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Breaking the taboo

Breaking the taboo

By: Theo Clarke
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About this listen

 '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. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • S2 Ep10: Premature babies and support for families in NICU

    S2 Ep10: Premature babies and support for families in NICU
    Jul 24 2025
    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/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
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • S2 Ep9: Life after Birth Trauma: Birth debriefs, access your hospital records + living with birth injuries

    S2 Ep9: Life after Birth Trauma: Birth debriefs, access your hospital records + living with birth injuries
    Jul 17 2025
    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/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
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • S2 Ep8: Inequalities in maternal health

    S2 Ep8: Inequalities in maternal health
    Jul 10 2025
    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_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
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
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