In an emotional debate in the House of Commons in October 2023, Theo Clarke broke down in tears as she described being rushed into emergency surgery after the birth of her daughter, terrified she was going to die.
She received a standing ovation and was amazed at the public response. Having shared her own story, she was inundated with accounts from other mothers of their own traumatic childbirth experiences. Quickly she realised that, although birth trauma is a huge issue, there is still a real taboo around speaking about it.
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that up to 30,000 women a year suffer bad experiences during the delivery of their babies, with one in twenty developing post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Despite this, poor and substandard maternity and postnatal care is too often tolerated as normal.
As an MP, Clarke chaired the first UK inquiry into birth trauma, hearing harrowing evidence from more than 1,300 women, some of whose lives were ruined by their experiences. In Breaking the Taboo, she presents the stories and experiences of mothers and fathers from all different backgrounds that show the undiscussed realities of childbirth trauma and poor maternity care. The show will also showcase healthcare professionals and experts to provide practical advice to affected mothers and their families. This new podcast will start a conversation that is as essential as it is overdue.
A related book will be published by Biteback Publishing on 13th May 2025.
Theo Clarke said:
“Birth trauma is one of the world’s biggest challenges in women’s health and I am delighted to announce my new podcast ‘Breaking the Taboo’, as the important debate must continue about how to improve maternity care here in the UK and in other countries too. The podcast will bring forward expert opinion and new testimony to look closely at what needs to be done to end the postcode lottery of care in childbirth and the horrifying experiences women can suffer in maternity units that leave them physically and mentally scarred, unable to work and feeling alone.
There is much to do and I hope my podcast will build on my campaign in Parliament, in the NHS and in government on this taboo subject. We are finally talking about it, but we still need radical policy change to improve how new mums are treated. In the twenty-first century, women should not suffer a lack of compassion, substandard care, life-threatening and life-changing injuries simply to become mothers.”
The Birth Trauma Association said:
“Every year, tens of thousands of women experience trauma symptoms as the result of a difficult birth experience. Many find it hard to know where to turn for more information. Breaking the taboo is a great new resource where you can listen to experts and people who have been through birth trauma talk about the topic in a refreshing and engaging way. Theo Clarke, who had a traumatic birth herself, asks guests all the questions you want the answers to – and the conversation ranges candidly from incontinence after birth to the challenges of returning to work.”
The Masic Foundation said:
"We are excited to be working with Theo Clarke on her new Breaking The Taboo Podcast. Honest conversations about the challenges women face after sustaining a birth injury are so important to hear, and we hope that this podcast will continue to break the stigma around OASI injury and offer support and practical solutions for women and families who have experienced this trauma."
Gill Castle, birth trauma campaigner, said:
“This is the podcast series I have been waiting for, something mothers can listen to in the car, at home or on the go, which will give both information and reassurance to women who have experienced a traumatic birth like me. I wish this had been available to me when I was struggling to find a way through my trauma and I know it will be invaluable as a tool for knowledge and healing”.
Notes for Editors
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 in 2024 and was in the Top 100 Women in Westminster.
Episode one will be broadcast at 7am on Thursday 23rd January 2025.
This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.
For further information visit: https://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast
