'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: 100

Happy Mum
Podcast Episodes
Is skincare for teens harmful? Parenting SOS with Dr. Emma Craythorne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:23
For this episode of Parenting SOS, we’re joined by dermatologist and host of The Bad Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne. Dr. Emma explains how our skin barrier evolves from childhood through adulthood, and discusses the pot…
Happy Dad, Happy Baby! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:49
In celebration of Father's day, Gi's been digging through the archives again! She's put together some of her favourite chats from some of her favourite dads, including:Tom Fletcher on how miscarriage affects dads tooJeff…
Ryan Libbey on supporting his partner through birth trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:39
Our guest this week is personal trainer, podcaster, and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey!When Ryan’s partner Louise Thompson gave birth to their son Leo, she faced severe complications and trauma that turned their…
Rose and Rosie on parenthood as a same-sex couple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:16
We're very excited this week to welcome everyone's favourite Youtube couple to the studio - it's Rose and Rosie!As a same-sex couple, finding information on how to start a family is not easy. Rose and Rosie open up to Gi…
Breast cancer awareness: Ali Bastian shares her story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:35
For a special episode dedicated to breast cancer awareness, this week Giovanna sits down with actress and mum of two, Ali BastianLast year, while breastfeeding her youngest daughter, Ali began experiencing severe pain an…
Peter Andre: "don’t make the same mistakes. Make new ones." [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:38
WIth his iconic hit 'Mysterious Girl' turning 30 this year, we thought it was about time we caught up with dad of 5 Peter Andre!This episode is full of heart, with Peter opening up to Gi about the overwhelming emotion of…
Cariad Lloyd on talking to children about death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:22
This week Giovanna is joined by comedian and actor Cariad Lloyd.Cariad is also the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Griefcast. She shares with Gi the profound impact of losing her father unexpectedly as a te…
Siân Welby on problematic ’too posh to push’ stigma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:49
Our guest this week is the hilarious radio & TV presenter Siân Welby!Siân's career has gone from strength to strength over the years, and she opens up about wanting to hide her pregnancy out of fear she would be replaced…
The ADHD Parenting Toolkit with Dr Mine Conkbayir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:59
On this week's episode of Parenting SOS, we’re joined by Dr. Mine Conkbayir. Mine is an expert in neuroscience and has worked in early childhood education and care for 25 years. She's also an ADHD mum of one.Mine and Gi…