The Don't Buy Her Flowers Podcast

New To Mum Hood? Illiyin Morrison and Sophie McCartney talk us through it

The Don't Buy Her Flowers Podcast

Show Notes

Steph speaks with Illiyin Morrison and Sophie McCartney (AKA Tired and Tested) about those early days and months of motherhood, as part of the Lost For Words series. Rather than gloss over it, Sophie and Illy both have careers that centre on being reassuringly honest about motherhood, and in turn offering support to women who may be finding it tougher than expected. Illy trained as a midwife and now helps women debrief after birth, and Sophie is a comedian and bestselling author with a huge Instagram account sharing the trials (and hilarity) of motherhood.

Illy and Sophie talk about the early days, their feelings of failure and guilt about not doing it ‘right’, whether that’s the birth, breastfeeding, or just being a mum. They talk about obsessing about sleep and feeding, sweaty weigh ins, baby groups and having babies at the same time as Kate Middleton. They also discuss comparison and expectation, and the impact babies can have on a relationship. This conversation will make new mums feel better, or if someone further down the line thinks they did a terrible job, it will let them know that none of us knew what we were doing.

Thank you to Naturalmat for sponsoring this series, handmakers of organic beds and mattresses, and DBHF podcast listeners can get 15% off with the code DBHF15

Tired and Tested: The Wild Ride into Parenthood by Sophie McCartney

The Birth Debrief by Illiyin Morrison (out 16th March 2023)

Mother Hens by Sophie McCartney (out 30th March 2023)

If you’re struggling with parenthood, try contacting Home-Start UK

Illy’s Instagram Sophie’s Instagram Steph’s Instagram

The NEW Create a New Mum Gift Box at Don’t Buy Her Flowers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The Don't Buy Her Flowers Podcast

Dec 12, 2025

NOTE: This episode contains references to Christmas Magic that you may not want your children to hear!

Apr 25, 2025

In this powerful conversation, Steph is joined by Elliott Rae, speaker, podcaster, writer and social changemaker, to explore how masculinity is being renegotiated in today's world.

Apr 4, 2025

Parenting teenagers and navigating midlife can feel like a perfect storm. One moment you’re managing eye-rolls and slammed doors, the next you’re questioning why no one warned you about perimenopause. In this episode, Steph is joined by journalist, author, and parenting pro Lorraine Candy for a frank and reassuring conversation about raising teens, handling hormones, and keeping a sense of humour through it all.

Mar 21, 2025

Steph sits down with her husband of 17 years, Mark (Doug) Douglas, for an unfiltered and often hilarious deep dive into marriage, equality at home, and the invisible workload that often falls on women. From their whirlwind romance and early parenting struggles to resentment, gender roles, and the reality of balancing careers and family, no topic is off-limits.

Mar 7, 2025

Steph sits down with the hilarious and incredibly talented makeup artist Genevieve Turley. Known for her candid takes on beauty, motherhood, and life in general, Gen shares her journey from being a nurse in the Air Force to becoming a sought-after bridal makeup artist and an Instagram star with over 400k followers.

See all episodes →