyd, being so open with her experience of Postpartum psychosis. In doing so she helps so many others who are going through it, have been through it, or are trying to help someone they know. My main take away was to keep checking in on your mum friends, and to keep advocating for yourself if something doesn’t feel right, especially if you feel like a danger to yourself or others. There is no shame in asking for help. The possible alternative is unthinkable. Here are some key support resources if you need some more help or guidance: @actiononpp [https://www.app-network.org/] @pandas_uk [https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/] @samaritanscharity [https://www.samaritans.org] @mindcharity [https://www.mind.org.uk/]

First psychotic episode ❤️‍

*Trigger warning: Sensitive content regarding mental health.  Jade’s story is emotional, brave, and so important when it comes to raising awareness about maternal mental health. In this clip, Jade recalls the moment she had her first psychotic episode and how she physically and emotionally felt like she wasn’t even in the room.  If you or anyone you know is struggling, please find some key resources below: @actiononpp [https://www.app-network.org/](https://www.app-network.org/) @pandas_uk [https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/](https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/) @samaritanscharity [https://www.samaritans.org](https://www.samaritans.org/donate-mental-health/?campaign_name=PAID2526_A&utm_source=google&utm_medium=psearch&utm_campaign=igrg_brand_search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21565411426&gbraid=0AAAAADiwX7axj0S89L0Xm0y-KdYWPlQzn) @mindcharity [https://www.mind.org.uk/](https://www.mind.org.uk/)

Jade shares her experience on Postpartum Psychosis

We welcome Maternal Mental Health Advocate and mother of one Jade Lloyd. Jade courageously shares her experience of going through Postpartum Psychosis. With honesty and vulnerability, Jade highlights the complexities of maternal mental health and the importance of compassion, understanding, support and recovery. Jade shares: ❤️The first time she had a psychotic episode ❤️Being rejected by multiple health professionals ❤️Having and managing intrusive thoughts ❤️The moment she realised the Psychosis started ❤️The challenge her diagnosis had on her relationship ❤️Being admitted to a mother and baby unit Jade is true inspiration. Raising awareness for maternal mental mealth among health professionals, future mothers and anyone supporting women during their postpartum period. This is a conversation that needs to be had and we are honoured to support Jade in her journey for positive change. Support resources: @actiononpp [https://www.app-network.org/](https://www.app-network.org/) @pandas_uk [https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/](https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/) @samaritanscharity [https://www.samaritans.org](https://www.samaritans.org/donate-mental-health/?campaign_name=PAID2526_A&utm_source=google&utm_medium=psearch&utm_campaign=igrg_brand_search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21565411426&gbraid=0AAAAADiwX7axj0S89L0Xm0y-KdYWPlQzn) @mindcharity [https://www.mind.org.uk/](https://www.mind.org.uk/)

I was sectioned for a month after giving birth

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains explicit discussion surrounding issues including depression, postpartum psychosis and self-harm. This may prove a difficult listen for some and if you feel that listening may affect you negatively, then please choose another episode. This week Giovanna sits down with Jade Lloyd for a powerful and deeply personal interview about her experience with postpartum psychosis. Jade tells Gi about her traumatic birth during COVID-19, followed by a descent into severe postpartum psychosis that required her being admitted to a mother and baby unit and sectioned. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, it’s important to speak to a health professional such as a GP, midwife or health visitor. If it's an emergency and you don’t feel safe, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If Jade’s story has resonated with you and you need help or support, please don’t hesitate to use the resources below: Action on Postpartum Psychosis https://www.app-network.org/ Pandas https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org Mind UK https://www.mind.org.uk/ Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD #podcast #postpartum #newmum

When the epidural doesn’t go as expected...

Charlotte Dawson takes us through the stressful situation that followed when one side of her body went numb, but the other side didn’t after having an Epidural.

‘I pushed Jude out the whole way to the theatre, on a tiny theatre table’.

Charlotte Dawson joins us this week, taking a deep dive into all three of her birth stories. She shares that her 2nd birth took her by surprise when she gave birth ON THE WAY to having a C-section with no pain relief. In addition to Charlotte being such an incredible storyteller (and making us laugh endlessly), this is also a reminder that each individual birth story is completely unique and can often go unplanned. ❤️

Mum and valentines

All versions of you are worthy of love!

I remember first seeing Charlotte Dawson online and having a grin on my face as I took in her refreshing attitude towards her body. Not something to hide or feel shame over but something to be proud of - even if it doesn’t look like the perfectly tuned and filtered pictures we’re seeing. They are worth celebrating BECAUSE THEY ARE OURS! Charlotte is bubbly, a brilliant storyteller and ridiculously funny. It was a joy to be in the Happy Mum Happy Baby studio with her and I know you’re going to enjoy it. The chat is a mixed bag - yes there’s a lot of joy, but also some tears.

I named my son Noah because of The Notebook

Charlotte Dawson

Charlotte Dawson joins Giovanna Fletcher for a hilarious episode

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, reality TV star, business owner and mother of 3 Charlotte Dawson joins Giovanna Fletcher for a hilarious episode full of laughter, memories and multiple anecdotes from childhood to motherhood. From keeping her dad’s memory alive in her home for her children, to promoting body positivity for women, Charlotte joins us to share: ✨Grieving the loss of her dad, 33 years after his passing. ✨Promoting postpartum body confidence to new mums. ✨Experiencing an epidural that went wrong. ✨All three of her hilarious pregnancy stories. ✨Her journey to getting pregnant the first time after two years of trying. Charlotte is such a bright, positive and inspiring light that shines throughout this episode.

Three babies, zero filters: Charlotte Dawson on pregnancy & postpartum life

This week, Giovanna is joined by the brilliantly funny reality star and mum of three, Charlotte Dawson! Charlotte opens up to Gi about honouring her dad, Les Dawson’s, memory at home, alongside her mission to champion body positivity for women everywhere. A hilarious, honest, and slightly chaotic episode, enjoy! Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD

‘Get off me. No more things today. That is REAL.’

Lou Beckett talks about the very real ‘roommate phase’ that her and husband Rob experienced in the newborn phase. Lou discusses that there are times that just getting from A to B and surviving is hard enough, but communication with your partner is the key to rebuild your connection. ❤️

Normalising the realities of breastfeeding. ❤️

Each woman can have a different experience when it comes to feeding their baby. Lou Beckett shares her experience with breastfeeding and how it had a negative impact on her mental health.

Fertility is something you only really start to understand once you’re trying to have a baby

And after years of navigating Ulcerative colitis, PCOS and Endometriosis, it’s fair to say this week’s Happy Mum Happy Baby guest, Lou Beckett and her husband Rob, thought it would take a while for her to get pregnant… thankfully for them, it really didn’t! Lou has also written a book called ‘Lessons from a default parent’, which is very funny and honest so go grab yourself a copy!

‘We never got out of the chaos, we just went back in.’

Lou Beckett and Giovanna Fletcher discuss how quickly their children are growing up and learning to be more independent, and Lou’s decision to not have a third child.

Let’s talk about romanticising parenthood…✨

Even when we plan and want a baby, the realisation of our lives changing forever can hit like a tonne of bricks and so can the guilt for feeling that way. Lou Beckett joins us this week to share her thought process and feelings after just having a newborn and that it’s okay to feel doubt and confusion. She also brings a little humour to the table that all new mothers might relate to when they are in the thick of it or reflecting back on their experience.

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, we are joined by the lovely Lou Beckett Xx

Former teacher, mum of two daughters and author of new book ‘Lessons from a default parent’. Lou joins us to share the realities of motherhood including living with medical conditions, navigating the newborn stages and some incredibly funny parenting stories. She tells us about: ❤️Her personal struggles during pregnancy ❤️How the pressure to breastfeed affected her mental health ❤️Not feeling empowered by birth ❤️Navigating her relationship during postpartum ❤️Often comparing herself to other parents This is a raw, funny and deeply relatable conversation about motherhood that we might all find a little familiar! Tune in on Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.

Behind every cancer diagnosis is a unique story. #worldcancerday #podcast #podcastclips

Behind every cancer diagnosis is a unique story. Leanne Quigley shares the moment she found out her partner had been diagnosed with breast cancer, shortly after her twin boys were born.

Default Parenting Hell with Lou Beckett

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, Giovanna chats with the brilliant Lou Beckett! Lou opens up about the pressures of breastfeeding, and shares how she and her husband Rob navigated the all-too-real 'roommate phase' during their early days of parenthood. She also talks about the mental load of being the 'default parent': the one who keeps family life ticking, from organising clubs and parties to taking on the emotional and administrative side of home life. Lou's book Lessons From a Default Parent is available for preorder now! Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD

How do I know if my baby has #Bronchiolitis? #baby #newmum #parenting #bonemarrow

Kate Ball from Mini First Aid explain how to deal with your baby has broncholitis.

Denise Van Outen on Happy Mum Happy Baby: The Podcast #podcast #motherhood

This week on Happy Mum Happy Baby, we are joined by presenter, performer and mother of one Denise Van Outen. Denise has brought joy and warmth to the public for so many years through singing, acting and dancing. Now, she is sharing her personal life behind it all, including how she navigates the expectations of each phase of motherhood whilst staying connected to her daughter. She talks about: ⭐Balancing her career and being a mum ⭐Mum guilt during different phases of motherhood ⭐Dating and relationships whilst having an older child ⭐How she manages the teenage years and social media ⭐Her positive experience with co-parenting Denise is a positive breath of fresh air and this episode is a great reminder that we all often experience mum guilt, no matter what we individually go through as parents. Listen on Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.

If kids don’t like someone you’re dating, they make it obvious

Denise Van Outen shares her experience of dating as a mum and how her daughter’s opinion is important when it comes to her relationships.

One child. Fully loved. Fully enough. ❤️ #onlychild #podcast #mum

Denise Van Outen talks about the stigma attached to only having one child and how she felt that she had to be in the right relationships in order to have more children. What’s your experience with having one child or being an only child? Let us know in the comments below.

Practising gratitude can change our whole perspective on the world and the way we see ourselves. ❤️

This Parent Mental Health Day, Roxie Nafousi shares how practising gratitude can change our whole perspective on the world, including the way we see ourselves. ❤️ Every evening write down a positivity journal and jot down all the small, beautiful and ordinary moments of the day. Share with a parent who will benefit and help make a small positive change to their week.

Being pregnant in the workplace… or not. #podcast #pregnancy #workingmum

Telling your bosses that you’re pregnant can be a game of timing and, for many, cause great anxiety over the reaction they’re going to get. Hence why there are amazing people championing pregnant women in the workforce. In this week’s Happy Mum Happy Baby episode I chat to the brilliant Denise Van Out about her pregnancy, career, co-parenting and the new phase of motherhood she’s in. It’s a delightful ep with a total legend. Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD

Mum guilt is something that all of us experience #mumguilt #podcast #motherhood

The pressure, the anxiety and the subconscious thoughts can be very overwhelming.

Denise Van Outen on managing mum guilt

National treasure of stage and screen Denise Van Outen joins Giovanna this week! Denise and Gi chat about their stagey childhoods and the impact motherhood has had on their careers in the performing arts. Plus, Denise opens up about her relationship with ex-partner Lee Mead and how they successfully co-parent their daughter, Betsy. Listen to the podcast here: https://podfollow.com/happymumhappybaby JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Instagram: https://instagram.com/happymumhappybaby Facebook:https://facebook.com/happymumhappybaby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happymumhappybaby Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZTyXhD