Former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has released previously unseen footage and photographs from her traumatic childbirth experience in 2021, making an urgent plea for improved maternity care standards across the United Kingdom. The reality television personality turned campaigner has shared harrowing images from her hospital stays as part of her ongoing advocacy work with former Conservative MP Theo Clarke.
A Harrowing Birth Experience
Louise Thompson's childbirth journey in November 2021 became a life-threatening ordeal that has left lasting physical and psychological scars. During her emergency caesarean section, the television personality lost three and a half litres of blood, requiring immediate medical intervention. The complications continued after she returned home to London, where she suffered a severe haemorrhage that resulted in the loss of an additional five litres of blood, necessitating emergency readmission to hospital.
Campaigning for Change
The 35-year-old influencer has dedicated her recent social media post to "all those who didn't survive and those who lost their babies" while calling for a meeting with Health Minister Wes Streeting. "This issue can't keep getting sidelined in favour of other projects," Thompson declared in her emotional appeal. "Childbirth is the inception of life. What is more important than that? We need standardised care for all."
Thompson has been working closely with Theo Clarke, founder of the Birth Trauma All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which was established to raise awareness about parents who have experienced physical and psychological harm from childbirth. Clarke chaired the first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma in British history, and together they are exploring necessary changes to the healthcare system.
Long-Term Health Consequences
In the years since her son Leo's birth, Thompson has faced numerous ongoing health challenges that have fundamentally altered her life. She has been diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome, a condition where scar tissue builds up in the uterus causing pelvic pain, potential infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles. Medical professionals have informed her that she cannot safely carry and deliver another baby.
The television personality also now wears a stoma bag and has been receiving treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from her traumatic birth experience. Her younger brother, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, has supported her throughout this difficult journey.
Petition for Maternity Commissioner
In her recent Instagram post, Thompson linked to a petition calling for the appointment of a UK maternity commissioner that had already attracted 30,000 signatures before her involvement. Following her endorsement, the petition surged to 45,600 signatures, far surpassing the 10,000 required for a government response. At 100,000 signatures, the petition would be considered for parliamentary debate.
"Thank you to the 30,000 of you who have already signed our petition," Thompson wrote in her caption. "This number is significant because it's also the number of women who develop PTSD following childbirth every year."
Thompson and Clarke referenced a 2024 birth trauma enquiry that recommended appointing a Maternity Commissioner alongside implementing a National Maternity Strategy. "As mothers affected by birth trauma, we believe the government should appoint a Maternity Commissioner to improve maternity care for mums and babies and help restore confidence in maternity services," they stated in an earlier social media post.
The campaigner emphasized that every woman deserves the right to a safe and dignified birth experience, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in UK maternity services. Her decision to share these deeply personal and previously private moments represents a powerful attempt to prevent other women from enduring similar trauma during what should be one of life's most joyful experiences.
