Breaking the taboo

This week our host, Theo Clarke is joined by Dr Chris Dewhurst, a neonatologist, and an affected mother to discuss premature babies and support for families in NICU. Topics that we discuss on the show include: what is NICU; reasons babies are admitted to NICU; prematurity and what this means; the family's role in the care of their babies; what does the journey look like after discharge from the NICU; and coping with baby loss.Dr Chris Dewhurst is a neonatologist and the Medical Director at Liverpool Women’s Hospital where they deliver approximately 7,500 babies per year. He has previously been the clinical Director for both neonatal and maternity services in Liverpool. Alongside his medical leadership role he continues to provide clinical care on the neonatal intensive care unit where he has a special interest in neonatal ventilation. He is driven to minimise health inequalities, particularly in relation to impact of deprivation on neonatal and maternity outcomes.Zalena Vandrewala is mum to Sam born at 24+2 weeks gestation and Ava born at 36+5 weeks gestation and wife to Martin. Zalena actively supports and advises the neonatal unit at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on various matters including family integrated care and parental experience as well as having supported and advised the Liverpool Neonatal partnership as they prepare to open the largest neonatal unit in Europe in 2026.Baby Lifeline: https://www.babylifeline.org.uk/Special care (ill or premature babies): https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/special-care-ill-or-premature-babies/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 

This week is Birth Trauma Awareness Week so our host, Theo Clarke is joined by Ailsa Adams, an affected mother, and Leena Savjani, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell, to discuss life after birth trauma. Topics that we discuss on the show include: requesting a birth debrief or reflections; the importance of peer support; access to perinatal health services; repair surgery and the realities; how to request your medical records and navigating the complaints process.Ailsa Adams is a mother of three—first a singleton, followed by twins—who experienced a severe birth injury (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury, OASI) during her second delivery in 2020 whilst living in London. The repair surgery she underwent immediately after birth was later found to have been inadequately performed, leaving her with physical and mental challenges that have impacted every aspect of her life. In 2024, she underwent colostomy surgery as part of her ongoing recovery. Navigating life post-OASI has been complex, with limited guidance or healthcare pathways following such an injury. While still managing the effects of her experience, Ailsa is determined to support others facing similar challenges and advocate for improvements in maternity care and post-birth recovery resources. Ailsa works as a physiotherapist for the NHS and now lives in Scotland with her husband and three children.Leena Savjani is a Partner at national law firm Irwin Mitchell and a specialist in medical negligence law with over 19 years of experience in the field. She has acted on some of the most complex and sensitive cases in the field, often involving serious injury and systemic failings in healthcare. Leena has a particular expertise in maternal injury cases, including those involving obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) where she is recognized for her compassionate client care and deep understanding of the long-term impact on women’s lives. Known for her rigorous legal mind, empathy, and unwavering commitment to her clients, she is a trusted advocate for driving accountability and improving maternity safety.Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/MASIC: https://masic.org.uk/downloadable-guides/ PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service): https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents): https://www.avma.org.uk/Instagram: @colostorymum @IrwinMitchell 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

This week our host Theo Clarke is joined by Sandra Igwe, founder of The Motherhood Group, and Neya Joshi, peer supporter for the Birth Trauma Association, to discuss inequalities in maternal health and birth trauma.Topics that we discuss on the show include: racial disparities in maternal health outcomes; black maternal health and wellbeing; the power of community and culturally safe support; mental health being a taboo in Asian culture; how to access psychological support post birth; advice on navigating pregnancy and motherhood; and ways to improve postnatal care for new mothers.Sandra Igwe is a maternal health advocate, author, and founder of The Motherhood Group, a social enterprise supporting Black mothers through culturally safe peer support, events, and community engagement. She is also the creator of the BlackMums App — a femtech innovation designed to connect and empower Black mothers through AI-powered community tools. Sandra leads the annual Black Maternal Health Conference UK, founded Black Maternal Mental Health Week, and regularly works with the NHS, government bodies, and international partners to drive policy and practice change in maternal care. Her work has been featured in Vogue, BBC, Channel 4, and The Guardian.Neya Joshi is mum to a 5 year old son and 2.5 year old daughter. In May 2020, after the birth of her son by emergency c-section she was abandoned on the postnatal ward. Covid visiting restrictions meant her husband wasn’t allowed to visit at all, and she was unsupported for the first 30 hours after major surgery. The ordeal left her with PTSD and she found adjusting to life as a new mum difficult. She recovered with therapy and is now passionate about raising awareness of birth/postnatal ward trauma to help others feel less alone. She is currently training to be a postnatal doula so she can be a source of support and comfort to mothers during such a transformative time in their lives. She also volunteers as a peer supporter for the Birth Trauma Association.Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/The Motherhood Group: https://themotherhoodgroup.org/Instagram: @sandeeigwe  @themotherhoodgroup @birth_trauma_association_ukThis 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

This week in a special episode our host Theo Clarke takes the podcast on the road to the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff. She joins the panel on the changing landscape in women's health which was recorded live in the main tent.Topics that we discuss on the show include: changing the narrative and how women’s health is portrayed in the media; lessons from the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry and the perspective of a  clinician in the House of Lords.Rosie Taylor is an award-winning freelance journalist, specialising in women’s health. She write for publications including The Times, the Independent, the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Daily Mail and the i paper, and is the host of Mother Bodies, the podcast about postnatal health and why it matters.Baroness Finlay is a Deputy Speaker and Crossbench Peer, was on the Assisted Dying Bill Select Committee and co-edited “The Reality of Assisted Dying: understanding the issues”.  A palliative medicine doctor, she established Marie Curie’s Penarth Hospice and is Vice-President of Cardiff’s City Hospice. Theo Clarke was the Member of Parliament for Stafford. She chaired the first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma in British history and previously set up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma in the House of Commons. She won 'Political Speech of the Year' at the Parliamentarian of the Year Awards and was included in the Top 100 Women in Westminster in 2024. Theo is the author of a bestselling memoir  'Breaking the Taboo: why we need to talk about birth trauma'.Diane Danzebrink (Chair) is a personal and corporate consultant, speaker, educator and the author of Making Menopause Matter. She founded the purpose over profit organisation Menopause Support in 2015 and has led the call for better menopause care and support in the U.K. with her national #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign since 2018Don’t suffer in silence! Listen in and let’s break the final taboo in women’s health #breakingthetaboo.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.Everywoman Festival: Offering education, empowerment and support for women's health across generations https://www.everywomanfest.com/aboutusWebsite: http://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcastRead 'Breaking the Taboo' here.Instagram: @theoclarkemp @rosietaylorjournalism @dianedanzebrinkBreaking 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

This week in a special episode our host Theo Clarke is joined by Rosie Duffield MP, the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Birth Trauma in the UK Parliament. We discuss the Health Secretary’s recent announcement of a rapid national maternity investigation.  Topics that we discuss on the show include: the Government’s approach to maternity care; lessons and recommendations from the Birth Trauma Inquiry; the work of the cross party APPG for birth trauma; campaigning to improve postnatal care and why women’s heath is often ignored in Government policy.  Rosie Duffield is the Member of Parliament for Canterbury, Whitstable and the Villages and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Birth Trauma. She co-chaired the Birth Trauma Inquiry in Parliament with Theo in 2024 which resulted in changes to NHS policy and improvements to maternity care announced by the then UK Government. UK Birth Trauma Inquiry Reporthttps://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/birth-trauma-reportBirth Trauma Associationhttps://www.birthtraumaassociation.orgDon’t suffer in silence! Listen in and let’s break the final taboo in women’s health #breakingthetaboo.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

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

This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Kim Thomas, CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, and campaigner and affected mum Gill Castle to answer listener questions on birth trauma. They share information for expectant mothers and families who've experienced a traumatic birth, including recovery from mental and physical health issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families.Topics that we discuss on the show include: birth plans; advocating for yourself and rights in childbirth; what is a prolapse; challenges with breastfeeding after a traumatic birth; accessing maternal mental health services; dads support for mothers with birth trauma and impact on wider family; postpartum psychosis; babies suffering from brain damage; medical negligence; contraception post birth; premature babies in NICU and difficulties with bonding.Dr Kim Thomas is CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, a charity that supports parents experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after birth. She was also the secretariat for the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) inquiry into birth trauma, and wrote the inquiry report, published in May 2024. She has published two books about birth trauma: Birth Trauma: A Guide for You, Your Friends and Family to Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Birth; and Postnatal PTSD: a Guide for Health Professionals. Her book Broadmoor Women looked at the lives of women committed to Broadmoor in the nineteenth century. She also worked as a freelance journalist for more than 20 years, writing for national newspapers and magazines, with a specialist focus on health and medicine.Gill Castle is Chief Executive of Chameleon Buddies and a former police officer who suffered a missed 4th degree tear, recto-vaginal fistula and perineal abcess during the birth of her only child in 2011. This led to a permanent colostomy, and medical retirement from the police force due to extensive mental health problems resulting from the birth, including PTSD and severe anxiety. Gill has campaigned for changes to the maternity system in the UK for many years, and has featured extensively in the national media for her work.  In 2022 Gill set up an international charity, Chameleon Buddies, to support women in Kenya and the UK to adjust to life with an ostomy after fistula. In 2023 Gill became the first person to swim the English Channel solo with a stoma.Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/Chameleon Buddies:https://chameleonbuddies.org.uk/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

This week our host Theo Clarke is joined by Jane Plumb, founder of Group B Strep Support, and an affected mother to discuss this infection that can affect pregnant mothers and their babies. Topics that we discuss on the show include: what is Group B strep; impact of GBS infection on babies; how to get tested as a pregnant mum; symptoms to look out for; and support for impacted families. Jane Plumb co-founded Group B Strep Support with her husband Robert in 1996 after their middle child died from group B Strep infection, and is its Chief Executive. Jane is also the RCOG’s Women’s Voices Lead, Europe Representative on the Council for the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations and a Meningitis Research Foundation trustee. She is also an advisor to the Board of the Fertility Alliance. Jane is involved in many group B Strep research projects, co-leading PPI for the GBS3 trial. Jane was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to child health, Fellowship of the RSA in 2020, and Fellowship Honoris Causa by the RCOG in 2021. Preya Vaja is a mother of two who, with her daughter Uma, survived a serious Group B Strep infection. She advocates for Group B Strep awareness and maternal mental health, drawing on her experience as a South Asian parent. Preya has worked with GBSS on campaigns and fundraising, including running the London Marathon. She lives with her husband Birj and their daughters.  Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo. Group B Strep Support – https://gbss.org.uk/ Group B Strep and pregnancy - https://gbss.org.uk/info-support/about-group-b-strep/what-is-group-b-strep/ Signs of group B Strep infection in babies - https://gbss.org.uk/info-support/group-b-strep-infection/group-b-strep-infection-in-babies-know-the-symptoms/ Group B Strep FAQs - https://gbss.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions/ Where to get a group B Strep test - https://gbss.org.uk/info-support/group-b-strep-testing/ecm-test-where-how/ 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/podcast Instagram: @theoclarkemp Breaking The Taboo production team: Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max Austin and Elliott Malik Designer: Emily Ryder Social media: Bella Carter Studio manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55 part of Wolfe Power Club

This week our host Theo Clarke is joined by former MP Cherilyn Mackrory and Zoe Clark-Coates MBE to discuss baby loss, the impact on mothers and provide some practical advice for affected families. Topics that we discuss on the show include: living with the loss of a baby; support for affected mothers; bereavement counselling; pregnancy loss certificates; campaigning to improve maternity safety and the impact on fathers and other children.Cherilyn Mackrory is the former Member of Parliament for Truro & Falmouth. Whilst in Parliament, Cherilyn chaired the APPGs for Baby Loss and for Women’s Health where she was able to advocate for better and safer maternity services. Her aim was to ensure all women were able to make informed choices, as well as to help develop policy that support families after the loss of a baby. She was also a Vice Chair for Theo’s Parliamentary Birth Trauma Inquiry. Cherilyn is now Managing Director for Made for Life Organics in Cornwall, hand blending 100% organic skincare and pursuing access to nurturing touch therapy for everyone, especially those living with Cancer.Zoe Clark-Coates MBE is a globally recognized grief specialist, bestselling author, broadcaster, and campaigner. Following the devastating loss of five babies, she dedicated her career to transforming support for those experiencing pregnancy and baby loss. Drawing on her counseling expertise and two decades of leadership in the business and charity sectors, she co-founded Mariposa International—widely known for its primary support division, Saying Goodbye—with her husband, Andy. Today, the charity is one of the world’s leading bereavement support organizations, reaching over 50,000 people weekly. In 2018, Zoe was appointed by the UK Secretary of State for Health as co-chair and lead author of the Pregnancy Loss Review, a landmark initiative examining baby loss care across England. Published in Parliament in 2023, its 73 recommendations—accepted in full by the Prime Minister. Zoe also spearheaded the campaign to introduce an official Certificate of Loss, ensuring formal recognition for all babies who die before 24 weeks of gestation, a milestone achieved in 2024. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Zoe was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 for services to the bereaved. She is the author of five bestselling books on grief and pregnancy after loss, including Saying Goodbye, and is a sought-after media voice, appearing on television and radio 3–5 times per week. She also hosts the TV talk show Soul Tears and the podcast Life & Soul with Zoe Clark-Coates. Beyond her media and advocacy work, Zoe chairs the Global Baby Loss Alliance, collaborating with leaders, NGOs, and medical professionals to drive systemic change in bereavement care worldwide.Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.Saying Goodbye: https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/Sands: https://www.sands.org.uk/Baby loss certificates: https://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificateFollow Zoe on Instagram: @Zoeadelle.Follow Cherilyn on X: @thisischerilynThis 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

This week our regular host Theo Clarke is interviewed by broadcaster and journalist Belle Donati to share the story of her traumatic birth, talk about her campaign to improve maternity care and share lessons from her new book 'Breaking the Taboo: Why we need to talk about birth trauma'.  Topics that we discuss on the show include: what is birth trauma; birth injuries; maternal mental health; going back to work; wider impact on fathers and family; resources to help families with recovery from birth trauma; the Birth Trauma Inquiry in Parliament; improving maternity care in the UK and globally.  Belle Donati is a broadcaster and journalist. She has anchored international breaking news for Sky News, NBC-Euronews and France 24, and has a background at the BBC, ITV and Al Jazeera English. She has interviewed guests from Nigel Farage and Humza Yousaf to Brian Cox and Isabel Allende. She hosts podcasts and discussions with The How To Academy on culture and politics. After the birth of her second child, she became an advocate for early intervention in at-risk babies. She is a part of the Ei SMART Foundation team and sits on the Lived Experience Advisory Panel for charity RareMinds. She is chair of the board of trustees of The Lovington Foundation.  Theo Clarke was the Member of Parliament for Stafford. She chaired the first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma in British history and previously set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Birth Trauma in the House of Commons. Theo has served as parliamentary private secretary at the Departments for Education, Business and Trade and HM Treasury, in addition to being trade envoy for the Prime Minister. She won Speech of the Year at the Parliamentarian of the Year Awards and was included in the prestigious Top 100 Women in Westminster list in 2025 and 2024. Theo hosts the hit podcast 'Breaking the Taboo' which ranks in the Top 5 most listened to shows in the UK for alternative health. She has also published a memoir 'Breaking the Taboo: why we need to talk about birth trauma'. Prior to being elected, Theo was the Chief Executive of the Coalition for Global Prosperity, backed by the Gates Foundation. She currently sits on the Board of the United Nations Association UK as their Vice Chair. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo. 'Breaking the Taboo' by Theo Clarke: https://www.waterstones.com/book/breaking-the-taboo/theo-clarke//9781785909351 Global Birth Trauma Alliance: https://www.globalbirthtraumaalliance.com/ Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/ MASIC: https://masic.org.uk/ 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/podcast Instagram: @theoclarkemp Breaking The Taboo production team: Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max Austin and Elliott Malik Designer: Emily Ryder Social media: Bella Carter Studio manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55 part of Wolfe Power Club  

This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Jessica Heron, the Chief Executive of Action on Postpartum Psychosis, and an affected mother to provide some practical advice to help affected families.  Topics that we discuss on the show include: what postpartum psychosis is; treatment; mother and baby units; the importance of peer support; wider impact on the family; baby bonding; resources and help for affected families; and raising awareness of the issue. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo. Action on Postpartum Psychosis: https://www.app-network.org/ Getting Peer Support: https://www.app-network.org/get-help/peer-support-for-postpartum-psychosis/ Insider Guides: https://www.app-network.org/postpartum-psychosis/insider-guides/ Antenatal Toolkit: https://www.app-network.org/training-on-pp/antenataltoolkit/ 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/podcast Instagram: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by award-winning journalist and author Lucy Jones to talk about matrescence and the metamophosis of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. They also discuss traumatic births and recovering from mental or physical issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families. Topics that we discuss on the show include: what matrescence is, information for new mothers, taboos around birth, birth injuries, maternal mental health, challenges breastfeeding, care for women post birth, society's expectations of motherhood, ways to express birth trauma such as writing groups or mothers' circles, shame and stigma around birth trauma and signpost to some useful resources.Lucy Jones is an award-winning journalist and the author of four books including the bestselling Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild (a Times and Telegraph Book of the Year) and most recently Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood, which was longlisted for the inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction and a New Yorker and New Statesman Book of the Year. Her first book, Foxes Unearthed (2016), won the Society of Authors' Roger Deakin Award and was longlisted for the Wainwright Prize. Her writing on ecology, health and science has been published by BBC Earth, the Sunday Times, the Guardian, GQ and the New Statesman. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.Read 'Matrescence' by Lucy Jones here. Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/Birth Injuries Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/151415775011608/Masic Foundation: https://masic.org.ukNew Mothers Writing Circle: https://www.newmumswriting.co.uk/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: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Kim Thomas, CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, to answer listener questions on birth trauma. They share information for expectant mothers and families who've experienced a traumatic birth, including recovery from mental and physical health issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families.Topics that we discuss on the show include: antenatal classes, recovering from stiches, induction, pain relief and epidurals, risks in childbirth, perineal tears and incontience, bonding with baby, mental health support and breastfeeding.Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dad-matters-support-for-fathers-who-experience-birth/id1791997791?i=1000696476191 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/63D4c7TNHuJ6fBR1Uu7s9j?si=1b900225bdfd4220 Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/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: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by Scott Mair, Director of Fatherhood Solutions, and Kieran Anders from Dad Matters, to talk about support for fathers who’ve experienced birth trauma. They share information to help dads who are struggling having witnessed a traumatic birth, including recovery from mental health issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families. Topics that we discuss on the show include: the impact of birth trauma on dads; the importance of antenatal education; what to discuss with your partner during pregnancy including birth plans; impact on parent-infant relationships including attachment and bonding; supporting a partner post birth trauma; recovery as a family; helping siblings to understand birth trauma; mental health support for dads; feelings of guilt; dad's role during birth and the importance of advocacy; loss and bereavement and impact on subsequent births; babies in neonatal care; postpartum psychosis; and where to get help for dads who are struggling. Trigger warning: please note this episode contains references to maternal suicide and baby loss. Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breaking-the-taboo/id1791997791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hbO9pLpPadK01oEO5KMZO Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo. Dad Matters UK: https://dadmatters.org.uk/ Fatherhood Solutions: https://www.ipip.co.uk/fatherhood-solutions  Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/ Parent Infant Foundation: https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/ Home Start: https://www.home-start.org.uk/ 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/podcast  Instagram: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by Shah Qureshi, Head of Employment at Irwin Mitchell's London office, and Geeta Nayar, an affected mother and Senior Associate Solicitor, to talk about going back to work after birth trauma. They share information to help mothers who are looking at returning to the workplace, whilst recovering from mental or physical issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families.  Topics that we discuss on the show include: the impact of birth injuries on careers; how to navigate a return to work; workplace rights; legal protections for mothers with physical or psychological challenges; examples of helpful adjustments employers can make; how to break through fear and shame in the workplace; maternity leave; flexible working or change of duties; signposting to helpful services to aid recovery; the role of mentors; when to seek legal advice and what this entails; and advice on maternity disability discrimination claims. 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. Irwin Mitchell: https://www.irwinmitchell.com/personal/medical-negligence Acas: https://www.acas.org.uk/ Maternity Action: https://maternityaction.org.uk/ The Masic Foundation: https://masic.org.uk/ Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/ Website: http://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Instagram: @theoclarkemp #breakingthetaboo  Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health 

This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Rebecca Moore, a perinatal psychiatrist, and Rachael McGrath, Chair of the Birth Trauma Association, to talk about maternal mental health. They share information on what mental health issues can affect new mothers, covering everything from PTSD to living with symptoms such as OCD, and provide some practical advice for affected mums and their families. Dr Rebecca Moore is a consultant perinatal psychiatrist passionate about trauma informed care and reducing trauma in maternity care. She is the co-founder of Make Birth Better which is a unique UK based collaboration of parents and professionals educating and campaigning around birth trauma.  Rachael McGrath is chair of the Birth Trauma Association; coming to the role after accessing support from the BTA due to her own traumatic childbirth which resulted in serious physical and psychological injuries.  Until recently Rachael worked for a regional NHS maternal and perinatal mental health service.  Rachael has twins and feels passionately about utilising patient experiences and embedding trauma informed practice into healthcare.Topics that we discuss on the show include: what is birth trauma; how might you feel post birth;  symptoms of PTSD; multiple pregnancy losses and IVF; wider impact on relationships; how to access mental health support; types of treatment; twins; and advice for future pregnancies. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.Make Birth Better: https://www.makebirthbetter.org/Dr Moore: https://www.doctorrebeccamoore.com/Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/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: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by Chloë Oliver, the CEO of the Masic Foundation, and affected mother Sarah Embleton to talk about birth injuries. They share information on what birth injuries are, covering everything from perineal tears to living with symptoms such as incontinence, and provide some practical advice for affected mums and their families.Topics that we discuss on the show include: risk and knowledge in advance of injuries; instrumental delivery and informed consent; long term costs of injuries; women not being listened to; lessons from the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry; the major impacts on day to day life as an affected mother; work and impact/adjustments; wider impact on family, friends, relationships and bonding with baby; psychological impacts of these injuries including anxiety, PTSD and depression. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo. Website: https://masic.org.uk/Talking to your GP: https://masic.org.uk/getting-help/gp-support/Employment advice: https://masic.org.uk/getting-help/employment-support/Instrumental delivery survey: https://masic.org.uk/news/womens-experiences-of-instrumental-delivery-in-the-uk/Impact of birth injuries on mother/baby bond survey: https://masic.org.uk/news/masic-foundation-first-five-years-survey-impact-of-severe-perineal-injury/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: @theoclarkemp

This week our host Theo is joined by Jo Fordyce, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, and Alice Johnstone, the postnatal pilates coach. They share practical information to help mothers recover from challenges after childbirth, discuss what to consider in pregnancy to help with postnatal recovery and suggest ways to better take care of yourself in the first six weeks of the postnatal period. Topics that we discuss on the show include: what is pelvic floor dysfunction and what symptoms mothers might have post partum, how pelvic health physiotherapy can be managed and treated, the importance of antenatal education, resources that are available, things to consider before returning to exercise, practicising self care and how it's never to late too start wherever you are at in your recovery. Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health. 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/podcast Instagram: @theoclarkemp Your Time Pilates: www.yourtimepilates.com Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy: https://thepogp.co.uk/patients/physiotherapists/7bd22997-a67c-4a44-92cf-423462fff346/

This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Kim Thomas, CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, and former police officer and mum Gill Castle to talk about birth trauma. They share information about what birth trauma is, covering everything from birth injuries to PTSD, and provide practical advice for affected mums and their families.Topics that we discuss on the show include: what causes birth trauma, symptoms, treatment, preparing for birth, the long term impacts of birth trauma on family, returning to work and bonding with your baby.Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health. 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: https://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcastInstagram: @theoclarkempBirth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/Stoma Chameleon: https://www.stomachameleon.com/ #breakingthetaboo 

'Breaking the Taboo' is my new podcast on women’s health. In series one, I’ll be looking at the issue of birth trauma by speaking to affected mothers, families, healthcare professionals and campaigners for practical advice. Like many women - my daughter's birth was not straightforward and this led me to chairing the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry as an MP in Parliament. So listen in and let’s break the taboo!This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.