The Great Birth Rebellion

The medicalisation spectrum is 101 when you are planning a birth that feels safest and most satisfying to you. Understanding where you sit on the medicalisation spectrum is the key to planning the rest of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal 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 the 2 types of birth philosophies and where they fit on the spectrum. Understanding this is crucial as you make your maternity care decisions.  The visual representation that Mel referred to in this episode can be found @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion on instagram and also accessible at anytime for those on the podcast mailing list in the resource folder for this episode 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

What does the research say about being over 35 years old and pregnant? Mel looks through some research papers to help you understand how your care provider is calculating risk and outcomes and if these calculations mean anything at all! Are you really having a ‘high-risk’ pregnancy is you are in the ‘advanced maternal age’ category - and don’t even get me started on the ‘geriatric’ pregnancy terminology. 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.  

When a baby is in a breech (head up) position for labour and birth, women are faced with unique challenges of care provider incompetence and fear. Many clinicians don’t know how to or refuse to attend vaginal breech births. They cite increased risk and danger, but is this correct? Is it more dangerous to give birth to your breech baby vaginally or by caesarean section? Dr Rixa Freeze, president of Breech without Borders talks us through the research and we discuss the concept of never being able to eliminate risk, we just move it upstream. It’s up to women to decide which risks they are willing to accept, and it’s up to care providers to be skilled enough to be able to care for women according to the womans' preference.  This is the second breech episode for the Great birth Rebellion, the first was with Dr Andrew Bissits (episode 26).  Find out more about breech without borders and do their courses: breechwithoutborders.org FB: https://www.facebook.com/breechwithoutborders IG: https://www.instagram.com/breechwithoutborders/ Online courses: https://breech.thinkific.com/ Training schedule: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/schedule/ 2nd edition of our book, A Guide to Physiological Breech Birth: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/p/guide2/  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Getting your baby to sleep might feel like the hardest part of your parenting journey. Have you ever been advised to let you baby ‘cry it out’ or been told to just ‘put your baby down’? Or rely in sleep cues and routines? You might want to listen to this episode where Dr Pamela Douglas explains how parenting can be easier, more joyful and less exhausting when we consider the research around infant sleep - because it is certainly not on the side of hours of bouncing a baby to sleep. Dr Pamela Douglas  is an Australian GP and researcher. She has developed Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC or the Possums programs) over the past 20 years. She has about 30 international research publications, 8 of which are evaluations showing the benefits of NDC or the Possums programs.  Pam is also a breastfeeding medicine physician, first qualifying as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 1994. She’s an Adjunct Associate Professor with the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, and Senior Lecturer with The General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland. She is the author of the bestselling book for parents, The Discontented Little Baby Book We are offering 20% off The Possums Sleep Program (possumssleepprogram.com) for any rebels interested with code: birthrebellion  @drpameladouglas  For parents:  www.possumssleepprogram.com www.possumsbreastfeeding.com (coming soon) For health professionals:  www.ndcinstitute.com.au  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Curious about what it takes to set up a business as a private midwife? This is for Australian Midwives who want to know the steps to becoming a private midwife. This is the first in a free-series that is running all week at www.melaniethemidwife.com between October 20th-25th 2024. If you are listening after the 24th, you've missed out on free week but you can register for next year at www.melaniethemidwife.com  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Mel brings some practical tips for preparing for a posterior labour. You never know which labour and birth are going to be impacted by posterior position of the baby (facing the front instead of facing the back) and the labour pattern can be very different. Being prepared for a posterior labour also means you are ready for any labour. This episode is great preparation for labour full stop, but you’ll also be prepared for a posterior labour. For more episodes to help you with posterior labour also listen to episodes: 118, 116, 115, 90, 86, 83, 61, 60.   A special thanks to our episode Sponsor: Bliss Birth  Thankyou to our sponsor, Ariel from Bliss Birth. If you’re planning a physiological birth, Bliss Birth offers obstetric-grade TENS machines for hire across Australia. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a popular, drug-free option during labour. Bliss Birth, founded by mum of two Ariel, provides everything you need to use the TENS device during birth, all at an affordable rental price. Plus, our listeners can enjoy a special discount—use code 'birthrebel' when booking at blissbirth.com.au  Purchasing a TENS machine can be pricey, but you can rent one with everything you need for birth through Bliss Birth at a much lower cost. Remember to use the code birthrebel at checkout. Head over to blissbirth.com.au to reserve yours 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Ever wondered what Mel chose for her own births? And how it all went? Today she spills the tea about her own personal births through an interview with Anna from Sacred Birth International who interviewed Mel about her birth stories on the Natural Birth podcast… we can think of no better way to celebrate 1 MILLION DOWNLOADS for the Great Birth Rebellion podcast than to share a raw story about the choices Mel made for her own pregnancy and birth journeys - you’ll hear what I did for my tiny pre-term baby and also hear the backstory about how I laughed my second baby out.Big thanks to Anna from @thenaturalbirthpodcast for interviewing me and facilitating this storytelling.  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Posterior labour refers to the circumstance where the baby is facing toward the front to the womans pubic hair as opposed to anterior where the baby is facing the womans bum during labour. The position of the baby has an impact on the process and outcome of labour and in this episode Sarah Langford (midwife, mother and PhD research candidate) talks about her research on posterior labours. We quickly learn what little is known about the experience of posterior labour and what Sarah’s work is doing to fill that gap. Sarah shares research about the outcomes of posterior labour and possible reasons why posterior labours h are feared by women and care providers alike. In this episode we seek to turn the dialogue on it’s head and next week in episode 119, the great birth rebellion will focus on how to prepare for posterior labour  If you are keen to participate in Sarah’s research and get access to the 16 page reference list for this episode, you’ll find all the details in the resource folder - the resource folder is accessible to anyone on the mailing list for this podcast. To get on the mailing list go to www.melaniethemidwife.com  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

For tickets to the convergence of rebellious midwives 2025 go to www.melaniethemidwife.com  In this episode Mel explains exactly how to change the system. This is an excerpt of the opening address that she presented at the convergence of rebellious midwives conference 2024 and draws from her farming experience to give an example of how real and lasting change is made in nature and how this translates to how we can change the maternity system at every level Tickets are on sale to the 2025 convergence now and at the time of writing this (only 4 weeks since the 2024 convergence, 110 tickets have already been sold!). We have special payment plans to make the convergence accessible to as many people as possible. Go to www.melaniethemidwife.com for ticketing options. 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

For tickets to the convergence 2025 to hear Ina May Gaskin go to www.melaniethemidwife.com  We speak with Dr Kate Levett and Heidi Williams about the use of acupuncture and acupressure in pregnancy. We discover the weight of evidence on the side of acupuncture and Kate and Heidi explore novel ways of integrating it within the maternity care system and acuneedling for midwives.  Kate website: https://drkatelevett.com/ https://drkatelevett.com/video-resources-acupressure-for-labourDr Kate Levett: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kate_levett/Kate Levett acupuncture: https://www.instagram.com/katelevettacupuncture/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.levett.14 Heidi Williams Acuneedling and Me @acuneedling and @central_coast_homebirth   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/acuneedlingaustralia?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.facebook.com/centralcoastmidwives?mibextid=LQQJ4d Websites www.acuneedling.com www.centralcoasthomebirth.com 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

The Spinning Babies® techniques are well known the world over for providing the opportunity for women to promote the physiological function of their bodies and prevent pathology in the birth process. Today we welcome Gail Tully, Midwife and creator of Spinning Babies® to discuss her work.  This episode is generously sponsored by The Birth Sling by Dr Jess Michaels. As a special gift to Great Birth Rebellion listeners, use code GBR24 for a 10% discount at www.thebirthsling.com. 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Women are offered CTG’s in the hope that complications can be identified and intercepted… but is this what happens? Are there better outcomes when we include CTG as part of maternity care? Today Mel invites Dr Kirsten Small to ask if there is EVER a good reason to offer or accept a CTG. Kisten  is a career academic, retired obstetrician and an industry expert in the use of CTG foetal heart rate monitoring, Kirstens PhD is on the topic of CTG and She is the mistress and owner of birthsmalltalk.com where she offers free and evidence based information about the use and misuse of CTG monitoring. You can enjoy more of Kirstens offerings and education seminars at her blog birthsmalltalk.com 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Most women will be offered CTG monitoring through their labour… but does it make a difference to the health of the mum and baby? In this episode Mel invites Kirsten to talk about the use of CTG foetal heart rate monitoring during labour and birth. This is a conscious re-edit of episode 12 - we’ve bumped it here to be part of our CTG series through episodes 111, 112 and 113. Check out Kirstens work @birthsmalltalk on instagram and twitter and www.birthsmalltalk.com  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Women are offered CTG’s through pregnancy in the hope that complications can be identified and intercepted… but is this what happens? Are there better outcomes when we include CTG as part of pregnancy care or assessments? Today Mel invites Dr Kirsten Small who is a career academic, retired obstetrician and an industry expert in the use of CTG foetal heart rate monitoring, Kirstens PhD is on the topic of CTG and She is the mistress and owner of birthsmalltalk.com where she offers free and evidence based information about the use and misuse of CTG monitoring. You can enjoy more of Kirstens offerings and education seminars at her blog birthsmalltalk.com 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Everyone always asks, is homebirth safe? But the bigger question to be asking is, Is hospital birth dangerous? Mel looks at the biggest Australian Study which included over 1 million women to find the answer of, is hospital birth dangerous for women? And also takes a poke into history to discover how it came to be that 97% of women will give birth in hospital in Australia 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

The Village Community is a unique and replicable model to bring back the village community when caring for women and mothers. Aimee Honness from the village community lays out the details of how it works and how to bring back the village into your life and community. Caring for women postpartum has become countercultural… the village community is bringing it back. You can find out more about The village community on instagram @the.village.community and participate or donate to this initiative through the linktr.ee 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Have you ever thought about opening your own birth centre or birth house? Learn about the oldest existing independent birth house here in Launceston, Australia with Jaimee Smith, a private midwife who attends births at the birth house and who collated 35 years of statistics about the outcomes of births that occur there. You can learn more about the birth house and Jaimee 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

Mel has a quick but important announcement to our regular podcast listeners... we love you and want to keep you in the loop. This is your podcast and we love you for being here. To help support this podcast consider Free options: 1. Get out your phone and Subscribe/follow the great birth rebellion podcast on which ever platform you listen on.  2. While you are there, leave a 5 star rating and write a review.  3. Pop onto your instagram account and recommend the podcast to your followers and tag @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion so I can share your post to my instagram account Paid support for the podcast: 1. If you have gotten lot's of helpful information out of the podcast, consider giving Mel a tip as a token of your appreciation. This money just funds the time that I put into each episode.  2. Consider joining the premium podcast hub to get ongoing access to me. In the hub you can ask me questions and get exclusive podcast episodes created just for the premium members  3. Consider joining us at the convergence of rebellious midwives live event happening every year in August. Ticket sales for 2024 event close 15th of August.  Thank you from the bottom of my real human fleshy heart rebels - you keep me going! Mel x  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

What are we rebelling against here at the great birth rebellion? we are rebelling against the lies we are told about birth… and I’m going to explain it all from the perspective of understanding authoritative knowledge - don’t worry! I’ll explain that too… I’m really proud of this one rebels, it's a goodie, for the baddies (you’ll get the joke once you hear the episode) Join the other rebels at the Convergence of rebellious Midwives conference happening in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia on August 15th-17th 2025 you can see all the details here and buy tickets  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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.

The decolonisation of birth. Mel invites Aimee Aroha (@aimeearoha) and Kirrily Dawn (@the_returning_ @kirillydawn) to approach this topic from an Indigenous perspective. We learn that decolonisation is about restoration of what was lost through colonisation. We start from the beginning for anyone who is new to this topic but go deep for people with a long term investment in decolonisation  Follow Aimee’s work @aimeearoha and https://www.thestonedchrysalis.com/ Kirrily can be found @the_returning_ @kirillydawn 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 premium podcast members Hub which gives you access to transcripts, additional resources AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for Mel to answer in the hub. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Join the hub here  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.