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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20 episodes
Updated July 26

Episodes20

Newest first

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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 7 · 1 hr 31 min
Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)
In this episode, Mel explores what to expect during the first two weeks after birth for both mothers and babies. She discusses the realities of postpartum recovery, the often-overlooked care gap after birth, and the importance of practical and emotional support from partners, family, friends, midwives, nurses, and GPs.
May 31 · 49 min
Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women
In this episode, Mel unpacks what anti-D is, why it’s routinely offered during pregnancy to women with negative blood groups, and the different testing and screening options available. She explores the evidence, risks, benefits, and considerations around accepting or declining anti-D, helping listeners make informed decisions that feel right for them.
May 24 · 56 min
Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system
Pregnancy is often a person’s first prolonged experience within the healthcare system, and navigating maternity care can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or intimidating. In this episode, Mel explores the pressure and coercion many women experience around testing, screening, treatments, and interventions, and shares practical strategies to help you advocate for yourself, ask questions, and navigate your options with confidence.
May 17 · 50 min
Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour
A swollen cervix during labour can sometimes lead care providers to recommend an epidural or caesarean section, however there are many other strategies that may help before moving to those interventions. In this episode, Mel explores the available options, discusses the surprising lack of research on swollen cervix management, and shares practical resources and techniques for those hoping to avoid unnecessary intervention.
May 10 · 34 min
Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity
Part 2 of Mel’s preeclampsia series focuses on what happens after diagnosis — covering management, decision-making, and the emotional impact of the condition. It builds on Episode 201, which explores what preeclampsia is, along with prevention and diagnosis.
May 3 · 51 min
Episode 201 - Preeclampsia: Red Flags, Risk Factors, and Reducing Your Chances
Mel takes a closer look at preeclampsia, breaking down what it is, how it develops and is diagnosed, and who is most at risk — along with practical strategies for prevention and early awareness.
April 26 · 36 min
Episode 200 - How to choose great maternity care for you
This episode introduces the medicalisation spectrum as a key framework for understanding and planning your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, including how providers and birth settings align within it. Mel explores different birth philosophies and encourages you to match your own values with your care choices to support a more satisfying and aligned experience.
April 19 · 56 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.
April 12 · 55 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.
April 5 · 59 min
Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital
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.
March 29 · 1 hr 13 min
Episode 196 - Breech Whisperer - Resigned not Retired
Dr Andrew Bisits reflects on his 40-year career in obstetrics, sharing insights on breech birth, evolving maternity care, and his decision to “resign, not retire.” A thoughtful and grounding conversation that explores legacy, change, and what it means to practise with courage and care.
March 22 · 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.
March 15 · 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.

The Great Birth Rebellion

Episode 213 - What if I have an epidural

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

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

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

Episode 209 - The 5 BIG induction studies

Episode 208 - Beyond 40 weeks pregnant

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

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

Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women

Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system

Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour

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

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

Episode 200 - How to choose great maternity care for you

Episode 199 - Light, Sun and Vitamin D for Health

Episode 198 - Optimising your circadian rhythm for better health

Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital

Episode 196 - Breech Whisperer - Resigned not Retired

Episode 195 - The high powered hospital bag

Episode 194 - monitoring your baby in labour