Podcast · Kids & Family

The Great Birth Rebellion

by Dr Melanie Jackson · English · Kids & Family

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 59 min
Latest: 4 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 18 min

Episode 223 - Navigating Twin Pregnancy and Birth options: Part One

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

27 Sep 2026 · 31 min

Episode 222 - How to get hot safely in pregnancy

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…
E221 · 20 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min

Episode 221 - Sex During Pregnancy

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:…
E220 · 13 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 20 min

Episode 220 - Shoulder Dystocia

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…
E219 · 6 Sep 2026 · 21 min

Episode 219 - Restless Legs in Pregnancy

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…
E218 · 30 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 24 min

Episode 218 - The Cascade of Intervention

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…
E217 · 23 Aug 2026 · 59 min

Episode 217 - Surviving and Thriving in Midwifery

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…
E216 · 16 Aug 2026 · 23 min

Episode 216 - Childbirth for Children

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…
E215 · 9 Aug 2026 · 56 min

Episode 215 - Strategies to avoid tearing during birth

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 -…
E214 · 2 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

Episode 214 - Spicy Question Time with Mel

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…
E213 · 26 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 17 min

Episode 213 - What if I have an epidural

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…
E212 · 19 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 36 min

Episode 212 - It’s Not ‘False’ Labour, It’s Prodromal Labour

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,…
E211 · 12 Jul 2026 · 55 min

Episode 211 - Manage your labour pain with sterile water injections and hypnobirthing

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…
E210 · 5 Jul 2026 · 54 min

Episode 210 - It's bad but there's hope

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…
E209 · 28 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 17 min

Episode 209 - The 5 BIG induction studies

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…
E208 · 21 Jun 2026 · 1 hr

Episode 208 - Beyond 40 weeks pregnant

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…
E207 · 14 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

Episode 207 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (part 2)

Get practical ways to support recovery in the first 2 weeks after birth. Learn how to prepare your home for easier access to supplies, early breastfeeding patterns, and what to expect as milk comes in during the first few days. Expect huge emotional changes around day three, including crying and feeling overwhelmed, and discover how to distinguish these from postpartum depression and the rarer postpartum psychosis. Mel also discusses safe sleep, normal newborn care, rest, managing visitors, and common postpartum experiences such as sweating, soreness, fatigue, and intrusive thoughts. Click…
E206 · 7 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 31 min

Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)

The first two weeks after birth have a lot going on… So I'm doing 2 episodes on it. Here you will learn what recovery can look like for both mother and baby. I discuss the wide range of postpartum experiences, the care gap that can exist after birth, and how support from midwives, nurses, GPs, partners, family, friends, and the wider community can help with feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing. I’m also going to explain matrescence, the transition into motherhood, and the physical, emotional, and identity changes that can happen after birth. This episode covers practical early…
E205 · 31 May 2026 · 49 min

Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women

Women with negative blood groups are routinely offered at least 3 doses of anti-D throughout pregnancy. The question is, what is anti-D, do you really need it? What happens if you choose not to take it? And how do you make wise decisions about anti-D. In this episode, Mel explains it all along with all the different tests and screening options that you can choose to help you make decisions about anti-D in pregnancy Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder For clinicians who want to be even more exceptional, join the assembly of rebellious midwives, a…
E204 · 24 May 2026 · 56 min

Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system

Being pregnant may be the very first reason you’ve had prolonged exposure to the health care system. Interacting with the maternity care system can feel confusing and frightening and some women feel pressured and coerced into accepting testing, screening, treatments and medicines that they didn’t really want, but didn’t know how to say NO or negotiate other options. In this episode Mel shares her thoughts and strategies that you can use when advocating for yourself in the maternity care system Other relevant episodes for this podcast: Episode 173 - How to give great birth support Episode 170…
E203 · 17 May 2026 · 50 min

Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour

If you get a swollen cervix during labour, your care provider might recommend an epidural or caesarean section. There are many other things you can try before resorting to such extreme measures and this episode covers them all. Interestingly, there are no research papers AT ALL to substantiate any of the strategies to remedy a swollen cervix so it’s worth trying them all to see what works, if you want to avoid an epidural or caesarean just because of your swollen cervix Here are the links for: The guide to giving birth without pain medication The Podcast resource folder - includes the cheat…
E202 · 10 May 2026 · 35 min

Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity

If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, this is a must-listen episode to prepare you for the journey ahead. Mel continues the pre-eclampsia 2-part series by focusing on management, decision-making, and navigating the emotional toll of this acute illness. This is part 2. Episodes 201 and 202 give a deep dive into what preeclampsia is, ways to prevent and diagnose it, and today we talk about what happens if you’ve got it. Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here. This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She…
E201 · 3 May 2026 · 52 min

Episode 201 - Preeclampsia: Red Flags, Risk Factors, and Reducing Your Chances

In this episode Mel casts a critical eye over the serious pregnancy complication of preeclampsia. She explains what pre-eclampsia is, how to diagnose it, how it develops and some strategies on how to prevent it. In this episode, you will also learn who is more likely to get pre-eclampsia so that preventative strategies can be targeted. Get your tickets to The convergence of rebellious midwives conference, tickets available NOW - it’s not just for Midwives! This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth…
E200 · 26 Apr 2026 · 37 min

Episode 200 - How to choose great maternity care for you

The medicalisation spectrum is 101 when it comes to understanding how to plan pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. In this episode Mel explains the medicalisation spectrum with reference to where your care provider and chosen birth location would also fit along the spectrum. Mel discusses 2 birth philosophies and encourages you to explore where you sit, so you can match your philosophy to the rest of your care. This information is the secret sauce to planning a satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum. The visual representation that Mel referred to in this episode can be found…
E199 · 19 Apr 2026 · 57 min

Episode 199 - Light, Sun and Vitamin D for Health

We know sun contains nutrients, vitamin D is one of the most well-known, but there are other health properties that are garnered from sunlight both directly on our skin and indirectly that are essential for health. Listen to see if you are harvesting what your body needs from the sun. You can learn more about todays guest Max Gulhane at https://drmaxgulhane.com/ Click here to see Max’s Circadian Health Retreat Get my Guide to giving birth without pain medication here… it’s just $27 This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is…
E198 · 12 Apr 2026 · 56 min

Episode 198 - Optimising your circadian rhythm for better health

Your circadian rhythm is part of a web of body clocks that keep your body ticking through the day and regenerating and repairing through the night. In this episode, medical doctor Max Gulhane explains the parts of the circadian rhythm and how to optimise them with appropriate light and dark exposure. He includes how to optimise eating times to improve your health through pregnancy, parenting and all of life! Humans lead cyclical lives and honouring the night and dark cycles facilitates healthy function of your body. This conversation is essential listening if you are interested in…
E197 · 5 Apr 2026 · 59 min

Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital

Want to increase your chances of a low-intervention vaginal birth in hospital? Then this episode is for you! If you attend hospital to give birth, you have approximately a 50% chance of having a vaginal birth without an episiotomy, vacuum, forceps, or caesarean section. There are things you can do to increase your chances. This episode gives 5 clear strategies that you can implement today to make a BIG difference to your birth experience. In this episode I mention: My Guide to giving birth without pain medication, which is available here for just $27. My Strategies for low-intervention…
E196 · 29 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

Episode 196 - Breech Whisperer - Resigned not Retired

Dr Andrew Bisits, Australian Obstetrician, built a name for himself over his 40 year career as ‘the breech whisperer’ owing to his willingness to attend vaginal breech births, but there is more to him than his obstetric courage around breech birth. In this episode Mel interviews Andrew about his 40 year career and about his declaration that he has ‘resigned not retired’ from his work. At the age of 70, Andrew reflects on his career and the changes he’s seen in the maternity care system and what he’s going to do next. Andrew is a gentle breath of fresh air and this interview will help you…
E195 · 22 Mar 2026 · 59 min

Episode 195 - The high powered hospital bag

Some items make a difference to your birth and postnatal experience. Have a listen to this episode to make sure you don’t miss something on your packing and preparation list for birth. A Full check list of the high powered hospital bag is available here to print and check off. To prepare for your high powered hospital birth, get the guide to giving birth without pain medication so you and your care team are mentally and physically prepared for the work of labour and birth. You can do it! You just need to be prepared. The guide to giving birth without pain medication is all facts, no fluff to…
E194 · 15 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 14 min

Episode 194 - monitoring your baby in labour

Melanie welcomes back Dr. Kirsten Small, author of the book Monitoring Your Baby in Labor, an evidence-based guide to help you plan your birth, to delve deep into the culture, safety, benefits, and potential side effects of fetal monitoring during labour. How your baby will be monitored in labour has both risks and benefits and the decision is YOURS to make. In order to make an informed decision you have to KNOW. This episode will grow your knowledge so you can make informed decisions. Dr Kirsten Small is an Academic specialising in foetal monitoring and a retired obstetrician. Her work is…

About The Great Birth Rebellion

You can have a GREAT pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. You just need the information and strategies to make it happen. The Great Birth Rebellion podcast, hosted by Midwife Dr Melanie Jackson offers evidence- based information to help you make informed decisions about your maternity care. The Great Birth Birth Rebellion helps you get the best out of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. Want more? Follow along at @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion on SM Subscribe to get access to the resources behind the episodes at melaniethemidwife.com and get your merch at thegreatbirthrebellion.com.

The Great Birth Rebellion is a English kids & family podcast from Dr Melanie Jackson. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Dr Melanie Jackson
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 59 min
Latest episode: 4 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1639430316

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