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

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

Author: Giovanna Fletcher May 12, 2026 Duration: 1:16:05

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.


Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby picks up the threads of her bestselling book, creating a space where the polished facade of parenting is gently set aside. Each episode unfolds through candid, comforting conversations with well-known mothers and fathers, though the focus is less on their fame and more on their shared, human experience. Giovanna, or Gi as she’s often known, guides these discussions through every facet of raising children-the unexpected joys, the exhausting lows, the personal challenges, and the quiet rewards. The core idea that resonates throughout this podcast is the liberating notion that perfection is a myth; everyone is simply navigating parenthood as best they can. Listening feels like being part of a supportive, honest chat among friends who understand that the journey is messy and beautiful in equal measure. You’ll hear real stories that validate your own, offering both solace and a much-needed laugh. It’s a warm, inclusive audio journal that celebrates the collective reality of family life, making it a deeply relatable listen for anyone in the thick of it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Happy Mum
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