This week our host Theo Clarke is joined by former MP Cherilyn Mackrory and Zoe Clark-Coates MBE to discuss baby loss, the impact on mothers and provide some practical advice for affected families.
Topics that we discuss on the show include: living with the loss of a baby; support for affected mothers; bereavement counselling; pregnancy loss certificates; campaigning to improve maternity safety and the impact on fathers and other children.
Cherilyn Mackrory is the former Member of Parliament for Truro & Falmouth. Whilst in Parliament, Cherilyn chaired the APPGs for Baby Loss and for Women’s Health where she was able to advocate for better and safer maternity services. Her aim was to ensure all women were able to make informed choices, as well as to help develop policy that support families after the loss of a baby. She was also a Vice Chair for Theo’s Parliamentary Birth Trauma Inquiry. Cherilyn is now Managing Director for Made for Life Organics in Cornwall, hand blending 100% organic skincare and pursuing access to nurturing touch therapy for everyone, especially those living with Cancer.
Zoe Clark-Coates MBE is a globally recognized grief specialist, bestselling author, broadcaster, and campaigner. Following the devastating loss of five babies, she dedicated her career to transforming support for those experiencing pregnancy and baby loss. Drawing on her counseling expertise and two decades of leadership in the business and charity sectors, she co-founded Mariposa International—widely known for its primary support division, Saying Goodbye—with her husband, Andy. Today, the charity is one of the world’s leading bereavement support organizations, reaching over 50,000 people weekly. In 2018, Zoe was appointed by the UK Secretary of State for Health as co-chair and lead author of the Pregnancy Loss Review, a landmark initiative examining baby loss care across England. Published in Parliament in 2023, its 73 recommendations—accepted in full by the Prime Minister. Zoe also spearheaded the campaign to introduce an official Certificate of Loss, ensuring formal recognition for all babies who die before 24 weeks of gestation, a milestone achieved in 2024. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Zoe was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 for services to the bereaved. She is the author of five bestselling books on grief and pregnancy after loss, including Saying Goodbye, and is a sought-after media voice, appearing on television and radio 3–5 times per week. She also hosts the TV talk show Soul Tears and the podcast Life & Soul with Zoe Clark-Coates. Beyond her media and advocacy work, Zoe chairs the Global Baby Loss Alliance, collaborating with leaders, NGOs, and medical professionals to drive systemic change in bereavement care worldwide.
Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.
Saying Goodbye: https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/
Sands: https://www.sands.org.uk/
Baby loss certificates: https://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate
Follow Zoe on Instagram: @Zoeadelle.
Follow Cherilyn on X: @thisischerilyn
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
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Jun 27 202542 min