Birth Advocacy in
Gloucestershire & Beyond
•Holding Systems Accountable •
• Amplifying Women’s Voices • Inspiring Change•
Welcome to my Birth Advocacy Collection
— a dedicated space for birth workers, midwives, doulas,
activists, and community allies who care about the future of maternity care in Gloucestershire and beyond.
Here, I share my ongoing work in policy analysis, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests,
template letters, and local advocacy,
shining a light on what’s really happening behind the scenes in our maternity services.
My goal is to make this information transparent and usable
— to support those striving for continuity, compassion, and genuine co-production in birth care.
Whether you’re a professional looking to improve practice,
or a parent determined to protect your rights, you’ll find tools, evidence, and reflections here to help fuel meaningful change.
Nearly £20 Million Paid Out in Birth Injury Claims — What This Really Tells Us About Maternity Care
Nearly £20 million has been paid out in birth-injury claims by Gloucestershire Hospitals since 2020 — but what these figures really show is a system that’s failing women and families. This post explores how the loss of continuity of care has made maternity services less safe, and why rebuilding small, trusted teams could save lives — and money.
Informed Choice and the Choice to NOT Know
Across Gloucestershire and beyond, conversations around informed choice and consent in maternity care are more important than ever. From birth plans and homebirth decisions to the way information is shared during labour, women deserve to be listened to and supported as active partners in their care. This article explores how the landmark case Montgomery v Lanarkshire (2015) shaped the legal and ethical foundations of consent — and why understanding it matters for both women and maternity professionals.