Dede Thorpe

Dede is a Specialist Midwife with over a decade of experience supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period across both NHS and private settings. Her clinical practice has been shaped by a deep commitment to continuity of care, where she has seen first-hand the transformative impact of women feeling heard, informed, and supported throughout their maternity journey.

Since 2022, she has worked as a Preterm Birth Specialist Midwife, focusing on one of the most significant public health challenges in the UK. Through this role, she has supported women and families navigating high-risk pregnancies, previous preterm birth, and pregnancy loss — experiences that often carry long-term emotional, physical, and psychological impact. Her work in this field has been recognised through awards for service development and for delivering outstanding, compassionate care to families during complex and vulnerable times.

Alongside her clinical work, she is the author of Navigating Prematurity: Stories, Strength & Self-Advocacy — a resource designed to empower women with the knowledge, confidence, and language to advocate for themselves within maternity care. The book aligns with national priorities, including the NHS Long Term Plan and Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle, by supporting early recognition of complications, improving engagement with services, and strengthening shared decision-making between women and healthcare professionals.

She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical care and lived experience. Through her platform, The Listening Midwife, she uses education, storytelling, and practical guidance to ensure women feel seen, heard, and equipped to navigate pregnancy with confidence. Her work focuses particularly on advocacy, health equity, and improving outcomes for women at higher risk of prematurity.

She is keen to collaborate with organisations, healthcare leaders, charities, and policymakers who are committed to improving maternity care and women’s experiences.