Welcome to the second series of The Maternal Journal podcast - a deep dive into the power of journaling and creativity to support mental health and wellbeing through pregnancy, birth and parenting - hosted by Maternal Journal founder, artist, writer and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs. This new series focuses on graphic novels and illustrated books, and we have some amazing guests who share their work and thoughts with us. Every podcast includes reflections from our guests on the relationship between motherhood and creativity and tips on how to boost your journaling practice.

In this episode, we're joined by cartoonist and writer Becky Barnicoat whose recent graphic memoir, ‘Cry when the Baby Cries’, is described as ‘The most accurate account of becoming a parent I have ever read’ by Philippa Perry. Her daily cartoons in publications such as The Guardian and Buzzfeed offer a candid and often hilarious glimpse into the emotional landscape of motherhood.

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In this episode, Laura interviews Julie Phillips, an award-winning author, biographer and book critic who wrote the influential book - Baby on the Fire Escape, where she explores the complex relationship between creativity and motherhood through the lives of some of the most important women artists of the 20th century..

Together, they unpick the challenges and stereotypes of motherhood and creativity, highlighting the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. Julie advocates for the importance of maintaining individuality as a parent, shares her personal experiences with journaling, and emphasises the need for structural support for mothers, including paid parental leave and affordable childcare.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.

In this episode, Laura interviews Katherine May, the bestselling author and podcaster of books such as Wintering and The Electricity of Every Living Thing.

Katherine discusses the struggles she faced during her pregnancy, including depression and feeling out of place. She shares her insights as an autistic mother and the importance of finding one's own path in parenting. In addition we talk about her approach to writing, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment and open discussion.

Your host is writer, artist and midwife, Laura Godfrey-Isaacs.

To find out more, head to https://www.maternaljournal.org/.