S19 Ep9: ELLIE TAYLOR: The truth about motherhood (that nobody says out loud)

What happens when the parenting reality doesn't match the picture you imagined? On The Netmums Podcast this week, comedian, actress, author and mum of two Ellie Taylor joins JB Gill and Louise Burke for a special video episode full of brilliantly honest conversation about the messy, funny and emotional reality of family life.

Ellie, a former Strictly contestant and also a star of the popular TV show, Ted Lasso, opens up about why she found the newborn stage so difficult, the guilt of not feeling an instant bond with her babies, and why she believes more parents need to be honest about those early struggles. She is also super honest about the moment she was struck by gender disappointment with her second child and the challenges of welcoming another baby after a five-year age gap.

The conversation goes on to explore how she shares the parenting load with a stay-at-home dad, and how motherhood has reshaped her marriage.

Ellie talks openly about the love for her children while also reflecting on learning to let go of control and embracing a ‘good enough’ approach to parenting. Plus, she talks about balancing a busy career with family life and filming her latest ITV show The Box out this autumn.

In this episode:

Why Ellie didn't instantly fall in love with motherhood

The reality of having a second child

Gender disappointment and changing expectations

Sharing parenting with a stay-at-home dad

Keeping a relationship alive after children

Why 'good enough' parenting is enough

Whether you're in the newborn trenches, weighing up a second child or simply trying to hold everything together, this episode is full of honest reflections, big, big laughs and reassuring reminders that parenting doesn't have to be perfect to be enough.