The Mother of All Shows

• Charissa BeukesAt first glance, one might think the Australian docuseries ‘Yummy Mummies’ is all about teaching expectant women all there is to know about pregnancy, birth and babies. However, it doesn’t take long to realise that these rich, fabulous mothers-to-be have no idea what motherhood entails.

Following the opulent lifestyles of four gorgeous and glamorous expectant mums – all trying to out-do one another in terms of lavish pre-birth rituals – ‘Yummy Mummies’ is a bit like the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise except no one’s allowed a gin and tonic.

These women are certainly not ordinary. Nope, the normal rules of motherhood don’t apply to them.You will never catch these ladies looking anything but elegant and chic. To quote one of the ladies on the show, Rachel Watts: “You’re pregnant, not dying!”

In addition to looking the part, these women want to welcome their little ones into the world in the most luxurious way possible. Along those lines, their preparations include horse-drawn carriages and over-the-top baby showers.

The show developed from a friendship between mums from Melbourne: Real estate agent Watts, primary school teacher and model Lorinska Merrington and second-time mum Jane Scandizzo – a model married to a highly acclaimed hairdresser to the stars.

They formed the Instagram page ‘Yummy Mummies Melbourne’ and welcomed Italian mum Maria Di Geronimo, who’s from Adelaide, lives glamorously and is the most controversial character on the first season of the show.

Brand obsessed Di Geronimo is next level. She hates flowers, rather opting for a bouquet of money. Oh, and she refuses to put her baby Valentina in anything that isn’t designer, let alone let her wear clothes more than once.

Beware though, she doesn’t come alone. Her mother, glam gran Margherita, doesn’t win many fans among the other ladies.

Most viewers, including myself, wonder how Di Geronimo’s boyfriend is able to put up with her bratty attitude.

All four mummies are equally apprehensive and excited about the upcoming births of their offspring as they grapple with the types of decisions faced by mums universally – to breastfeed or bottle feed, what colour to paint the nursery and of course, which luxury designer’s clothes will their babies wear during their press debuts.

These mothers certainly have a story to tell which, entertaining as it may be, can get a little cringey at times.

In the 10th episode, the claws well and truly come out when Watts, Merrington, Di Geronimo and her mother meet for a peacemaking lunch and an offhand but jaw-dropping comment ends up starting an all-out war.

So whether you think you’ll love it, hate it or love to hate it, there’s no denying that ‘Yummy Mummies’ is worth a watch. Produced for those of us who can’t resist a show all about friendships, catfights, pregnancy, babies and fashion.

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