S2 Ep5: Black maternal health and birth trauma

This week our host Theo Clarke is joined by Tinuke Awe and Clo Abe, co-founders of Five X More, to break the taboo on black maternal health and birth trauma in the UK. They reflect on the experiences that led them to campaign on this issue; discuss data about inequalities in healthcare, and explain how their work is helping affected families with some practical tools for parents.Topics that we discuss on the show include: ending racial disparities in maternity care; rights in childbirth; maternity safety; the importance of peer support; mental health support for black mothers; and ways the UK Government can end inequalities in healthcare. Tinuke Awe is the co-founder of Five X More CIC – an award-winning organisation campaigning to improve Black maternal health outcomes in the UK. She is also the founder of Mums & Tea, a social platform aimed at connecting Black mums and building supportive communities. Black motherhood and parenthood are central to Tinuke’s work, and she is passionate about creating accessible resources and spaces for the advancement and empowerment of Black families.Clo Abe is co-founder of Five X More, an organisation founded in 2019 in response to the MBRRACE reports highlighting that Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than white women (current figures show it is still four times more likely). She has worked in maternity units in hospitals across London and was an Expert by Experience for NHS England/Improvement contributing to the Ockenden Report. She helped develop the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate role and is founder of Prosperitys, a maternal wellbeing social enterprise supporting Black and Ethnic Minority parents with a focus on early intervention, perinatal mental health awareness, and tackling social isolation.Don’t suffer in silence! Listen in and let’s break the final taboo in women’s health #breakingthetaboo.Five X More: https://www.fivexmore.com/Six Steps to Safer Care (Five X More): https://fivexmore.org/6stepsTommy’s Midwife Video Call Service: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/about-tommys-pregnancy-information/video-call-serviceYour Basic Birth Rights (translated): https://birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/your-basic-birth-rights-translated/This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: http://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcastInstagram: @theoclarkempBreaking The Taboo production team:Producer: Natasha FerozeResearcher: Max Austin and Elliott MalikDesigner: Emily RyderSocial media: Bella CarterStudio manager: Adam WoodwardStudio: Studio 55 part of Wolfe Power Club