Leah Hazard
@leahhazard.bsky.social
NHS midwife, activist, author of Womb (NYT Editors’ Choice), Hard Pushed (UK Sunday Times bestseller) and Birth Wars (coming 2027 from Allen Lane/Penguin Press). Trustee, Amma Birth Companions. www.leahhazard.co.uk. All views my own.
Pinned
Leah Hazard
@leahhazard.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Hi BlueSky gang! A little introduction. I’ve been an NHS midwife for 11 years, I write about repro health/rights and my next book, BIRTH WARS, is due in 2027 from Allen Lane. Also often seen mouthing off on TV/radio about the maternity crisis - here’s a recent one from BBC R4 Woman’s Hour.
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Hugely looking forward to discussing UK maternity care, women's bodies, birth trauma & how we make things better for women with two deeply courageous campaigners & authors, former MP Theo Clarke & NHS midwife @leahhazard.bsky.social.
📆 Sun 9 Nov, 10.30am
📍 Stroud
🎟️ @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
📆 Sun 9 Nov, 10.30am
📍 Stroud
🎟️ @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Hugely looking forward to discussing UK maternity care, women's bodies, birth trauma & how we make things better for women with two deeply courageous campaigners & authors, former MP Theo Clarke & NHS midwife @leahhazard.bsky.social.
📆 Sun 9 Nov, 10.30am
📍 Stroud
🎟️ @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
📆 Sun 9 Nov, 10.30am
📍 Stroud
🎟️ @stroudbookfestival.bsky.social
Thrilled to be supporting the vital work of Birth Companions, an org doing vital research and advocacy for women facing severe inequity in early motherhood.
We’re delighted to welcome Leah Hazard - midwife, author and women’s health advocate as our newest Ambassador. Leah’s bestselling books Hard Pushed and Womb have helped change how we talk about maternity care and women’s bodies. Learn more: www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/leah-hazard-ambassador
October 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Thrilled to be supporting the vital work of Birth Companions, an org doing vital research and advocacy for women facing severe inequity in early motherhood.
Reposted by Leah Hazard
📔 Do you have an idea for a non-fiction book but don’t know where to start?
Join us for a FREE, online workshop - Writing Non-Fiction: How to Ask the Right Questions with Leah Hazard @leahhazard.bsky.social
Wed 17 Sep @7pm, Online. Tickets tinyurl.com/2dwc96zu
Join us for a FREE, online workshop - Writing Non-Fiction: How to Ask the Right Questions with Leah Hazard @leahhazard.bsky.social
Wed 17 Sep @7pm, Online. Tickets tinyurl.com/2dwc96zu
August 13, 2025 at 9:55 AM
📔 Do you have an idea for a non-fiction book but don’t know where to start?
Join us for a FREE, online workshop - Writing Non-Fiction: How to Ask the Right Questions with Leah Hazard @leahhazard.bsky.social
Wed 17 Sep @7pm, Online. Tickets tinyurl.com/2dwc96zu
Join us for a FREE, online workshop - Writing Non-Fiction: How to Ask the Right Questions with Leah Hazard @leahhazard.bsky.social
Wed 17 Sep @7pm, Online. Tickets tinyurl.com/2dwc96zu
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Despite the NHS being founded on the principle of equitable treatment, discrimination remains rife.
The NHS must tackle #racism and #sexism for patients, staff, and society
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
@katewomersley.com @ritaissa.bsky.social @leahhazard.bsky.social @yvc58.bsky.social
The NHS must tackle #racism and #sexism for patients, staff, and society
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
@katewomersley.com @ritaissa.bsky.social @leahhazard.bsky.social @yvc58.bsky.social
July 1, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Despite the NHS being founded on the principle of equitable treatment, discrimination remains rife.
The NHS must tackle #racism and #sexism for patients, staff, and society
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
@katewomersley.com @ritaissa.bsky.social @leahhazard.bsky.social @yvc58.bsky.social
The NHS must tackle #racism and #sexism for patients, staff, and society
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
@katewomersley.com @ritaissa.bsky.social @leahhazard.bsky.social @yvc58.bsky.social
Very proud to have co-authored this sweeping review of racism and sexism in the NHS. It’s essential for maternity to get a seat at this table, as the perinatal journey affects lifelong individual and public health. Thank you to @bmj.com and my esteemed co-authors.
NHS must tackle #racism & #sexism for patients, staff & society. Evidence & policy options are clear; we need commitment & action. By JS Bamrah @katewomersley.com Chaand Nagpaul @yvc58.bsky.social @ritaissa.bsky.social @leahhazard.bsky.social www.bmj.com/content/390/... #BMJCommission @bmj.com
July 1, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Very proud to have co-authored this sweeping review of racism and sexism in the NHS. It’s essential for maternity to get a seat at this table, as the perinatal journey affects lifelong individual and public health. Thank you to @bmj.com and my esteemed co-authors.
I welcome this long overdue news and hope (with some cynicism) that the changes suggested by this investigation will result in meaningful, well resourced action.
Maternal health = public health. Literally everyone is born. We all deserve better than this system in its current state of crisis.
Maternal health = public health. Literally everyone is born. We all deserve better than this system in its current state of crisis.
Wes Streeting announces investigation into NHS maternity services
Wes Streeting announces investigation into NHS maternity services
Health secretary announces national inquiry into failings in NHS care of mothers and babies
*
UK politics live – latest updates
The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has announced the launch of a national investigation into NHS maternity services.
More details soon … Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
June 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
I welcome this long overdue news and hope (with some cynicism) that the changes suggested by this investigation will result in meaningful, well resourced action.
Maternal health = public health. Literally everyone is born. We all deserve better than this system in its current state of crisis.
Maternal health = public health. Literally everyone is born. We all deserve better than this system in its current state of crisis.
A pleasure to contribute to ‘Ideas for Keir’ in @newstatesman.com - let’s hope he reads and heeds.
June 12, 2025 at 10:42 AM
A pleasure to contribute to ‘Ideas for Keir’ in @newstatesman.com - let’s hope he reads and heeds.
During my BlueSky break, this happened: Audible released my fiction debut, a bittersweet, dysfunctional love story about two doctors trying to connect despite the pressures of a broken system…
…narrated by the phenomenal Jessie Buckley. I’m told it’s quite good!
www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Anato...
…narrated by the phenomenal Jessie Buckley. I’m told it’s quite good!
www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Anato...
Audible
Try Audible free for 30 days! Start listening to best-selling audiobooks, exclusive Originals, and free podcasts with the Audible app.
www.audible.co.uk
June 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
During my BlueSky break, this happened: Audible released my fiction debut, a bittersweet, dysfunctional love story about two doctors trying to connect despite the pressures of a broken system…
…narrated by the phenomenal Jessie Buckley. I’m told it’s quite good!
www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Anato...
…narrated by the phenomenal Jessie Buckley. I’m told it’s quite good!
www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Anato...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Midwifery is one of the oldest professions and the only profession designed solely to support women.
New episode with @leahhazard.bsky.social, a practising midwife, activist, and award-winning author of "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began."
open.substack.com/pub/themothe...
New episode with @leahhazard.bsky.social, a practising midwife, activist, and award-winning author of "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began."
open.substack.com/pub/themothe...
Leah Hazard - Midwifery and The Future of Birth
Everyone is born.
open.substack.com
May 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Midwifery is one of the oldest professions and the only profession designed solely to support women.
New episode with @leahhazard.bsky.social, a practising midwife, activist, and award-winning author of "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began."
open.substack.com/pub/themothe...
New episode with @leahhazard.bsky.social, a practising midwife, activist, and award-winning author of "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began."
open.substack.com/pub/themothe...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Abortion law reform urgently needed in the UK, but practice heading in the opposite direction with phone searching and police warrants. @leahhazard.bsky.social shares her worries for women leahhazard.substack.com/p/why-theres...
Why there's only one reason to search a woman's phone
And what midwives have to do with it
leahhazard.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Abortion law reform urgently needed in the UK, but practice heading in the opposite direction with phone searching and police warrants. @leahhazard.bsky.social shares her worries for women leahhazard.substack.com/p/why-theres...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
You can still register for today's @nihr.bsky.social Sex & Gender in Medical Research launch event. It's a landmark that NIHR is adopting MESSAGE recommendations, and on IWD! I will be speaking about the project, alongside @ccriadoperez.bsky.social & Dame Lesley Regan. web.cvent.com/event/c9ea86...
March 10, 2025 at 7:26 AM
You can still register for today's @nihr.bsky.social Sex & Gender in Medical Research launch event. It's a landmark that NIHR is adopting MESSAGE recommendations, and on IWD! I will be speaking about the project, alongside @ccriadoperez.bsky.social & Dame Lesley Regan. web.cvent.com/event/c9ea86...
Last year I went to Berlin to film a documentary about the diagnostic potential of period blood - one of the many topics in my book, Womb.
The link is now up on Arte TV. Please enjoy this très chic clip from the French-dubbed version.
www.arte.tv/fr/videos/11...
The link is now up on Arte TV. Please enjoy this très chic clip from the French-dubbed version.
www.arte.tv/fr/videos/11...
March 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Last year I went to Berlin to film a documentary about the diagnostic potential of period blood - one of the many topics in my book, Womb.
The link is now up on Arte TV. Please enjoy this très chic clip from the French-dubbed version.
www.arte.tv/fr/videos/11...
The link is now up on Arte TV. Please enjoy this très chic clip from the French-dubbed version.
www.arte.tv/fr/videos/11...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
We’re breaking from our usual release schedule to bring you a special episode for International Women’s Day!
In this episode, we welcome midwife, award-winning author, and women's health advocate @leahhazard.bsky.social.
Beyond the Knife is available wherever you get your podcasts!
In this episode, we welcome midwife, award-winning author, and women's health advocate @leahhazard.bsky.social.
Beyond the Knife is available wherever you get your podcasts!
March 8, 2025 at 9:03 AM
We’re breaking from our usual release schedule to bring you a special episode for International Women’s Day!
In this episode, we welcome midwife, award-winning author, and women's health advocate @leahhazard.bsky.social.
Beyond the Knife is available wherever you get your podcasts!
In this episode, we welcome midwife, award-winning author, and women's health advocate @leahhazard.bsky.social.
Beyond the Knife is available wherever you get your podcasts!
Reposted by Leah Hazard
When things are violently laid bare it feels destabilising. Terrifying. Impossible to believe what you're witnessing.
Shock is understandable - and likely the point. Use your favoured techniques to calm, connect, process, then collectively resist. All are achievable actions and vital to resistance.
Shock is understandable - and likely the point. Use your favoured techniques to calm, connect, process, then collectively resist. All are achievable actions and vital to resistance.
February 28, 2025 at 6:16 PM
When things are violently laid bare it feels destabilising. Terrifying. Impossible to believe what you're witnessing.
Shock is understandable - and likely the point. Use your favoured techniques to calm, connect, process, then collectively resist. All are achievable actions and vital to resistance.
Shock is understandable - and likely the point. Use your favoured techniques to calm, connect, process, then collectively resist. All are achievable actions and vital to resistance.
As someone with both Czech and Ukrainian grandparents, I am, as the kids say, in my feelings rn.
On 15 March 1939 Hitler and his deputy summoned the Czech President to Hitler’s residence in Berlin and then bullied him to submitting to a German invasion of his country.
They drove him to the point of physical collapse, threatening him until he eventually signed his country’s death warrant.
They drove him to the point of physical collapse, threatening him until he eventually signed his country’s death warrant.
February 28, 2025 at 7:18 PM
As someone with both Czech and Ukrainian grandparents, I am, as the kids say, in my feelings rn.
This toxic patriarchy is only interested in a woman’s body if there’s a p*nis going in or a baby coming out.
They’re proving it every day.
They’re proving it every day.
I also think the Trump regime’s embrace of pro-rape figures like Tate should be considered a continuation of their anti-abortion politics—different in style, but not in substance. Both seek to commandeer women’s bodies by force in order to compel them into a gendered role, be it mommy or sex object.
February 28, 2025 at 7:11 PM
This toxic patriarchy is only interested in a woman’s body if there’s a p*nis going in or a baby coming out.
They’re proving it every day.
They’re proving it every day.
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Idiot reporter to President Zelenskyy: "Why don't you wear a suit?"
President Zelenskyy’s response to idiot reporter: "I will wear costume after this war will finish."
Boom. 🔥
President Zelenskyy’s response to idiot reporter: "I will wear costume after this war will finish."
Boom. 🔥
February 28, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Idiot reporter to President Zelenskyy: "Why don't you wear a suit?"
President Zelenskyy’s response to idiot reporter: "I will wear costume after this war will finish."
Boom. 🔥
President Zelenskyy’s response to idiot reporter: "I will wear costume after this war will finish."
Boom. 🔥
Reposted by Leah Hazard
Approaching majority opposition to basic 20th century second wave feminism among Republican men
February 27, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Approaching majority opposition to basic 20th century second wave feminism among Republican men
Reposted by Leah Hazard
The Brooklyn Public Library has announced that any teenager in America is now eligible for a Brooklyn Public Library card.
Teens can sign out ebooks + audiobooks
The move is designed to combat censorship, with some titles listed as "always available."
www.bklynlibrary.org/media/press/...
www.bklynlibrary.org/media/press/...
Brooklyn Public Library Offers Free eCards to Teens Nationwide Facing Book Bans in Local Communities | Brooklyn Public Library
Librarians and Teen Volunteers Spearhead Books Unbanned Initiative to Combat Censorship
www.bklynlibrary.org
February 25, 2025 at 6:19 AM
The Brooklyn Public Library has announced that any teenager in America is now eligible for a Brooklyn Public Library card.
Teens can sign out ebooks + audiobooks
The move is designed to combat censorship, with some titles listed as "always available."
www.bklynlibrary.org/media/press/...
www.bklynlibrary.org/media/press/...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
"This is not a physically or emotionally sustainable career anymore... And that’s pretty sad. Because people will keep on having babies. But who will be there to catch them?" @leah @leahhazard.bsky.social's substack for anyone worrying about women's health leahhazard.substack.com/p/still-got-...
Still got it
My (new) adventures in midwifery
leahhazard.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 8:33 PM
"This is not a physically or emotionally sustainable career anymore... And that’s pretty sad. Because people will keep on having babies. But who will be there to catch them?" @leah @leahhazard.bsky.social's substack for anyone worrying about women's health leahhazard.substack.com/p/still-got-...
Reposted by Leah Hazard
NEW: Pregnancy became far more dangerous in Texas after the state banned abortion, according to ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis, which found the sepsis rate for women hospitalized as they miscarried in the 2nd trimester shot up by more than 50%.
https://propub.li/43487Tj
https://propub.li/43487Tj
Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared.
ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis is the most detailed look yet into a rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss under Texas’ abortion ban.
propub.li
February 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW: Pregnancy became far more dangerous in Texas after the state banned abortion, according to ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis, which found the sepsis rate for women hospitalized as they miscarried in the 2nd trimester shot up by more than 50%.
https://propub.li/43487Tj
https://propub.li/43487Tj
Reposted by Leah Hazard
When I was in residency I had to watch a teenager and her parents brought to tears when she learned that she had Turner Syndrome (XO).
But Nancy Mace doesn't mind being horribly cruel.
But Nancy Mace doesn't mind being horribly cruel.
February 20, 2025 at 7:58 PM
When I was in residency I had to watch a teenager and her parents brought to tears when she learned that she had Turner Syndrome (XO).
But Nancy Mace doesn't mind being horribly cruel.
But Nancy Mace doesn't mind being horribly cruel.
I became a midwife in 2013 and published this book in 2019. We’re both still pushing on…
February 19, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I became a midwife in 2013 and published this book in 2019. We’re both still pushing on…
Ghoulish. Like, the ghoulish-est. Truly.
Trump regime tweets this wordless video—nothing but the hum of an engine & the clanking of chains—comprised of closeup shots of a human being shackled for deportation. This is, no hyperbole, fascist fetish porn.
February 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Ghoulish. Like, the ghoulish-est. Truly.