Advice on going back to work after birth trauma
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.
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/advice-on-going-back-to-work-after-birth-trauma/id1791997791?i=1000694260836
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YK2kU8bh6iXHJ07szBBiH?si=52b568f524ed4dc3
Geeta Nayar is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, Advocate for The MASIC Foundation and Birth Trauma Association, and Make Birth Better Champion. In 2008 during the birth of her first child, she sustained life-changing obstetric injuries and had to undergo extensive medical treatment. As a result of her experiences Geeta has become an advocate and strong campaigner for women who have suffered birth injuries. Geeta has been closely involved with The MASIC Foundation since it launched to improve the prevention and detection of OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries) and speaks widely about her own experience and the long -term impact to give visibility to women with these devastating injuries. Geeta recently returned to Irwin Mitchell to collaborate with healthcare professionals, charity partners and policy makers to drive positive change in maternity care. In February 2024 Geeta gave evidence in the first national inquiry into birth trauma in the history of UK Parliament. Geeta is also passionate about health equity and in June 2024 organised the inaugural South Asian Maternal Health Conference at the RCOG.
Shah Qureshi is a partner and head of employment at Irwin Mitchell’s London office. He is a leading expert in equality and discrimination law and has represented employees in some of the UK’s leading disability rights cases. He has also represented working mothers in relation to their maternity rights. His work in the field of equality law led him to being named Civil Lawyer of the Year at the Asian Legal Awards 2023 and the Lawyer Hot 100 in 2012.
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Irwin Mitchell: https://www.irwinmitchell.com/personal/medical-negligence
Acas: https://www.acas.org.uk/
Maternity Action: https://maternityaction.org.uk/
The Masic Foundation: https://masic.org.uk/
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/podcast
Instagram: @theoclarkemp
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