Breaking the taboo – Details, episodes & analysis

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Breaking the taboo

Theo Clarke

Health & Fitness

Kids & Family

Frequency: 1 episode/12d. Total Eps: 21

'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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Learning to Live Again After Birth Trauma with Louise Thompson | Season 3, Episode 1

Season 3 · Episode 1

Thursday, September 25, 2025 • Duration 01:09:32

This week our host, Theo Clarke is joined by Louise Thompson, the author, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate who rose to fame on Made in Chelsea in 2011 to discuss her recovery from birth trauma and her new book ‘Lucky: Learning to Live Again’.

Topics that we discuss on the show include: pregnancy after loss; chronic illness; her experience of birth trauma; mental health and recovery post birth; body image and self-acceptance; the impact on motherhood and family life; and advice on living with PTSD.

Biography:

Louise Thompson is an author, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate who rose to fame on Made in Chelsea in 2011. Her priorities shifted when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis back in 2018, when she decided she wanted to embark on a more purposeful way of life. This was further amplified when her life dramatically turned upside down following a near-death experience in 2021 during the birth of her son, Leo, whom she shares with fiancé Ryan Libbey. Since then, Louise has battled a series of debilitating health conditions and surgeries including having a total colectomy, numerous laparatomy’s, battling the autoimmune condition lupus, an IBD all of which have led to multiple hospital stays.

In 2024, she released her bestselling memoir Lucky: Learning to Live Again In 2024, which details her harrowing journey through life-threatening illness, mental health struggles, and recovery after the traumatic birth of her son. The book offers an honest and emotional account of her battle with PTSD, chronic illness, and the challenges of motherhood, while also highlighting her resilience and determination to rebuild her life and find joy again. She also co-hosts the podcast He Said, She Said with her fiancé Ryan Libbey, where the couple candidly discuss relationships, parenthood, mental health, and their personal experiences navigating life’s highs and lows together.

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

Https://louise-thompson.co.uk

Instagram: @louise.thompson

@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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theodoraclarke.substack.com

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S2 Ep10: Premature babies and support for families in NICU

Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 48:39

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 DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: Breaking The Taboo production team:Producer: Natasha FerozeResearcher: Max Austin and Elliott MalikDesigner: Emily RyderSocial media: Bella CarterStudio manager: Adam WoodwardStudio: Studio 55 part of This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S2 Ep1: Breaking the Taboo: Why we need to talk about birth trauma

Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 01:04:00

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: Global Birth Trauma Alliance: Birth Trauma Association: MASIC: This podcast is sponsored by the law firm DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: Breaking The Taboo production team:Producer: Natasha FerozeResearcher: Max Austin and Elliott MalikDesigner: Emily RyderSocial media: Bella CarterStudio manager: Adam WoodwardStudio: Studio 55 part of This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep10: Postpartum psychosis- maternal mental health and support

Thursday, March 20, 2025 • Duration 45:46

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/podcastInstagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep9: Matrescence: Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood with author Lucy Jones

Thursday, March 13, 2025 • Duration 48:47

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: New Mothers Writing Circle: DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep8: Ask me anything on birth trauma

Thursday, March 6, 2025 • Duration 47:06

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: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep7: Dad Matters - Support for fathers who experience birth trauma

Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 01:01:49

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: Parent Infant Foundation: Home Start: This podcast is sponsored by the law firm DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep6: Advice on going back to work after birth trauma

Thursday, February 20, 2025 • Duration 38:19

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: Birth Trauma Association: Website: Instagram: #breakingthetaboo Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep5: Maternal mental health- recovering from PTSD post birth

Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 50:38

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/

DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

S1 Ep4: Birth injuries: perineal trauma, healing and recovery

Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 41:58

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/DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.Website: Instagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit