Injured during childbirth

Three women come together to discuss a sensitive subject that’s not often talked about: Injuries experienced during childbirth.

While many of these injuries heal quickly, millions of women around the world sustain trauma that can impact their long-term physical, psychological, and social well-being.

“You really have to struggle not to feel ashamed that your body has failed you,” Gill tells us. “You’re led to believe as a woman that this is what we’re here to do, to get pregnant and to give birth to babies easily and without any problems afterwards.”

We also hear about the stigma surrounding birth injuries in some parts of the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, and bring together health professionals helping women rebuild their lives and educate their communities.

Warning: our guests discuss the physical impact of childbirth, which will include some detailed biological descriptions.

Presenter: James Reynolds
BBC producers: Lindsay Brown and Angela Sheeran
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC World Service Outside Source team.

(Photo: Karen - who features in our programme - with her baby)