This week I’m joined by writer and Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, whose popular column The Republic of Parenthood has now been turned into a book.

Rhiannon and I talk about what it’s really like to be raising children in 2025 – from the housing and childcare crises to the impact of climate change on everyday family life. She opens up about how motherhood has shifted her identity and creativity, and why she describes the experience as “soul-shifting".

We also discuss how feminism looks different once you’ve had children, and why caring work should never be underestimated, plus the realities of breastfeeding in the UK – and why nuance, honesty and maternal mental health need to be central to the conversation.

Buy Rhiannon's book The Republic of Parenthood - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Republic-Parenthood-Bringing-Up-Babies/dp/071565585X

Read her Guardian columns - https://www.theguardian.com/profile/rhiannon-lucy-cosslett

Follow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonlucycosslett/

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Not Another Mummy Podcast is brought to you by me, journalist and author Alison Perry. I'm a mum of three and I love interviewing people about parenthood and confidence on the podcast. You can check out my other episodes and you can come chat to me on Instagram: @iamalisonperry or on Twitter: @iamalisonperry. You can buy my book OMG It's Twins now.

Music: Epidemic Sound

Artwork: Eleanor Bowmer

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