Breaking the taboo with Theo Clarke

Theo Clarke
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'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. theodoraclarke.substack.com

  1. Series 4, Episode 6: Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum: What Every Mum Should Know

    11H AGO

    Series 4, Episode 6: Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum: What Every Mum Should Know

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Dr Karen Joash, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Anne Kavanagh, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, to discuss gestational diabetes in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Topics discussed on the show include: what is gestational diabetes and how to manage it during pregnancy; evidence-based approaches to diet, nutrition, movement and lifestyle; risks for mothers and babies during pregnancy and birth; type 2 diabetes and practical advice for mothers; advocating for yourself during pregnancy; birth planning; specialist neonatal care after birth; and why preparation and knowledge can help families feel more confident and supported. BIOGRAPHY Dr Karen Joash is a UK Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, functional medicine practitioner, and award-winning health entrepreneur with a specialist interest in pregnancy optimisation and metabolic health. She works across NHS and private practice at leading London maternity units and is nationally recognised for her leadership in women’s health equity, prevention, and innovation. As co-founder of the PurerMama and PurerVita brands, she combines rigorous clinical science with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and personalised care to address conditions such as gestational diabetes at their roots. Dr Joash is passionate about closing the gender health gap, translating evidence into practice, and empowering women with clear, science-based strategies to improve outcomes for both mother and baby- during pregnancy and across the life course. Anne Kavanagh is an award-winning Partner specialising in complex medical negligence claims, with over 20 years’ experience, particularly those involving injuries to women and babies during pregnancy and childbirth. Anne was recognised as the Law Society Solicitor of the Year for Private Practice 2021 for her work representing women and children and the changes to the law which resulted from cases she fought successfully through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She is also an accredited member of the Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel at AvMA, (Action against Medical Accidents) a Senior Litigator and Accredited Clinical Negligence Specialist with APIL (Assoc of Personal Injury Lawyers). She leads on the Maternity Matters webinar programme at Irwin Mitchell which now has a library of training videos for clinical teams on YouTube, with input from key experts and notable figures involved in maternity practice and patient safety. RESOURCES Gestational diabetes care – Diabetes UKhttps://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes Bloom Dietetics – Tazmin Lewis RDhttps://www.instagram.com/tazminlewisrd Gestational Diabetes Dietitian (Instagram)https://www.instagram.com/gestationaldiabetesdietitian Real Food for Gestational Diabetes – Lily Nichols https://realfoodforgd.com Purer Supplementshttps://bepurer.com 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. www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max Austin Designer: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    45 min
  2. Series 4, Episode 5: How to Have a Safer Pregnancy & Preventing Stillbirths

    MAR 4

    Series 4, Episode 5: How to Have a Safer Pregnancy & Preventing Stillbirths

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Heidi Eldridge, CEO and Founder of MAMA Academy, and Professor Alexander Heazell, Consultant Obstetrician and Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Manchester, to discuss how to have a safer pregnancy and the vital steps needed to prevent stillbirths. Topics that we discuss on the show include: how to have a safer pregnancy; the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and its impact; why monitoring babies’ movements is so important; what parents should expect when reporting reduced or changed fetal movements; warning signs and symptoms that should never be ignored during pregnancy; how parents can advocate for themselves if they feel unheard; specialist support through Rainbow Clinics for families pregnant after loss; and what government action is needed to transform maternity care and prevent avoidable stillbirths. BIOGRAPHIES Heidi Eldridge is the Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, a UK pregnancy charity dedicated to preventing stillbirth and improving maternity outcomes. Since its launch in 2012, MAMA Academy has partnered with two-thirds of NHS Trusts, reaching hundreds of thousands of expectant parents each year through education, support packs and awareness campaigns. Heidi is an award-winning campaigner whose work has contributed to a sustained reduction in stillbirth rates across the UK. Professor Alexander Heazell is Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Manchester and Director of the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre. He is also a Consultant Obstetrician at Saint Mary’s Hospital and leads national research into placental disease, maternity safety and pregnancy after loss, including the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and specialist Rainbow Clinics. Don’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. RESOURCES: Tommy’s: https://www.tommys.org/ MAMA Academy: https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/ DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice – please seek advice from a GP or doctor.www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max AustinDesigner: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    38 min
  3. Series 4, Episode 4: Life after Prolapse, Pelvic Health & Recovery Post Birth

    FEB 25

    Series 4, Episode 4: Life after Prolapse, Pelvic Health & Recovery Post Birth

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Helen Ledwick to discuss life after prolapse, pelvic health, and recovery following childbirth. Topics discussed on the show include: Helen’s experience of a third-degree tear and subsequent prolapse; recognising symptoms and seeking diagnosis; the importance of pelvic health physiotherapy; pelvic floor exercises and treatments; managing incontinence; the impact of prolapse on confidence and intimacy; the effects of menopause on pelvic health; and the urgent need for better antenatal education and postnatal support. BIOGRAPHY Helen Ledwick is the voice behind Why Mums Don’t Jump, a podcast breaking the taboo around pelvic floor problems after childbirth. Drawing on her own experience of pelvic organ prolapse, the journalist brings together powerful personal stories and expert insight to help women navigate incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain with clarity and compassion. Her ‘groundbreaking’ book, Why Mums Don’t Jump: Ending the Pelvic Floor Taboo, builds on her British Podcast Award–winning show, which has also grown into a vibrant Instagram community where women feel informed, empowered and hopeful. 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. 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 and a book club at ‘A Thread of One’s Own’. She has also published a memoir ‘Breaking the Taboo: why we need to talk about birth trauma‘. Follow @whymumsdontjump @theoclarkemp Don’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. www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max Austin Designer: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    43 min
  4. Series 4, Episode 3: UK Government’s National Maternity Investigation Update

    FEB 18

    Series 4, Episode 3: UK Government’s National Maternity Investigation Update

    This week our host and former MP, Theo Clarke, is joined by Rosie Taylor, award-winning journalist specialising in women’s health, to discuss the UK government’s current national maternity and neonatal investigation. Topics that we discuss on the show include: why the National Maternity & Neonatal Investigation is happening; the recent Call for Evidence; how listeners can get involved and share their experiences; what happens next and the Maternity Taskforce; Baroness Amos’s approach; delays and what campaigners and families think; and Rosie’s personal perspective as someone living with postnatal PTSD. Biographies: Rosie Taylor is an award-winning journalist reporting on women’s health and family life in the UK. She writes for national news publications like The Times, The i Paper, The Telegraph and The Independent, and shares news updates on social media on women’s health and NHS maternity care. You can follow Rosie on Instagram or TikTok. 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. 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 and a book club at ‘A Thread of One’s Own’. She has also published a memoir ‘Breaking the Taboo: why we need to talk about birth trauma‘. Don’t suffer in silence! Listen in and let’s break the final taboo in women’s health #breakingthetaboo. Resources: Call for Evidence: http://www.matneoinv.org.uk/call-for-evidence/ 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/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team: Producer: Natasha Feroze Researchers: Max Austin Designer: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    31 min
  5. Series 4, Episode 2: Your Postnatal Body: Caring for Yourself after Pregnancy and Birth

    FEB 11

    Series 4, Episode 2: Your Postnatal Body: Caring for Yourself after Pregnancy and Birth

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Lyanne Nicholl, campaigner, writer and author of Your Postnatal Body: A top-to-toe guide to caring for yourself after pregnancy and birth, to discuss postnatal health and recovery after birth. Topics that we discuss on the show include: postnatal health and physical recovery after birth; access to women’s health physiotherapists and why they are essential; maternal health checks within the first year postpartum; coping with miscarriage; difficulties breastfeeding; recovery from caesarean section; postnatal recovery and perimenopause; and challenging the damaging myth of the “superwoman” or “supermum”. BIOGRAPHY Lyanne Nicholl is a campaigner, writer and author with almost two decades of experience working in the not-for-profit sector as both a leader and consultant. After experiencing poor postnatal care herself, Lyanne became a leading advocate for improved maternal health services in the UK. Her campaigning contributed to the reintroduction of the maternal postnatal check into GP contracts and to progress on ensuring all new mothers can access women’s health physiotherapy. Lyanne is CEO of 50:50 Parliament and regularly writes about women’s health, equality and policy for outlets including The HuffPost, Grazia, The Independent and Stylist. Her book, Your Postnatal Body: A top-to-toe guide to caring for yourself after pregnancy and birth, offers practical, evidence-based guidance on recovery and long-term health after pregnancy and birth. You can follow Lyanne on social media at @ThatLyanne on X, Instagram. Her book is available from Amazon, Waterstones, and Montag & Martin Limited. 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. www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researcher: Max Austin Designer: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    42 min
  6. Series 4, Episode 1: Supporting Perinatal Mental Health for New Mums & Reducing Maternal Suicides

    FEB 4

    Series 4, Episode 1: Supporting Perinatal Mental Health for New Mums & Reducing Maternal Suicides

    Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide. This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Laura Kyrke-Smith MP, the Labour Member of Parliament for Aylesbury, and Nigel Middlemiss, her late friend Sophie’s father, to discuss maternal suicide, the devastating impact on families, and the urgent need for better perinatal mental health support in the UK. Laura has been campaigning for improved awareness, assessment and support for perinatal mental health following the tragic loss of her close friend Sophie, who died by suicide ten weeks after the birth of her third child. Laura recently introduced a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament, which called for every pregnant woman to receive a structured mental health assessment as part of routine antenatal care - legislation often referred to as Sophie’s Law. In this episode, Sophie’s father Nigel also speaks movingly about his daughter, the impact of her death on their family, and his determination to support Laura’s Bill to help prevent other families from experiencing the same devastation. Topics that we discuss on the show include: asking the right questions of new mothers who may be feeling suicidal; identifying danger signals and risk factors for maternal suicide; why many women struggle to admit they are not coping; challenges around breastfeeding and anxiety; gaps in postnatal GP support and follow-up appointments; bereavement counselling for families; the impact on other children; and what families, clinicians and policymakers can do to help prevent maternal suicide. BIOGRAPHIES Laura Kyrke-Smith MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Aylesbury. She serves as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Prior to entering Parliament, Laura was the UK Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee, worked in the Foreign Office under the last Labour Government. Her advocacy on perinatal mental health is deeply personal, shaped by the loss of her friend Sophie, and she is leading parliamentary efforts to improve mental health assessment and support for pregnant and postnatal women. Nigel Middlemiss is a former teacher of English with the British Council overseas, a textbook author with Oxford University Press, former editor at the British Nuclear Forum and director at Echo Research. Following the death of his daughter Sophie, Nigel has become a passionate advocate for improved perinatal mental health care and for backing Laura Kyrke-Smith MP’s Bill to prevent further loss of life. MBRRACE Report: Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care 2025 - Lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity 2021-23 | MBRRACE-UK | NPEU Sands briefing on Maternal Mental Health (2025): Briefing from Sands - Westminster Hall Debate on Maternal Mental Health 05.02.25.pdf MMHA: Home | Maternal Mental Health Alliance PANDAS: pandasfoundation.org.uk Perinatal Mental Health Assessment Bill: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/guest_posts/5431502-guest-post-why-every-pregnant-and-new-mum-deserves-mental-health-support-my-bill-for-change 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. www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researchers: Max Austin Designer: Emily Ryder Social Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    33 min
  7. Avoiding Family Breakdown Post Birth Trauma | Series 3, Episode 10

    11/26/2025

    Avoiding Family Breakdown Post Birth Trauma | Series 3, Episode 10

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Auriana Griffiths, Partner and Head of the Medical Negligence Department at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, and Julianne Boutaleb, Consultant Perinatal Psychologist and Director of the Parenthood In Mind practice, to discuss avoiding family breakdown after birth trauma. Topics that we discuss on the show include: how birth trauma impacts couples’ relationships; bonding difficulties following birth injuries; the impact on wider family and siblings; importance of communication; impact of traumatic birth on physical intimacy; how dads and partners experience trauma as “forgotten fathers”; what parents can do to support themselves and each other; the impact of returning to work with financial/medical pressures; consequences of medical negligence; mental health support, early intervention and available UK resources; and examples of families who have positively worked through birth trauma. BIOGRAPHIES Auriana Griffiths is a highly experienced Partner and Head of the Medical Negligence Department at Irwin Mitchell’s London office. Auriana specialises in high-value clinical negligence cases, with a particular focus on obstetric incidents resulting in brain injuries, paediatric brain injury, wrongful birth claims, maternal injuries and spinal injuries. Renowned for her strategic litigation and relentless client advocacy, she prioritises early liability decisions to secure essential interim payments for therapy, care and equipment, making a transformative difference in the lives of affected clients and their families. Auriana is recognised in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 in the top ranks of clinical negligence specialists. https://www.irwinmitchell.com/our-people/auriana-griffiths Julianne Boutaleb is the Clinical Director and Founder of the Parenthood In Mind practice and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. She is a passionate and highly experienced perinatal psychologist who has worked for over 23 years in the NHS and private practice with parents and parents-to-be and their babies (and bumps) who have needed support with a wide variety of perinatal mental health issues during and after pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and reproductive loss, attachment issues, re-emergence of childhood issues and couples issues. Instagram: @parenthoodinmind Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.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. www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team Producer: Natasha Feroze Researchers: Max Austin and Elliott Malik Designer: Emily RyderSocial Media: Bella Carter Studio Manager: Adam Woodward Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    47 min
  8. Bonus Episode: Maternity Investigation: Normal Birth Ideology | Series 3

    11/20/2025

    Bonus Episode: Maternity Investigation: Normal Birth Ideology | Series 3

    This week our host, Theo Clarke, former MP and Chair of the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry, is joined by Shaun Lintern, Health Editor of The Sunday Times, to discuss their recent investigation into failings in maternity care and the role that natural birth ideology plays. Despite a litany of scandals, universities are still pushing ‘normal birth’ over medical interventions. Topics that we discuss on the show include: how natural or ‘normal’ birth ideology continues to shape university midwifery training; the impact this has on clinical practice and patient safety; the wider implications for maternity services, safety culture, and public trust; and how the newspaper’s investigation has prompted the regulator to act. BIOGRAPHY Shaun Lintern is Health Editor of The Sunday Times. An investigative health journalist for more than a decade, he has helped expose some of the worst scandals in NHS history, including the Shropshire and Telford maternity disaster and poor care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust and subsequent public inquiry. He was health correspondent for The Independent and previously bureau chief for the Health Service Journal. Theo Clarke (Host) 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 and a book club at ‘A Thread of One’s Own’. She has also published a memoir ‘Breaking the Taboo: why we need to talk about birth trauma‘. Don’t suffer in silence! Listen in and let’s break the final taboo in women’s health #breakingthetaboo. Read the full article:https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/midwife-maternity-university-education-natural-births-investigation-2dbg80l0cX / Twitter: @ShaunLintern @theoclarkemp This podcast is sponsored by the Global Birth Trauma Alliance. DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice – please seek advice from a GP or doctor. Website:www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast Breaking The Taboo production team: Producer: Natasha Feroze Researchers: 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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

    33 min
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About

'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. theodoraclarke.substack.com

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