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The Great Birth Rebellion

Dr Melanie Jackson

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.

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Sunday · 48 min
Episode 226 - Is my baby moving normally during pregnancy
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 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 www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at 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
- Transcript
October 18 · 52 min
Episode 225 - Understanding The Labour Process
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 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 www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at 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
- Transcript
October 11 · 1 hr 19 min
Episode 224 - Navigating Twin Pregnancy and Birth options - Part Two
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 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 and stay in the loop at 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 at 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
- Transcript
October 4 · 1 hr 17 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 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 - www.soulmidwifery.au - IG @soulmidwiferyau (https://www.instagram.com/soulmidwiferyau) Louise Gorham - Doula Lou- 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 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 www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at 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
- Transcript
September 27 · 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 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 www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at 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
- Transcript
#221
September 20 · 1 hr 7 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.
- Transcript
#220
September 13 · 1 hr 19 min
Episode 220 - Shoulder Dystocia
Summary: This episode of The Great Birth Rebellion podcast looks at shoulder dystocia — an urgent birth complication that often fills women and clinicians with fear. Host Mel shares practical prevention strategies and simple, minimally invasive management techniques designed to make the experience less stressful and help clinicians feel more confident. She also talks through common shoulder dystocia techniques she's completely abandoned, and what she uses in their place. The episode includes l
- Transcript
#219
September 6 · 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.
- Transcript
#218
August 30 · 1 hr 23 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 interven
- Transcript
#217
August 23 · 59 min
Episode 217 - Surviving and Thriving in Midwifery
In this episode, Mel interviews Lynnelle Moran about her research into the working life of midwives and provides tips to help you prevent burnt out.
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#216
August 16 · 23 min
Episode 216 - Childbirth for Children
In this episode, Mel and her 9 year old daughter Frida explain childbirth to your children. We explain the unique anatomy of a woman's body and how incredible and capable women's bodies are in growing and birthing babies.
- Transcript
#215
August 9 · 55 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 - 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 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 www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at 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 financially by 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
- Transcript
#214
August 2 · 1 hr 10 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.
- Transcript
#213
July 26 · 1 hr 16 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.
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#212
July 19 · 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. That is what this episode is all about and 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.
- Transcript
#211
July 12 · 54 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
- Transcript
#210
July 5 · 54 min
Episode 210 - It's bad but there's hope
Mel shares her key learnings from the 2026 International Confederation of Midwives Conference in Portugal, exploring the major global challenges facing maternity care, including the over-medicalisation of childbirth, midwifery workforce shortages, and the loss of skills that support physiological birth. She also highlights the solutions already making a difference and how midwives and birth workers can help improve outcomes for women and babies.
- Transcript
#209
June 28 · 1 hr 16 min
Episode 209 - The 5 BIG induction studies
In this episode, Dr Melanie Jackson and Professor Hannah Dahlen unpack the five major research studies that are commonly used to support induction of labour for suspected big babies, pregnancies beyond 41 weeks, and women over 35. They explore the strengths, limitations and clinical implications of each study, helping listeners better understand the evidence and make informed decisions about induction.
- Transcript
#208
June 21 · 59 min
Episode 208 - Beyond 40 weeks pregnant
Mel explores the history and mathematics behind estimated due dates, challenging the idea that pregnancy should end precisely at 40 weeks. She examines why treating day 280 as a strict deadline can lead to unnecessary interventions and encourages a more nuanced understanding of pregnancy length, risk, and decision-making around induction.
- Transcript
#207
June 14 · 1 hr
Episode 207 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (part 2)
Mel explores what recovery can look like in the first two weeks after birth, including breastfeeding in the early days, preparing your home for postpartum, emotional changes, safe sleep, visitor management, and common physical recovery experiences. She also discusses the difference between the baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis, helping families understand what is normal and when to seek support.
- Transcript

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