Happy Mum Happy Baby
By: Giovanna Fletcher
Published Year: 2017
Publisher: Coronet
Pages: 368
Summary (Provided by Goodreads): A positive and uplifting book about what it is to be a mother and all things mum and baby by Celebrity Mum of the Year and phenomenally popular vlogger, author, TV presenter and actress Giovanna Fletcher.
Being a mum is an incredible journey, a remarkable experience that changes how we look, how we feel, who we are. As mothers we are strong, protective, proud. We feel a love like no other.
But being a parent can be hard too. It challenges us physically, mentally, emotionally. There are the days where just managing to fit a shower in amidst the endless feeding, entertaining young children and surviving on a lack of sleep feels like an achievement. With so many people ready to offer 'advice' on the best way to parent, it can feel like you are getting it all wrong.
Since Giovanna and her husband Tom Fletcher have had their sons Buzz and Buddy, they have been sharing glimpses of their family life. With an infectiously positive outlook and happy take on all things mum-related, Giovanna has developed a following of fellow parents and mums-to-be.
This is not a book about how to have the perfect family experience - Gi would be the first to admit she is winging it just as much as the rest of us - instead it is an honest, upbeat and incredibly personal account of her own experience of having a family. In Happy Mum, Happy Baby Giovanna shares her own journey through parenthood and in doing so, she looks at what it is to be a mother today, encourages you to be confident in yourself as a parent and celebrates how putting a focus on being a happy and confident mum can really make for a happy baby.
First Impressions
I bought this book years ago not long after it first came out and it has sat on my shelves ever since. I have been a fan of her husband’s band for a long time and became of fan of hers through him. I listened to the podcast for a long time and that is what convinced me to order the book.
What I thought
I specifically saved reading this book for when I was pregnant or had children so that I could reference and relate to it. I expected a little bit more of an advice book than a memoir, but I enjoyed it regardless.
Gi is a 30 something year old mom who lives in England. She is married to Tom, who is one of the lead singers in the band McFly. This book talks about her experience getting pregnant with their first son and then the birth and babyhood of her first and second. One of the things I have always loved about Gi is how honest she is. She doesn’t try to sugar coat anything but she’s also not a negative Nancy.
Like I said, I thought this was going to be a little bit more of an advice book which is why I saved it for so long. Her podcast by the same name doesn’t necessarily give advice, but it does cover a lot of babyhood and motherhood topics while offering knowledge. I learned so much about pregnancy and birth through her podcast. It also made me feel like once I went through everything I would be less alone.
Gi does a great job writing about things without judgement. I would love everyone who is considering becoming a mom to read her book or listen to her podcast. She breaks down stigma for endometriosis, pregnancy loss, post partum depression, and every other topic women are told not to talk about.
Her writing style is to the point, relatable, and no bullshit. I also loved the style of dropping pictures of her boys through the chapters. I do know that now, she has three boys and they’re much older. I think the eldest, who was 2 at the time this book came out is 10 now? I haven’t listened to the podcast in a few years, but this definitely made me remember why I enjoyed it so much and makes me want to go and listen to more episodes again
If you are someone who is considering becoming a mother, I would highly recommend this book. It feels like you’re reading a chat with a close friend. It will make you feel like you have someone to go through this experience with and answer so many questions. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a mom, if you know someone who is a mom or wants to become one, this could help you relate to and support those around you.