The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner

The Birth Trauma That Turned A Politician Into A Campaigner

Author: Giovanna Fletcher July 7, 2026 Duration: 1:01:48

Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussions around some difficult subjects including traumatic birth. If you think you may find this difficult to listen to, please choose another episode x


Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.


Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.


She also opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the lack of adequate postnatal support she received afterwards, experiences that led her to launch the first UK parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Since then, she has continued campaigning alongside Louise Thompson for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner.


UPDATE: Since recording this episode, the government has announced the appointment of the UK’s first-ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, as part of efforts to improve maternity and neonatal care across England.


Links:

Follow Theo on Substack 

Breaking the Taboo book

Birth Trauma Association

Maternity Commissioner Petition

Our interview with Louise Thompson


Do you follow our new Substack yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby picks up the threads of her bestselling book, creating a space where the polished facade of parenting is gently set aside. Each episode unfolds through candid, comforting conversations with well-known mothers and fathers, though the focus is less on their fame and more on their shared, human experience. Giovanna, or Gi as she’s often known, guides these discussions through every facet of raising children-the unexpected joys, the exhausting lows, the personal challenges, and the quiet rewards. The core idea that resonates throughout this podcast is the liberating notion that perfection is a myth; everyone is simply navigating parenthood as best they can. Listening feels like being part of a supportive, honest chat among friends who understand that the journey is messy and beautiful in equal measure. You’ll hear real stories that validate your own, offering both solace and a much-needed laugh. It’s a warm, inclusive audio journal that celebrates the collective reality of family life, making it a deeply relatable listen for anyone in the thick of it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Happy Mum
Podcast Episodes
Giovanna Fletcher: A Little Reassurance for the Summer Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:33
The summer holidays are in full swing... and if your usual routines have gone completely out the window, you're definitely not alone!Whether you're juggling work and childcare, surviving later bedtimes, entertaining litt…
How Can I Help My Child Feel Confident Going Back to School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:43
We might only be halfway through the summer holidays, but for many families the countdown to a new school year has already begun. And September can bring a whole mix of emotions for children and parents alike.So, as part…
Ruthie Henshall: "My Mother Told Me She Didn't Want Me” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of suicide, mental illness and childhood trauma that some listeners may find upsetting. Ruthie Henshall has spent decades captivating audiences on stage, but in this epi…