In this honest, funny and incredibly validating conversation, Steph is joined live at Henley Literary Festival by Lou and Dr Punam to talk about the realities of modern motherhood, the invisible workload women carry, and what happens to our bodies and minds when we're expected to be everything to everyone. Lou shares how her own frustrations with motherhood turned into writing, while Punam talks about her experience as a doctor, a mother and the gaps in support for women after having children.
Together, they explore why becoming a mum can change so much more than you expect, and why so many women end up feeling they've lost a part of themselves along the way.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the mental load, struggling to recognise yourself since becoming a mum, quietly resentful of the fact that everyone seems to need something from you, or simply wondering why motherhood feels so much harder than you expected, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood and a little less alone.
About our guests
Lou Beckett is a mother of two, ex-secondary school teacher, and wife to Rob Beckett. The (mostly) silent participant of the incredibly successful \tParenting Hell\t podcast and author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Lessons From a Default Parent\t.
Dr Punam Krishan is a practising NHS GP, mother of two, and bestselling author based in Glasgow. As a resident GP on BBC Morning Live, she is passionate about making family and mental health advice accessible to all. Alongside authoring books, Dr Punam contributes to The i Paper, where she shares insights on maternal health, family life, and everyday wellbeing. She was shortlisted for the British Journalism Award in 2021 and is the author of The Mother Load (DK RED) and children's titles You and Your Body, Me and My Feelings and The Superhero's First Aid Manual (DK).
Links
Lessons From a Default Parent by Lou Beckett
The Mother Load by Dr Punam Krishan\t
My Feelings by Dr Punam Krishan
The Superhero's First Aid Manual by Dr Punam Krishan
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