The Great Birth Rebellion

We need you Australia! It’s time to rally! Meet us on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra at 10:30am on November 24th, 2026. Access to midwives in Australia is under threat because the Australian Government has refused to address an insurance gap for midwives attending homebirth. At the mother of all Rallies In 2008 we protested on the lawns of parliament asking for a fit-for-purpose insurance product for midwives. In 2026 we are doing it again at the Grandmother of all rallies in a last ditch effort to secure a solution to prevent women losing access to homebirth services. It’s a really bad look for the Australian government to prevent access to midwives, especially for rural and remote women and we are making a noise about it.

Click here to register your attendance at the Rally (https://events.humanitix.com/grandmother-of-all-rallies-canberra)so the organisers can make big plans

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Unsure how to push out your baby? → These free push without panic lessons (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba) will show you exactly what to do so you can confidently push out your baby.
• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now athttp://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Is my baby moving normally during pregnancy? One of the most common questions pregnant women ask. 15% of women report reduced movement of their baby at some point during their pregnancy, but what are normal movements? How do you monitor movement and what could it mean if your baby is moving less? In this episode Mel takes you through the current recommendations for how to monitor your baby’s movement during pregnancy. She shares the research behind these recommendations and what to do if you are worried.

This episode has been generously sponsored by:

• Ergo Pouch - check out my favorite cotton sleeping pouches here (https://ergopouch.pxf.io/ZV15bz) buy well, buy once. Ergo Pouches are my family's choice for simple and transportable sleep wear.
• Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now athttp://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking usfinancially by leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Mel is talking all about the labour process. The focus is on how you can identify and understand labour and how it progresses so you can be prepared for each part of it. We start from early labour all the way through to pushing out your baby.

In this episode Mel mentioned:

• 149. Increase your chances of vaginal birth (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149022790)
• 148. Why do they put their fingers in your vagina (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149017213)
• 82. Failure to progress or just normal? (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148602793)
• 65. Breathwork for birth with Emma Johnston (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148469047)
• 55. Supplies to gather for home labour (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148221037)
• 47. Managing labour pain without medicine (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148065112)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now athttp://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Natasha found out she was pregnant with twins at her 21 week ultrasound. She already had her private midwife but had to pivot quickly in order to access the additional care she needed. Natasha gave birth to both of her babies vaginally, and both were breech. Today she shares her story of how she curated a twin birth and made sure she didn’t have to compromise too much. This story offers birthing women a case study of how you can navigate the maternity care system and keep options available to you. This is the second part of this twin story.

In this episode Mel mentioned:

• 223 - Navigating twin pregnancy and birth Part 1

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder and stay in the loop at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• The Guide to giving birth without pain medication (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication)- proven strategies to help you and your partner work through labour with confidence
• Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now athttp://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
• Consider thanking usfinancially by leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Discovering you’re pregnant with twins comes with the weight of knowing that your pregnancy and birth care might look different to what you were hoping for. There are ways of navigating the maternity care system and curating your twin birth so it still represents your preferences, even if new restraints mean you have to compromise. This is part one of navigating twin pregnancy and birth options, especially if you want to avoid a cesarean. In this episode we use a case study to unfold the story of strategies that you can use to put as many options on your twin menu as possible. In this episode we speak to Midwife Hannah Muller and Doula Louise Gorham about their role in Natasha’s twin birth with her two breech babies. Next week (episode 224) we speak with Natasha, the woman who curated a twin birth that felt best to her.

Our guests on today's episode are:

Hannah Muller - Soul Midwifery - http://www.soulmidwifery.au/ - IG @soulmidwiferyau (https://www.instagram.com/soulmidwiferyau)

Louise Gorham - Doula Lou- http://www.doulalou.com.au/ - IG @doula_lou (https://www.instagram.com/doula_lou)

Related Great Birth Rebellion Podcast episodes if you’re pregnant with twins

• Ep. 42 - Twins with Dr Stuart Fischbien (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148000895)
• Ep. 143 - declining medical recommendations (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149000686)
• Ep. 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity care system (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149207341)
• Ep. 113 &114 - CTG use in labour and birth (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148850856)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now athttp://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with its application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

You CAN have hot baths, heat packs, sauna and do intense exercise in pregnancy. Feeling hot during pregnancy is not a risk to your unborn baby, but hyperthermia for a prolonged period could be. You may have been told by your care provider to avoid hot baths in pregnancy, however, the Finnish and Swedish women are being told by their care providers that it’s safe to sauna during pregnancy. I have a look at the research on getting hot when pregnant and how to do it safely. It’s time to enjoy heat again and I’ll explain how.

In this episode Mel mentioned:

• Giving a tip to contribute to the ongoing work of the podcast (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr/checkout)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/). She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Everything changes when you are pregnant! Your body, brain, relationships, lifestyle AND of course, your sex life. Nobody tells you how to navigate this change or even if it’s safe to have sex when you’re pregnant. Some women have low sex drive, some have high, for some it hurts and others are just confused. In this episode Mel gets into the details, balls and all and uses real juicy language to talk you through it. This episode is not for little ears.

In this episode Mel mentions the guide to giving birth without pain medication. You can get that here

Other Episodes related to this one:

• Episode 215 - Strategies to avoid tearing during birth
• Episode 62 - Thrush in pregnancy

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

You can watch this episode on Youtube here https://youtu.be/ODlP_CO8ejs

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Shoulder dystocia is an urgent situation during birth BUT there are some strategies that you can use to prevent it and some simple and minimally invasive interventions that can be used to manage it. Shoulder dystocia often fills women and clinicians with fear, however this episode offers some simple strategies and suggestions to make the management of shoulder dystocia less stressful and help clinicians feel more confident. Mel offers the techniques that she uses and explains which common techniques she has completely abandoned (and what to use in their place).

In this episode Mel makes reference to:

• The Podcast resource folder - sign up to the mailing list for access
• The Guide to giving birth without pain medication - get it here
• The Assembly of rebellious midwives wait list - join now

Other episodes that complement this one include:

• Episode 141 - Big babies small babies
• Episode 152 - The 5 BIG induction studies
• Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1
• Episode 182 - Induction of Labour Part 2

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

You can watch this episode on Youtube here

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Restless legs is a circumstance in pregnancy where you feel an irresistible urge to move, stretch, kick your legs or walk around. It gets especially worse when at rest and in the evening and can cause you to have difficulty sleeping during pregnancy. This episode explains restless legs and some solutions to help stop it.

This episode comes with a cheat sheet and magnesium spray recipe which you can find here.

In this episode I referenced Episode 142 - Iron deficiency in pregnancy which I recommend you listen to if iron deficiency is the cause of your restless legs.

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from@popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthboxhttps://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

If you want some strategies to help avoid epidural and manage the pain of labour without medication, get the guide here.

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

The cascade of intervention is a known and proven phenomenon within maternity care. More and more research is revealing that interventions have both intended and unintended consequences. In order to remedy the side-effects or unintended consequences of some interventions, others a required to remedy the impact of the last. This is the cascade of intervention. In this episode Mel explains the concept of the cascade and goes through research that demonstrates the reality of the cascade of intervention.

In this episode Mel mentions the avoidance of epidural as a way to avoid the cascade of intervention. If you want some strategies to help avoid epidural and manage the pain of labour without medication, get the guide here

Complementary episodes that accompany this episode include:

• Episode 148 - Why do they put their fingers in your vagina?
• Episode 112 - Is CTG in pregnancy beneficial?
• Episode 113 - CTG use in labour and birth
• Episode 114 - Is CTG ever beneficial?

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from@popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go tohttps://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

We have to be honest about the reality that working in midwifery is an unsustainable role. The lucky ones land a job that doesn’t leave them mentally and morally exhausted after a day of working amongst a toxic workplace that doesn’t care for the needs of midwives. It sounds harsh, but Lynnelle Moran has been researching this exact situation and has identified the factors that contribute to unsustainable circumstances for the midwifery workforce. Fortunately, she also researched the solutions, and the good news is, you can make your work as a midwife a little more manageable while we wait for the system to change. Listen to this episode to understand the midwifery context and how to survive or thrive in it.

In this episode Mel talks about the convergence of rebellious midwives and the assembly of rebellious midwives. Click the links to learn more about being a part of these.

If you want more information about the VaJournal club, click here. You can find out more @VaJournalclub

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

It’s national science week in Australia from August 15th-23rd and the great birth rebellion podcast is on the program! In this episode, Mel and her 9 year old daughter Frida explain childbirth to your children. We explain the unique anatomy of a womans body and how incredible and capable women's bodies are in growing and birthing babies. This episode celebrates and honours the process of childbirth and introduces children to the basics of birth including an explanation of anatomy and physiology of birth. Parents might learn something new too!

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

There are various strategies that you can start using today that will help to reduce the chances of your vulva or vagina tearing during childbirth. This episode lists the action that you, your care team and partner can use to help you try and increase the chance of your vulva remaining intact during your birth.

If you are preparing for birth make sure you get Mel’s guide to giving birth without pain medication here.

Episodes that complement this episode:

72 - Episiotomy Part 1 & 73 - Episiotomy Part 2

127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth

143 - Declining Medical recommendations

19 - The Perineal Bundle

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

It’s spicy Friday but on a Monday! In this episode Mel answers listener questions in this unscripted, off-the-cuff, unfiltered Q&A session submitted straight from her social media followers. She tackles burning birth questions and hot topics, including:

• 08:32 – To protect the perineum or not when pushing? How to know when to do it and when not to do it?
• 14:18 – How can we protect our oxytocin when transferring from home to hospital?
• 19:50 – Do you think that posterior labour that's not supported properly leads to unnecessary intervention and caesareans?
• 28:28 – How often is position breech missed resulting in a surprise breech birth?
• 44:13 – What's your view on the removal of the 5,000 hours for private midwives
• 49:20 – Why do midwives push on your uterus after birth with no warning or cause? Can I say no?
• 53:11 – Does birth impact breastfeeding?
• 55:16 – Does a physiological third stage have to be a lotus birth?
• 01:06:03 – Tips on how to support neurodiverse women in labour with sensory issues in hospital.

In this episode Mel mentions:

• The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives 2027 tickets here!
• The Assembly Waitlist
• Episode 153 - How to avoid tearing during childbirth
• Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital
• Episode 195 - The high powered hospital bag
• Episode 156 - Hypnobirthing! Can it really help?
• Episode 211 - Manage your labour pain with sterile water injections and hypnobirthing

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

You might be one of the 60% of women who have an epidural during their labour or birth. Whatever birth you’re planning, knowing about epidurals is an absolute must. Epidurals are the most effective form of pain relief available in labour, but they are much more than just a quick injection—they come with a complete "package" of interventions, altered physiology, and downstream effects that women are rarely fully informed about.

In this episode I mention:

• The Guide to giving birth without pain medication
• The Podcast Resource list
• Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication
• Episode 167 - Pushing out your baby
• CTG Playlist on Youtube

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Around 25% of women will experience a longer than anticipated early labour phase. Some maternity care providers might explain this as ‘false’ labour… but I can assure you it’s not false, it’s called ‘prodromal labour’ or prolonged early labour. You are in labour, but for some reason your body is not making visible signs of progress towards birth. Why does this happen? There are lots of reasons why you could be having a long early phase of labour… it can be completely normal and there is lots you can do to resource yourself for this labour marathon. In this episode I explain prodromal labour, what causes it and how to manage it. As an extra special treat, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma shares her story of prodromal labour. This episode is full of tips and strategies if you are sustaining yourself through a long early labour phase.

In this episode I mention lots of helpful resources to help you prepare for labour:

• The Guide to giving birth without pain medication
• The birth box with oxytocin bubble sound tracks
• The Podcast Resource list
• Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1
• Episode 182 - Induction of Labour Part 2
• Episode 152 - The 5 BIG induction studies
• Episode 115 - Spinning Babies® with Gail Tully

Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xhcP8LW6cMc

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Why not favour pain management options that have no side-effects? In this episode, Mel interviews midwife and researcher Nigel Lee who explains the research he and his team undertook regarding 2 pain management options for labour and birth - sterile water injections and hypnobirthing. In this episode we pick apart the research, explain how they are used and show how using sterile water injections and hypnobirth could change the course of your labour and birth. If you want to reduce your chances of needing an epidural or caesarean, this episode has some helpful strategies for you.

In this episode Mel makes reference to her GUIDE TO GIVING BIRTH WITHOUT PAIN MEDICATION which is currently on sale for $27 until end of July 2026. Get it now for an all-round clear strategy for navigating the pain

Australian Midwives, answer Nigel's survey here for his current research project:

https://uqnm.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o8pgZYB9HNcAF8

If you want to re-skill or upskill in physiological birth and be part of the solution with Mel by your side throughout your midwifery career, join the wait list here, to be one of the 200 midwives Mel is offering to nurture.

This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

This episode gives a snapshot of the main global challenges that face women in their childbearing years and the midwives that care for them. In this episode, Mel covers what she learned from the International Confederation of Midwives conference in Portugal June 2026. The main global challenges include, the over-medicalisation of childbirth, a shortage of skilled midwives and the erosion of midwifery skill to identify and facilitate physiological birth. In this episode, Mel shares both the problems and the solutions that are already being acted upon and what you can do to combat the challenges described in this episode

If you want to re-skill or upskill in physiological birth and be part of the solution with Mel by your side throughout your midwifery career, join the wait list here, to be one of the 200 midwives Mel is offering to nurture.

This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

You can watch this episode on YouTube here

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

In this episode Dr Melanie Jackson and Prof Hannah Dahlen explain The 5 BIG Induction studies that often get used to encourage the use of induction for suspected big babies, women over the age of 35 and over 41 weeks pregnant - The BIG BABY trail, The SWEPIS study, the ARRIVE trial, The INDEX trial and the 35/39 trial. If your clinician is using any of these studies and you want to look into them further, this episode is for you. Our guest on this episode was Professor Hannah Dahlen @hannah.dahlen

Preparing for birth? Get Mel’s guide to giving birth without pain medication here.

This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox.

Other related episodes include:

• Episode 33 - Induction
• Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1
• Episode 182 - Induction of Labour Part 2
• Episode141 - Big Babies Small Babies
• Episode 143 - Declining medical recommendations
• Episode 208 - Beyond 40 weeks pregnant

You can watch this episode on YouTube here.

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

The concept of a rigid 40-week due date is one of the most deeply entrenched myths in modern maternity care. Today I cast a critical eye over the historical and mathematical flaws behind how Estimated Due Dates (EDDs) are calculated, and why treating day 280 as a strict deadline creates unnecessary interventions.

Related episodes to queue up next:

• Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1
• Episode 182 - Induction of Labour Part 2
• Episode 143 - Declining medical recommendations
• Episode 186 - Is your baby too big or too small?
• Episode 84 - The myth of the failing placenta

This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to http://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox.

You can watch this episode on YouTube here

Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

• Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/
• Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/
• Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast.

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors