Todays topic is 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    You can follow Aimee’s work at: Instagram @aimeearoha Website https://www.thestonedchrysalis.com/   And Kirrily can be found at: Instagram @the_returning_ @kirillydawn   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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 takes a deep look at the journal paper ‘Challenging the colonisation of birth: Koori women’s birthing knowledge and practice’ which describes Aboriginal womens birthing knowledge and practice prior to Colonisation and how these practices were impacted by invasion in 1788. This episode is best listened to in conjunction with episode 106. The decolonisation of childbirth.    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Dr Melanie Jackson, the host of the great birth rebellion finally shares the findings from her 2014 PhD thesis, ‘Birthing outside the system: wanting the best and safest’ and explores the question of ‘why do women freebirth’ drawing directly from her thesis findings.    You can read her full thesis or just the shorter academic publications in the resource folder (get on the mailing list to get access to that) Melanie is speaking at the all4Maternity seminar session on July 23rd 2024 alongside other wise women about engaging with Freebirth. You can attend this seminar live or purchase the recordings afterward. Get your ticket to the event here or go to https://hub.all4maternity.com for the recording.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel answers listener questions. This question asks about the outcomes and safety for babies who are born during water birth. We discuss additional guidance around what to do if the is meconium stained liquor at the time of birth and if there is an issue with babies being born partly in and partly out of water.  This is a premium hub member episode and the remaining answers for this podcast are in the premium hub: What questions should I ask my care provider if I am planning a VBAC What are the legal and professional requirements for midwives who wish to add skills to their practice the risk of the cervix closing when the placenta is still in the uterus. Is this actually something to worry about, or is it simply an old wives' tale? Can you please talk to preeclampsia? Can you explain what it is? How it is diagnosed and its effects, Are there levels of severity? To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Click here for tickets to the live stream of the Regenerate health summit coming up on August 3rd and 4th 2024. Get your tickets here and learn more about the Regenerate Health Summit. Live stream tickets are incredibly cost effective and you don’t even need to leave home.    Dr Max Gulhane from the Regenerative Health Podcast and Regenerate health summit interviews Mel about Decentralising Maternity care and childbirth. Mel and Max have collaborated on this episode to share on the great birth rebellion podcast and the regenerative health podcast to spread the message loud and clear about the changes that need to happen in modern maternity care services to make them better for women and families… and this starts with Decentralisation - learn more about what decentralisation means in maternity care and also where you can learn more. This is a juicy one rebels!   To learn more about the work of Dr Max Gulhane:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_max_gulhane/ Webite & email list sign up: https://drmaxgulhane.com/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/maxgulhanemd Private Group, ask me questions: https://www.skool.com/dr-maxs-circadian-reset Courses on Circadian health & Solar Callus: https://drmaxgulhane.com/collections/courses Regenerative Health Podcast Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1661751206 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6edRmG3IFafTYnwQiJjhwR     To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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 suppl ement, 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.

Dr Sarah Buckley, academic and author of the best selling book ‘Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, joins Mel on the podcast to discuss how the brain works during labour and it’s interaction with the body. We speak about how to optimise brain function in labour in order to optimise birth physiology.    Sarah is an invited speaker to the Convergence of Rebellious Midwives Conference happening in Sydney, Australia in August 2024. Click here to see more about this event and buy tickets   For more about Sarah: Website: www.sarahbuckley.com FB: @DrSarahBuckley IG: @SarahJBuckley Twitter: @Sarahjbuckley   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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 suppl ement, 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 c

In this episode of the Great Birth Rebellion podcast, Mel celebrates the podcast's 100th episode and nears 1 million downloads, expressing gratitude to loyal listeners and tracing the podcast's evolution. She delves into the use of movement to regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy, particularly for women managing gestational diabetes. Mel discusses research on how movement affects blood sugar levels and the implications of exercise in blood sugar control to reduce risks during birth. Stressing personalized approaches, she shares practical advice on integrating movement into daily routines, advocating for experimentation to find the most effective exercise types and intensities. Mel underscores the importance of individualized strategies in managing gestational diabetes, promoting immediate incorporation of movement and personalized testing for optimal blood glucose control.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Lily Nichols, world renowned author of 3 books comes on the podcast to speak about her book ‘real food for gestational diabetes’. Mel asked her all about which foods help control and prevent diabetes in pregnancy and we discuss the problems with mainstream dietary advice given to women with gestational diabetes    You can learn more about Lily’s books and work at: Lily’s website Real food for gestational diabetes Lily’s books About Lily  Institute for perinatal nutrition  @lilynicholsrnd   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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 provides this re-edit of episode 18 about Gestational diabetes screening in preparation for episode 99 with Lily Nichols about real food for gestational diabetes. This episode pairs with her episode for anyone challenged with a gestational diabetes diagnosis   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel proposes that the use of Apgar scoring is invalid for women under the care of midwives, for babies who have their umbilical cord intact for longer than 60 seconds and for women having a physiological birth. Find out why in the episode   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:   The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel explore the options for tying off or clamping your babies umbilical cord including why ties went ‘out of fashion’ and what instigated the use of clamps instead. Mel will also discuss concerns some people have about using a tie instead of clamp and how these objections can be navigated. I learnt more than I thought! So you will too To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Kristine Lauria is an American Midwife who apprenticed with Amish Midwives and attended births for 17 years before getting a ‘formal’ midwifery qualification. This paired with her training as a paramedic formed the basis for her work as a homebirth midwife and humanitarian aid Midwife with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors without Borders) and as a trainer with Breech without Borders. Kristine is the only Midwife I have ever heard of to attend not one but two triplet births at home. I invite you to learn from her here and through her other online resources @globalmidwife64 and read of her incredible stories from the field at her blog https://midwifewithoutboundaries.wordpress.com/   If you are interested in learning more about breech birth and gathering skills The convergence of rebellious midwives conference happening in August 2024 in Sydney Australia welcomes Dr Stuart Fischbein who will be speaking on the physiological and complex breech. You can find tickets and info for this event here If you are interested in the Breech without borders training Kristine refers to in this episode, you’ll find all the details here   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

This episode is a follow up to episode 93 and discusses the research around the different techniques when closing the uterus after a caesarean section. Some care providers will tell you that single layer closure represents a higher risk of uterine rupture, but I found 5 research papers that say otherwise. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

This episode is all about vaginal birth after caesarean section. In this episode I draw on our first interview with Hazel Keedle  way back in episode 7 with some updates. We discuss the strategies that you can apply to increase your chances of VBAC and also the risks and benefits of a repeat caesarean and the option of vaginal birth.  If you loved this talk with Hazel, you can come and see her speak live at the Convergence of rebellious Midwives conference happening in Sydney, Australia in August 2024. All the details and ticketing options are through here Find out more about Hazel: Instagram: @hazelkeedle Facebook: @VBACmatters Twitter: @HazelKeedle   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Click here to sign up for the free Script writing webinar and CPD opportunity Click here to learn more about the convergence of rebellious midwives  Alison Weatherstone (Chief Midwife) is here to discuss the new legislation that will open Australian Midwives up to even more autonomous practice including changes to professional indemnity insurance, increase in Medicare rebates, the abolishment of collaborative agreements and she gives away some information about ‘the 5000 hours’. We also discuss the proposed professional indemnity insurance product for private midwives and the 'low-risk' terminology. Alison Weatherstone is the chief Midwife with the Australian College of midwives and prides herself on being accessible and contactable, if you have some questions, feedback, stories or issues you want to raise with her, she has a direct unfiltered line of communication directly to her [email protected] Australian College of midwives: https://www.midwives.org.au/  To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Midwife Sarah Smits shares the knowledge she has around the traditional practice of belly binding and ways to apply this to your pregnancy and postpartum journey. Sarah has picked up these skills and teaches them from her unique lessons around the world.  Find out more information about Sarah Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bridging_worlds_midwifery/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bwmidwife website https://www.bwmidwife.com Youtube https://youtube.com/@bridgingworlds?si=XvpJRxcOLKulyQLN Book tickets to sunny coast event https://events.humanitix.com/rebozo-and-belly-binding-circle Join my monthly Birth worker circle This link is for the upcoming June circle https://events.humanitix.com/online-birth-worker-circle Sign up to Sarahs mailing list to be updated on events and services   IBU belly binding  Order/pre-order fajas on my website https://bwmidwife.com/shop/ The midwife project https://www.midwifeproject.net/ Sarahs VIDM conference piece on The Midwife Project  Donã Dominga our weavers story that she shared at the last Maya Abdominal Massage retreat     To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife    Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Midwife Sarah Smits tells us what she learnt from the Mayan midwives in Guatemala and how she/we can apply these in our circumstances. We discuss robozo, mayan abdominal massage and the place of steam and heat and traditional care practices applied to pregnant and postpartum women. Sarah discusses initiatives that are supporting the traditional midwives in Guatemala. Next week she will share about the practice of abdominal binding.  Find out more information about Sarah Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bridging_worlds_midwifery/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bwmidwife website https://www.bwmidwife.com Youtube https://youtube.com/@bridgingworlds?si=XvpJRxcOLKulyQLN Book tickets to sunny coast event https://events.humanitix.com/rebozo-and-belly-binding-circle Join my monthly Birth worker circle This link is for the upcoming June circle https://events.humanitix.com/online-birth-worker-circle Sign up to Sarahs mailing list to be updated on events and services   IBU belly binding  Order/pre-order fajas on my website https://bwmidwife.com/shop/ The midwife project https://www.midwifeproject.net/ Sarahs VIDM conference piece on The Midwife Project  Donã Dominga our weavers story that she shared at the last Maya Abdominal Massage retreat    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode, Mel interviews endorsed midwife Sarah Smits @bridging_worlds_midwifery who has spent her midwifery career thus far travelling and collecting skills from other cultures which she now applies to her midwifery work in Australia and abroad. Today we learn about some of the skills that Sarah has collected and midwives will find inspiration for alternative ways of working and career options within her story.    Find out more information about Sarah Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bridging_worlds_midwifery/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bwmidwife website https://www.bwmidwife.com Youtube https://youtube.com/@bridgingworlds?si=XvpJRxcOLKulyQLN Book tickets to sunny coast event https://events.humanitix.com/rebozo-and-belly-binding-circle Join my monthly Birth worker circle This link is for the upcoming June circle https://events.humanitix.com/online-birth-worker-circle Sign up to Sarahs mailing list to be updated on events and services   IBU belly binding  Order/pre-order fajas on my website https://bwmidwife.com/shop/ The midwife project https://www.midwifeproject.net/ Sarahs VIDM conference piece on The Midwife Project  Donã Dominga our weavers story that she shared at the last Maya Abdominal Massage retreat    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel answers the questions submitted by the premium hub members. They have access to the ‘ask Mel a question’ button and Mel is answering their questions in their own exclusive hub episode (which happens once a month)... but today you’ll get a treat of getting the first question answered here publicly… but if you want to hear the rest, you’ve got to be a hub member. Today, Mel discusses what to do if you get an urge to push your baby out, but your cervix isn’t fully dilated yet.    Premium hub members will also get to hear the answers to the other questions in the longer version of this episode and they’ll be learning about:   How do I get my partner on board with a homebirth? Is there ever a time where CTG is beneficial during labour and birth? If I want to start being a birth worker, how do I start getting experience? What are the chances of having another postpartum haemorrhage if I have had one in the past? And should I have active management with medication this time as a preventative measure? What are the chances of having a retained placenta again if I had one last time?   Time stamps for this episode:   03:25 - what is an early urge to push? 07:09 How often does this occur? 07:30 Could it be physiological or pathological? 08:18 But what happens if the woman pushes? 11:52 Why would an early urge occur?  13:52 How do you manage this circumstance 24:06 The challenge of an early urge in a hospital setting 26:03 A mismatch between the midwife and the woman   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Almost every pregnant woman will need to make a decision about Group B strep, what decision would you make? This episode is a re-edit of the most popular episode of all time, episode 6 on Group B Strep. In this re-edit Mel has kept only facts (no fluff)... you asked for it. This episode is a great one to pass on to your partner, care provider or anyone you think would like rapid fire information about Group B Strep in pregnancy and labour. For anyone that appreciates a conversational podcast, episode 6 is where you’ll want to be… or listen to both.    Time stamps: 00:00 what is this episode about 03:08 What is GBS 03:39 GBS colonisation vs GBS infection 07:23 Early and Late onset GBS infection in babies  07:58 Preventing and screening for early onset GBS 08:11 Screening for GBS 12:31 the risk of the swab itself  12:45 The transient nature of GBS 11:11 Accuracy of the swab 13:51 risks associated with GBS positive result  15:05 How many babies will likely get a GBS infection? 18:21 GBS prevention options 22:21 Bit of a summary 23:01 What are the issues with GBS prevention options  32:46 what if my baby does get sick? How is it treated? 34:16 GBS in urine   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:  The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

Melanie Speaks with wise woman Fiona Hallinan from ‘The pelvic space’ about internal release work. Fiona has over 30 years of experience working with women as a midwife, nurse and pelvic space therapist. Internal release work involves physically interacting with the pelvic space by accessing it through the vagina. Fiona talks about how her work now as an internal release work therapist evolved and developed and we tap into this learnt skill which is moving from oral tradition into mainstream maternity care. Fiona believes that every woman would benefit from internal release work and the more people have this skill the better.  You can look further into Fiona’s work and register for her upcoming training workshops at www.thepelvicspace.com.au and follow her @thepelvicspace_   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer:  The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel explores the research around the impact of light on labour timing and labour progress. Mel explores the importance of circadian rhythms and melatonin on labour activity and discovers the connection between oxytocin and melatonin in physiological labour. We also learn about what happens in a woman's body when she is exposed to light in labour and how to use light and darkness to your advantage.  If you would like to join me at the convergence of rebellious midwives conference happening in Sydney (Australia) from the 23rd-25th of August 2024 you can find all the information at www.melaniethemidwife.com or purchase tickets here To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and www.melaniethemidwife.com  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.

In this episode Mel explores the research around ‘aging’ and ‘failing’ placentas in late term pregnancy. Women get told that the longer they are pregnant, the more likely it is that their placenta will get old and stop functioning. Listen in to find out if that is true. What actually happens to placentas beyond 41 weeks?   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here   You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife    Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel takes you through the research and historical background behind the use of a bed and laying down during labour and birth. Is this where you imagine yourself giving birth? If so, this episode is for you. There are also lots of tips to avoid getting trapped on the bed and strategies for women and midwives to overcome systematic powers that direct labour to the bed.  Time stamps 00:00 Intro and episode summary 06:39 History of how women used to give birth 13:24 the admission process that subconsciously directs you to the bed 19:03 why be off the bed in labour and birth?  22:33 The impact of birth positioning 24:22 Using laying down positions to your advantage  27:31 Optimal positioning for women with epidural 28:28 The lithotomy position  33:50 Some other tid bits 35:02 Wrap up   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode, Mel speaks with researchers Marina Weckend and Clare Davison from Edith Cowen University about their work on Physiological Plateaus in labour. This is truly rebellious work because it challenges the false medical language about how labour and birth unfolds and they share the truth about how normal labour  includes rests, lulls and plateaus. It’s all here in the episode. Links to learn more and participate in this research Participate in the WEPAUSE Study: https://bit.ly/WEPAUSE Short explainer video about physiological plateaus in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdfXwekKMFk or French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMUc_vNP-xQ Video of ICM Congress presentation (available in English, French, Spanish, Indonesian): https://www.youtube.com/@MarinaWeckend Newsletter on physiological plateaus: https://mailchi.mp/dbb8311f1467/physiological-plateaus-newsletter Personal website M.Weckend: https://marinaweckend.com  To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode, Mel invites her work-wife Ashlee Anslow from the birthing tree midwifery to discuss how they manage birth emergencies at home. We discuss foetal distress in labour, cord accidents, shoulder dystocia, neonatal resuscitation, retained placenta, postpartum haemorrhage.    Time stamps 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and gratitude to our sponsor ‘Born at home’ film. 03:55 Outline of the episode  04:36 Quick points to set the scene 05:54 Changes in foetal heart rate, meconium and foetal distress 23:23 Uterine rupture during VBAC at home 27:27 Shoulder dystocia, cord compression and resuscitation  44:38 Postpartum haemorrhage 54:11 Our emergency equipment  54:51 Cord prolapse  Todays episode was generously sponsored by Born at home Film. To watch the film, head to the Demand Film’s website and search for a screening near you and remember to use the discount code REBEL10 to get 10% off your ticket at the cart. If you can’t find a screening near you CLICK HERE to request a screening  You can find out more at bornathomefilm.com.au and follow them on socials @bornathomefilm   Todays guest has been Ashlee Anslow: @thebirthingtreemidwifery  https://thebirthingtreemidwifery.com.au/    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com  Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel draws on her life and midwifery experience (and of course, the research evidence) to discuss care of late pre-term babies born between 34-36.6 weeks gestation. Mel offers some alternative care strategies such as delayed cord clamping, kangaroo care and sunlight for prevention of jaundice, among other things.  Time stamps 00:00 intro and summary of episode  03:38 what is a late preterm baby 06:55 Why some babies are born early  10:50 Keeping your baby well through labour 15:20 Immediate post-birth care of late preterm babies  21:25 signs of respiratory distress 27:12 feeding behaviour  28:16 Thermoregulation 31:56 Keeping your baby ‘sweet’ 37:20 caring for your baby in the following days with Kangaroo care and Sunlight exposure   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife    Disclaimer:  The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel interviews wise woman midwife Sheryl Sidery who has been a private midwife for 40 years. Learning from experienced midwives, in our western culture, is one of the only ways to learn new things about physiological birth and today Sheryl offers up her 40 years of experience. Sheryl is not currently taking private midwifery clients but you can still check her out online at www.sherylsidery.com.au and benefit from her work with https://birthcircle.com.au/  In this episode we discussed: What Sheryl Sidery has done for the world What should midwives do in the birth space if the aim is physiological birth How to respectfully enter the birth space without interrupting the woman Men at birth The difference continuity of care makes What does Sheryl do after entering the birth space Listening to the babies heart rate with a doppler What uninterrupted birth is like Appropriate ways to talk to a labouring woman Transferring to hospital for pain relief What to do when the baby is emerging Unique learnings for physiological birth Strategies for posterior babies Strategies for physiological placental birth Shoulder dystocia techniques, and  The power of seeing homebirth for the first time Todays episode was generously sponsored by Born at home Film. To watch the film, head to the Demand Film’s website and search for a screening near you and remember to use the discount code REBEL10 to get 10% off your ticket at the cart. If you can’t find a screening near you CLICK HERE to request a screening You can find out more at bornathomefilm.com.au and follow them on socials @bornathomefilm To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and www.melaniethemidwife.com  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.

In this episode Mel describes what the current research says about meconium stained amniotic fluid. What is it? Is meconium truly ‘sterile’? Is meconium always a problem? and what might happen to your baby if there is meconium in your waters.  Time stamps 00:55 Summary of episode content 02:35 What is meconium 04:40 Microbiome of meconium 08:00 Types of meconium and their level of ‘seriousness’  10:50 Primary vs secondary meconium 16:50 why would there be meconium stained liquor 20:15 Consequences of meconium stained fluid To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com  Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub. Find out all the details here You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode, Dr. Kirsten Small and Dr. Melanie Jackson discuss the place of policy in maternity care. If you think this episode is not for you because you are a woman planning to give birth, remember - you can navigate what you don’t understand. Stick with us as we explore how hospitals are organised, why policies are created, and how they impact the care provided to women. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding hospital structures and policies in order to navigate and advocate for personalised care. We discuss the role of policies in healthcare and how they impact the care provided to women during childbirth. We explore the concept of cookbook medicine or ‘birth by numbers’ and the limitations of strict guidelines in allowing for individualised care. The conversation highlights the need for clinicians to be knowledgeable about policies and research in conjunction with the womans personal needs in order to provide the best care possible. Kirsten also gives us insight into her recent publication, ‘Midwives Must, Obstetricians May’.  Timestamps: 00:13 Introducing guest Dr Kirsten Small and the Role of Policy in Maternity Care 1:45 Understanding Hospital Structure and Guidelines     7:41 Hospitals and Their Policies     18:40 Impact of Policies on Decision-Making 20:04 Maintaining Hierarchy Through Policy 25:22 Empowering Healthcare Consumers     34:17 Birth by Numbers vs. Individualized Care   46:16 Clinicians' Responsibilities: Understanding Policies 1:00:20 RANSCOG Policies and Evidence Levels   1:02:46 Navigating Policy Structures for Best Birth You can learn more about Dr Kirsten Small @birthsmalltalk and  birthsmalltalk.com/ To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com  You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here   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.

In this episode, Mel answers some listener questions in a one and only public ‘Ask me anything’ episode. In the future these episodes are reserved for premium hub members who get one of these per month and have access to the ‘ask Mel a question’ button in the hub. Enjoy this insight into some of my clinical work and tidbits of research scattered about.   Time stamps: 2:30 - Top tips for achieving a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section 8:50 - Talking placental insufficiency and do placenta’s give up after 40 weeks  13:12 - Posterior babies, why are they considered so hard to birth without intervention in the hospital setting? 20:10 - What does the evidence say about anti-D? Is it over prescribed when it may not be needed? 25:50 - Do you think midwives should offer ‘freebirth’ packages for women who want freebirth and support 33:00 - Tips for a first year student midwife going on my first placement? Premium podcast members Hub Being a premium podcast member gives you access to the transcript and additional resources for each episode AND the 'ask Mel a question' button so you can submit questions for the monthly 'Ask me anything' episode. Only available in the premium podcast members hub Find out all the details here To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel explains why she chose to release B as co-host of the great birth rebellion podcast and offers a summary of the changes you can expect of the podcast going forward.  Time stamps: 04:30 - Summary of listener feedback 06:08 - Improvement suggestions 08:36 - Why was B released? 14:30 - what else is changing? If the great birth rebellion is valuable to you, consider joining the premium members hub where you’ll get access to episode transcripts, additional resources, the ‘ask Mel a question’ button and an exclusive ‘Ask me anything’ podcast episode. Premium hub members' contributions go directly to keeping the podcast humming. Memberships are only $9/month and you can stay as many or as few months as you need. Your investment (big or small) is valued and appreciated. Thank you rebels. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife  Disclaimer: The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with 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.

In this episode Mel and B discuss the concept of ‘the cascade of interventions’. The cascade occurs when an additional intervention is needed in order to counteract the impact of the last intervention. We specifically make reference to epidurals, artificial rupture of membranes and continuous foetal heart rate monitoring but we get broad and philosophical too. A definite base level episode to introduce you to the concept of the cascade of intervention.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

This is part 2 of our look into episiotomy. Part 1 (episode 72) is essential listening if you want to get the full picture. In this episode Mel and B continue their exploration into the intervention of episiotomy by talking about issues of consent, how to keep yourself safe from an unwanted episiotomy and how to recover well from having had one if it happens to you. We’ve got your butt sisters.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and B start their exploration of episiotomy. Episiotomy is the practice of using scissors to cut the opening of the vagina to make it larger for childbirth. In Australia, 25% of women receive one. We examine this practice in what we thought would be one episode… but there was so much to cover that now it’s a 2 part episode, part 2 coming next week. They go together, so start here.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

On this episode Mel and B discuss birth debriefing, or life debriefing and using debriefing to prepare for and process transformative events, such as birth and parenthood. B shares her career knowledge about debriefing and we discuss what it is and what it isn’t and how to do it properly.  If you are interested in becoming trained in birth debriefing check out B and Laels workshops and www.motheration.au  If you would like to book a debrief with B or her team go to www.coreandfloor.com.au  To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

Ep 70 - Freebirth in the Media with Charlotte King ABC reporter In this episode of the great birth rebellion, Mel meets with Charlotte King, a researcher and reporter from the ABC news network in Australia. Charlotte was one of the reporters working on a recent (Feb 2024) media story about Freebirth in Australia. This investigation has been going for approximately 8 months and was released this week in the shadow of the very unfortunate deaths of twins born during a freebirth. The great birth rebellion would like to extend our sympathies and compassion toward the families whose births did not go as they had hoped. Please know that the great birth rebellion has no intention of placing judgement on any womans birth choices and in this space women are respected for whatever birth choice they make. This podcast brings into question the growing movement and industry around freebirth and asks the question about if freebirth is still a choice freely made by women, or is the choice being manipulated by freebirth keepers and doulas and social media representations of freebirth. We encourage you to listen to Charlottes story on the ABC podcast as she tells the story of what she discovered about the freebirth industry here in Australia.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this weeks episode Mel and B discuss the diagnosis of low-lying placenta and what this could mean for your birth options. We discuss the likelihood of it moving and research coming out about the risks and benefits of vaginal birth vs cesarean section in these circumstances. If you’ve got a low lying placenta or you are caring for a woman who has, we think you’ll be reassured by the research.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel meets with one of her long term friends and Advanced Paediatric Osteopath and Lactation consultant Reena Murray from @completelyaligned. Today we discuss Osteopathy for babies and young children and how this therapy can complement the care you give your baby in their early years. We discuss the place of osteopathy in managing many newborn issues and explore what an Osteopath could do for your baby.    To find out more about Reena’s work you can have a look at her website  https://completelyaligned.com.au/ and find more resources from Reena at https://www.drreenamurray.com/   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel meets with one of her long term friends and Advanced Paediatric Osteopath and Lactation consultant Reena Murray from @completelyaligned. Today we discuss Osteopathy for babies and young children and how this therapy can complement the care you give your baby in their early years. We discuss the place of osteopathy in managing many newborn issues and explore what an Osteopath could do for your baby.  To find out more about Reena’s work you can have a look at her website  https://completelyaligned.com.au/ and find more resources from Reena at https://www.drreenamurray.com/    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and B explore many many angles (see what we did there) regarding sex during pregnancy. We discuss practicalities, when it’s not ok to have sex, fun sex facts with Mel and sex problems in pregnancy… we also discuss all the fun stuff! This is for anyone who wants to have sex during pregnancy.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel invites her long term friend and wise woman Emma Johnston (aka @newearth.mama) to the podcast to discuss Breath work for birth. Emma has studied mastery of breath work (among other things) and is one half of the 'The reconnected' empire @the_reconnected. Emma has 5 children and discusses how breath work impacted her birth experiences and gives practical strategies that you can apply to your own birth. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.  

In this episode Mel and B discuss aspects of sleep in pregnancy, including why we are told not to sleep on our back during pregnancy (and what to do if you wake up on your back), comfort strategies, what to do with your night waking times, bedtime bladder health, managing sleep discomfort and building healthy sleep habits for life. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.  

In this episode Mel and B give straight to the point advice for the people in your life who want to be around in your postpartum journey. We talk about the helpful and unhelpful things that some women are exposed to postpartum and offer practical options to improve the quality of care that you can receive from the people around you as you recover from giving birth and adjust to parenthood.  B has a pile of fabulous resources (free and for a fee) for postpartum women and mentioned a few on this episode. If you want to explore these resources have a look at the links below.  www.sleepybelly.com.au type in CORE 10% to get 10% off your order.  The workload check list at https://coreandfloor.com.au/pages/free-resources Holding the mother program Birth debrief and/or postpartum planning session with B and her team    To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

Welcome back to the great birth rebellion, it’s 2024 and we are kicking off with an Australian summer special by talking about thrush in pregnancy. We talk about what it is and how to fix it for good. Even if you don’t have thrush, you’ll learn about how to keep your vagina and vulva healthy throughout you pregnancy and your life! There is something for everyone whether you are itchy or not. Welcome back rebels! To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

This is our last episode for 2023, we will be back in January 2024. As this episode aired we received 500 000 (half a million!) downloads for this podcast. Thank you rebels for making this podcast so well received. In this episode we speak with Osteopaths Kate and Liz all about osteopathy during pregnancy and osteopathic care of the pelvic bowl in preparation for birth.   Kate has two clinics in Melbourne: Kew - Eastern Osteopathy/The Pelvic Place Melbourne www.easternosteo.com.au Hampton - The Osteopathic Pelvic Hub www.theosteopathicpelvichub.com.au You can follow follow Kathryn (kate) on insta @thepelvichealth_osteo   Liz has two clinics in Brisbane: Kenmore www.pregnancyandbeyondosteopathy.com.au  Kelvin Grove www.pivotosteo.com.au You can follow follow Liz on insta @pregnancyandbeyondosteo.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this weeks episode we tap into B and Mel’s knowledge about maternal alignment. There is lots of discussion out there about getting babies in the ‘right spot’ using optimal foetal positioning techniques, In this episode talk about optimising maternal mechanics over manipulating the baby.  You can access B’s courses and classes at Coreandfloor.com.au To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this weeks episode, Mel and B continue their discussion about optimal cord management. This week we speak about optimal cord management in special circumstances, such as with actively managed placental birth, when collecting blood for cord gases and Rh- blood groups and for cord banking. This is part 2 of optimal cord management, we would encourage you to listen to episode 58 before this one to get a full understanding of this topic.  To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode Mel and B give you part 1 of this 2 part series about optimal umbilical cord management. In this first part we talk about optimal cord management and the importance of waiting for the baby to fully transition before cutting the umbilical cord. In episode 59 we will look at optimal cord management in special circumstances. Part 1 goes perfectly with part 2, so listen to this one first.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and B welcome Australian midwife Jo Hunter to talk about the process of being reported to AHPRA. For Australian midwives this will help you better understand what it is like being reported to AHPRA as Jo takes us through her research. If you are coming to this episode having been reported to AHPRA, or you are publicly making judgements about midwives, this episode has some practical suggestions for you. If you want to speak to Jo about this more you can reach out to her on her Instagram account @midwifejohunter or her website www.midwifejo.com.au.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode, we discuss what to bring to the hospital for your birth journey. We emphasize the importance of being prepared and offer practical tips and suggestions for items to consider bringing. From pain management tools to postpartum essentials, we cover everything you need for a smoother and more comfortable experience. If you want a full list of what we discussed today you will find it in the resource folder for this podcast. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode Mel talks you through her exact list of supplies that she gives to her clients when they are planning a homebirth. This episode is for anyone planning a home labour or homebirth to make sure your birth space is as comfortable as possible and you have everything you need to labour or give birth at home. B offers some helpful tips and will share her hospital birth and postpartum packing list next week. This is for everyone who plans to start labour at home or is staying at home to give birth. There is also still time to register for the free information week about becoming a private midwife, you can register for that event at www.melaniethemidwife.com by clicking the tab on the website. It's not too late to join! To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and her workwife Ashlee Anslow from The Birthing Tree Midwifery answer listener questions on the topic ‘what do midwives do at a homebirth’. We talk about our emergency plans and equipment, what we carry with us to every birth and how we work together as first and second midwives.   There is also still time to register for the free information week about becoming a private midwife, you can register for that event at www.melaniethemidwife.com by clicking the tab on the website.   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and B talk about private practice midwifery career options in Australia. This is for any midwife keen to explore other ways of working and understand the landscape of private practice midwifery and how to become a private midwife here in Australia. Mel also talks about her FREE offering of a whole week of education about entering into private practice which starts on October 16th 2023 (and every year if you are coming to this episode later). You can register for this free week of learning about the ins and outs of becoming a private midwife by registering at www.melaniethemidwife.com To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

Episode 52 is all about haemorrhoids in pregnancy and postpartum, in this episode, Mel and B give you a list of at home remedies and strategies that you can use to prevent and manage haemorrhoids, or what we’ve affectionately called ‘bum veins’. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode Mel and B explore the research around assisted reproductive technology (ART) and if women experience more complicating factors in their pregnancy and birth if they used ART/IVF. We also discuss the research (or lack thereof) behind the routine practices of additional ultrasounds, extra screening and induction of labour for women who have conceived using ART. Heaps of research in the resource folder on this one! To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode, Mel and B invited Lynnelle Moran (Midwifery Lecturer) and Alison Weatherstone (Chief Midwife at the Australian College of Midwives) to discuss the current state of the midwifery work force in Australia and internationally. It was inspired by Lynnelles’ new publication entitled 'What is known about midwives' wellbeing and resilience? An integrative review of the international literature'. You can get access to the full article by joining our mailing list. You can also see what happens at Lynnelles ‘Va journal’ club through her social media handle @vajournalclub   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode, Mel and B invited Dr Elizabeth Newnham (Senior Midwifery Lecturer) to speak about her work on Ethics, autonomy and informed consent in maternity care. We specifically drew on her research paper, "Beyond Autonomy: care ethics for midwifery and the humanisation of birth". It's a juicy one.  To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode, Mel and B dissect the Australias mothers and babies report recently released and look at the reality of maternity care here in Australia. You can see the report for yourself and dive into the statistics that are of most interest to you here   To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore   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.

In this episode Mel and B explore a list of pain management options that you can use in your labour to help work with and through labour pain. Medical pain management options involve the removal and avoidance of pain, but we argue that pain in labour is important, meaningful and productive and you don’t need to get rid of it, you just need support to work through it. We have you a range of strategies to apply if you are keen to avoid medical pain management options in labour. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode, Mel and B talk about stretch and sweep and some other reasons why someone would ask to put their fingers in your vagina while you are pregnant. Listen in to learn about if it’s ever a good idea to allow a clinician to do a vaginal exam or give a stretch and sweep in pregnancy. Spoiler alert, as always, if you don’t want it, it’s perfectly right to say no. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore 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.

Episode 45 is all about the anatomy of change and the things YOU can do to create change in the system. This week we use a current issue to make our point and ask you to contribute to meaningful change by submitting your story or knowledge to the Inquiry into birth trauma and obstetric violence. Submissions close on Friday Aug 11th 2023. If you are listening to this after the submission date, this episode still offers practical and attainable strategies to illicit change in maternity care system. This week we are joined by Dr Hazel Keedle and Sharon Settecasse from @betterbirthsillawarra. For easy access to making a submission to the inquiry into birth trauma you can go to @coreandfloorrestore and click on B’s link tree in from her bio. OR go to @betterbirthsillawarra and follow the prompts on their Instagram posts OR click the link here to take you to the make a submission page. To go to the NSW government information page about the enquiry click here. Sign up for the podcast mailing list for access to the big master centre of all of the resources for all of the podcast episodes. Head to www.melaniethemidwife.com at the top of the home page you’ll see some big obvious buttons that will take you where you want to go. 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.

In this episode B is back and we are talking about Pre-labour rupture (release) of membranes (PROM). This is when your waters break/release when you are full term (37 weeks or more), but your labour doesn’t start. We discuss the likelihood of you going into labour, the routine management of PROM in hospital vs at home with a private midwife. The research behind induction, antibiotics and complications that can occur as a result of PROM. If you are interested in joining the mailing list for this podcast to get access to the resources that we use to create each episode go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and join the podcast mailing list   You can follow Mel and B on their Instagram pages for more great information @melaniethemidwife and @coreandfloorrestore 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.

In this episode Mel invited Dr Robyn Thompson to discuss strategies for breastfeeding success. We discussed skills that practitioners can use to help the mummy/bubby dyad, the importance of the woman’s and babies instinctive and intuitive knowledge and behaviour, doing away with the rule book, the 3 golden hours and way more! To learn more about Robyns’ work you can go to https://www.thethompsonmethod.com/ You can follow Robyn on Instagram @the.thompson.method   To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and for more information about the assembly of rebellious midwives, click here.   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.

In this weeks episode Mel invited Dr Stuart Fischbein (American Obstetrician) on to talk all about twin pregnancy and birth. Dr Stu has experience with supporting families to give birth to their twin and breech babies at home and shares his expertise about twin types and their associated success and complexity rates, the use of ultrasound for monitoring twins, suitability criteria for twin births and management of twin and placental birth. There is a lot in here rebels. Stu knows his stuff! You can learn more about Stu at http://www.birthinginstincts.com/stuart-fischbein-obgyn Or on his Instagram @birthinginstincts  If you are interested in joining the mailing list for this podcast to get access to the resources that we use to create each episode go to www.melaniethemidwife.com To join the assembly of rebellious midwives go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and push the button on the home page to get you started If you’d like to follow us on Instagram go to @melaniethemidwife and @coreandfloorrestore

Mel and B talk all about unusual cord insertions including marginal and velamentus and what these might mean for your pregnancy and birth. It's information, but probably not the stuff you'll usually hear... it's research, but rebellious.  To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and click the ‘subscribe to the podcast’ button at the top of the website.

How can you plan the most memorable postpartum period that holds you physically, mentally and emotionally? In this episode, Mel chats with B and parenting expert and TEDx Speaker Lael Stone about powerful early postpartum periods that nurture and nourish new mothers. We explore how to navigate the physical and mental shifts and how a healing and supported early postpartum differs from what many mothers are currently experiencing in modern Western society. We discuss self-care practices, relationships, postpartum emotion, and physical healing to help you plan for and experience the most connected early postpartum period possible. Explore the Holding the Mother course Lael and B mention here: www.motheration.au Find out more about Lael Stone here www.laelstone.com.au  Explore further postpartum support here https://coreandfloor.com.au/pages/postpartum To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and click the ‘subscribe to the podcast’ button at the top of the website.

You are going to looooove this. In this last instalment of our 3 part series on positive Caesarean, Mel speaks with Dr Natalie Elphinstone all about maternal assisted Caesarean section, including how to get one, what they are, how to set up a process in your hospital to start doing them and the research and potential issues behind the push for maternal assisted Caesarean. To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and click the ‘subscribe to the podcast’ button at the top of the website.

This is the second instalment of the 'Positive caesarean' series from Mel and B and goes beautifully with episode 37. If you are listening to this one, go back to the other one first. In this episode you'll hear our top tips for how to wrangle the system to add and minus elements of your care in order to improve your birth experience. The third instalment is also coming next week. Very cool!  To get on the mailing list for this podcast and receive the resources that we use to inform each episode go to www.melaniethemidwife.com 

In this episode Mel and B start their 3 part series on positive caesarean section. This is not just for women who are planning a caesarean but also those who want to be prepared for all possible scenario’s. We discuss the really good reasons for caesarean section and what motivates some women to elect for caesarean section. In following episodes we discuss the process/procedure of caesarean section, ways to change it to make it better and the option of maternal assisted caesarean section To get on the mailing this for this podcast and receive the resources that we use to inform each episode go to www.melaniethemidwife.com 

In this episode Mel and B look at all the options for what you can do to honour and use your placenta after birth, including the option of eating it. We particularly delve into the research on placentaphagy (aka eating your placenta) to help women make decisions about if they believe consuming their placenta would be beneficial to them. All the evidence that we used to create this episode is in the resource folder for anyone on the mailing list to access. To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and click the ‘subscribe to the podcast’ button at the top of the website.

Mel and B had a good look at the research around the use of vitamin K for newborns to help you decide if this is something valuable for your baby or not. Every baby is offered the opportunity to receive vitamin K supplementation at birth, this episode might help you decide if this is right for your baby or not To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and click the 'sign up to the podcast' button  If you are interested in following Mel and B on Instagram go to @melaniethemidwife and @coreandfloorrestore for more evidence-based content

This week Mel and B talk about exercising/moving during pregnancy and break down the myths and barriers to healthy movement in pregnancy. To get access to B’s exercise courses go to www.coreandfloor.com To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com where you’ll then get access to the resources we use to inform each podcast episode

In this episode Mel and B invited Professor Hannah Dahlen to talk about her research on induction of labour, we speak about post dates, bigger and smaller babies, the place of ultrasound and the risks and benefits of induction. This is particular important for first time birthing women. Hannah speaks about a conversation article that is helpful to further understand her research, you can read this article at https://theconversation.com/too-many-healthy-women-are-having-their-labour-induced-for-no-identified-medical-reason-our-study-shows-161281  If you would like to get access to the resources we use to create each podcast episode you can join our podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com

After a big few previous episodes Mel and B have recorded this short and sweet little episode on consuming dates during pregnancy. Many women eat dates during the later stages of their pregnancy because they believe that it has an impact on labour outcomes. Mel and B look into the research on this, do dates make labour shorter? And will the recipes that Mel recommends be any good? You’ll have to listen to find out. If you want access to the resources that we use to inform each episode, you’ll have to get on the podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com and while you’re there, consider joining the assembly of rebellious midwives

This week Mel and B challenge the mainstream management of shoulder dystocia and break down the fear to give you simple strategies to prevent and manage shoulder dystocia. Midwives will receive specific tuition on how to manage a shoulder dystocia while favouring individualised diagnosis and selecting particular manoeuvres that will align with each unique circumstance. To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and you’ll receive a link that will take you through to the resource folders If you are interested in joining the assembly of rebellious midwives, you’ll see a button at the top of the website www.melaniethemidwife.com to join the waiting list for when it opens   To learn more about Mel you can see her Instagram page @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore

This is the follow on from last weeks episode about ‘Small babies, big babies’ and this week we talk all about big babies, why they grow that way and how to navigate the consequences of being diagnosed with a ‘Big baby’. This is the one you’ve been waiting for. If you would like to access the resources we use to create each podcast episode, sign up to the mailing list for this podcast at www.melaniethemidwife.com If you are interested in learning more about the assembly of rebellious midwives you can also join the mailing list to find out more about that at www.melaniethemidwife.com

In this episode Mel and B start their 2 part series on ‘Small Babies, Big Babies’. In this episode they explore the accuracy of technologies that can help determine the size of a baby before it’s born, the factors that influence the size of your baby and the place of induction when your baby falls outside of the ‘normal’ size range’. You can get on the mailing list for this podcast and access all the research papers that we use to inform our podcast topics at www.melaniethemidwife.com 

In this episode Mel and B draw on their collective 28 years as midwives and share what they have witnessed from great birth supporters. As birthing women ourselves and watching the good the bad and the ugly side of birth support, we bring you our top tips of how to be an amazing birth supporter.  This is one for partners, mothers, doula's, midwives and anyone who has been invited into a birth space.  To get on the mailing list for this podcast and receive all the resources that we use to research each episode please go to www.melaniethemidwife.com

In this weeks episode Mel is flying solo after a series of life events left Mel and B unable to connect in time to record together. Never mind! Mel reached into the research vault to bring you what she knows about the very sexy topic of gestational thrombocytopaenia (a.k.a low platelets during pregnancy). If you find yourself looking after someone with low platelets or you are one of the 15% of women who will experience this in pregnancy, then this little treat is for you. To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com.  

In this episode, Mel and B invited Dr Andrew Bissits (aka the breech whisperer) to talk about breech birth, breech birth options in Australia, the research about breech and inspiring news from abroad about how practitioners are becoming skilled in breech birth again. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com

This episode is about Postpartum Haemorrhage we define what it is, how they can be prevented, management strategies and reflect on if we did a good job at it at all! Thanks for listening folks! At the time of airing episode 25 we’ve had 100 000 downloads of the great birth rebellion podcast. To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com

In this episode, Mel and B discuss the placental birth and the 3 options you have to choose from when making plans for how you want to give birth to your placenta. You can get on the mailing list for this podcast at www.melaniethemidwife.com to receive all of this resources we use to prepare for each podcast episode.

On this episode Mel and B welcome Dr Hazel Keedle (@hazelkeedle) and Amber-Lee Buendicho (@powerofbirth) to discuss the new research around Obstetric violence, Birth Trauma and healing strategies. If you need help with Trauma recovery you may consider connecting with: https://panda.org.au/articles/childbirth-trauma-and-recovery/ https://www.cope.org.au/preparing-for-birth/things-dont-go-plan/recovering-from-a-traumatic-birth/ If you are interested in B’s up coming birth debrief training you can reach out to her @coreandfloorrestore or through her website https://coreandfloor.com.au/ To join the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and you’ll get all the resources from this, and all previous episodes

We are back for another year of rebellion! This is our first episode of the year and even though I (Mel) was on holidays during recording this one), B and Rhea steered the ship into grand waters!  This weeks episode is all about Rhea Dempseys work in the birth space, her 2 phenomenal books, pain, bravery and how this all comes together with connection and attachment - it's the oxytocin story.  To learn more about Rhea Dempsey go to her website https://www.birthingwisdom.com.au/  where you can also buy both of her books! and check her out on her socials @rheadempseybirth To get on the mailing list for this podcast and receive all the resources from this and previous episodes go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and sign up on the home page You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife and B @coreandfloorrestore

In this episode (our last for 2022!) Mel and B discuss repair of perineal tears. We look into the research on the need to suture first and second degree tears and what would happen if they were left unsutured. We also look at strategies to speed up healing and reduce pain and swelling from perineal tears. This is our last episode for the year and we are taking a short break and will be back with more weekly episodes in late January 2023   You can get on the mailing list for this podcast on the front page at www.melaniethemidwife.com to get access to all the resources and research we use to create this podcast   Thankyou for your love, support and encouragement this year, it really keeps us going and motivated to provide you all with this free resource every week.   In the meantime you can follow us on Instagram @melaniethemidwife and @coreandfloorrestore 

In this episode Mel and B continue their conversation with Nigel Lee and pick his brain about sterile water injections, which (unlike the perineal bundle) as a substantial evidence base to support it’s use for the range of pains in labour. Sterile water injections are predominantly used for back pain in labour, is safe and only has one major downfall… but we would still totally recommend it!   You can get on the mailing list for this podcast at www.melaniethemidwife.com on the homepage if you want access to the research we use to create each episode

In this episode Mel and B invited Nigel Lee to discuss the perineal bundle, the research (or lack thereof!) behind it and all the reasons why we don't like it.  To get access to all the resources/research we used to create this episode (and every previous episode), get on the podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com 

In this episode B and Mel explore gestational diabetes testing and spend a lot of time picking part the details and research around the oral glucose tolerance test and the alternatives if you choose not to have this test. This is not an episode about gestational diabetes, but it is an episode about gestational diabetes screening and diagnosis.  if you would like access to the resources and research used to create this episode, sign up to the mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com  

This week B is back (back again, B is back, tell a friend) and we are talking all about waterbirth, the safety, risks, mechanisms and how to access it. We look through the current research to help you as you make decisions on if you want to give birth in water or not, and if you are a midwife, how you can assist women to access this.  To get access to the research we used for this podcast, get on the pocast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com   

Today Mel invites ex-doula and now midwife Lucretia McCarthy to talk all things doula-ing. Mel asked the big questions like what makes a 'good' or 'bad' doula, we explored the impact of ego in the birth space and the complex interactions between doula's and other health care providers. We chat about if you can every REALLY be both doula and midwife and we look through the research on doula's and their impact on womens birth experiences and the maternity care system.  To get access to the resources from this weeks episode sign up to the podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com and you can meet Lucretia on instagram @birthinsight  Also, B is back from her big few weeks away and will be back on board in the next episode :-) 

In this Episode, Mel speaks with Dr Sarah Buckley about what starts labour, the hormones of labour and how to protect them from interruption. We learn about the fundamental and essential needs of a woman in labour to promote labour physiology. Private, Safe and unobserved. Sarah also shared how to fill hormonal gaps when your labour process has been interrupted. Sarah is a GP and homebirth mumma of 4 babies with a research focus on the hormones of labour... but so much more! To get on the mailing list for this podcast to receive all the resources we talk about in each episode go to www.melaniethemidwife.com  you can find out more about Dr Sarah Buckley at www.sarahbuckley.com     

On this episode Mel and B discuss the research behind pushing out your baby, we discuss the difference between physiological/spontaneous pushing and coached/directed pushing and how one of them is more dangerous than the other for the mumma and babe. As always, we talk you through every detail and also bring up the importance of descent as part of the pushing phase. The research on this is pretty exciting (we think so anyway!) To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com 

On this episode Catherine Bell comes on to talk all about birth mapping, it's not birth planning, it birth mapping - they are different! She has a stack of free resources to get you started and is in the process of doing a PhD on birth mapping. Come and have a listen and see if birth mapping is something that will help you have the birth experience you want.  To get on the mailing list for this podcast go to www.melaniethemidwife.com  To find out more about Catherine Bell go to @birthmapping  or check out her website www.birthmap.life 

Mel and B sit down with Dr Kirsten Small to discuss the research related to CTG use during birth and all the risks and benefits of this monitoring option. The use of CTG to monitor babies in labour is common practice and almost all women will be offered it during labour... but is it beneficial? Does it make birth safer for babies? or safer for women? or safer for your care provider?  Check out Kirstens work @birthsmalltalk on instagram and twitter and www.birthsmalltalk.com  If you want to get on the mailing list to receive resources from each episode, join the podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com 

The stages of labour are the stupidest invention medicine has ever created... we'll explain why stages of labour and the obsession with labour progress is the undoing of how we as midwives understand birth and how women experience it. We are advocating for the abolishment of labour stages! If you want to get on the mailing list for the podcast to get access to all the resources we use to inform each episode, join the mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com you can also find out more about the launch yourself into private practice mentorship at www.melaniethemidwife.com. Enrolments for the mentorship open next week oct 24th and close October 28th 2022. 

In this episode B and I talk about the place and purpose of vaginal examinations during pregnancy and birth. Almost all birthing women will be offered vaginal examinations but the research doesn't support routine vaginal examinations. Most women are offered vaginal examinations for the benefit of the system and not for themselves or their babies. Get on the mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com  If you are interested in the assembly of rebellious midwives or hearing more about the mentorship program for private midwives all of this information can be found at www.melaniethemidwife.com Check us out @melaniethemidwife and @coreandfloorrestore on instagram for more juicy evidence based information

In this episode we speak directly to people wanting to become midwives, midwifery students, newly graduated midwives and the midwives helping to raise to midwives. This is also super handy for anyone wanting to understand the system using some of our insider knowledge. We  put out a call out to rebellious midwives working in the system; midwives who see it's flaws and are trying to rise above them and care for women and themselves as best they can. We discuss strategies for surviving (and hopefully) thriving in the system by applying self care strategies, ways to defuse bullies and encourage you to find your people. If you are wondering how to survive the system, this is for you.  If you are ready to join the assembly of rebellious midwives go to www.melaniethemidwife.com and follow the prompts. At www.melaniethemidwife.com you can also join the mailing list through the form on the home page. 

B couldn't be with us today, so in this episode Mel talks with Aimee Aroha (a.k.a @ripsnorter) about giving birth at home along the full spectrum from freebirth to homebirth. We discuss the research about homebirth, freebirthing culture and what it means to be fully autonomous and liberated at and by your birth wherever you choose to birth. We discuss authoritative knowledge about birth and why decolonising and demedicalising birth is a rebellious act in a society that values making birth medical.

In this episode we invited Dr Hazel Keedle to discuss birth after caesarean. We dispelled the myth of 'once a caesarean always a caesarean', discussed the risks and benefits of planning a vaginal birth vs repeat caesarean and talked about the best things women can do to set themselves up from the beginning to have the birth experience they hoped for when planning their next birth after caesarean. As always, there is a butt load of evidence to support our discussion and B adds a new word to the 'b-ism' dictionary... bone hole... the bones where your baby comes out from... your bone hole. You'll also get a chance to win Hazels new book, 'birth after caesarean'.   You can join our mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com 

In this episode Mel and B lay out information about group B strep (GBS) and the GBS swab in pregnancy. We discuss why it is a bacteria found normally in 20% of the female population, the difference between colonisation and infection, the risks during, pregnancy, birth and the first week of your babies life. We talk about how it's accidentally discovered, what the usual treatment is and if this is even needed. As usual, it's information, but rebellious. We dare you to make an informed decision about what you'll do about GBS after hearing this episode. 

In this episode B prepared a pelvic bowl full of information about how to prepare your body for pregnancy and birth, instead we got stuck at the very beginning on the clitoris, the right way to poo, the importance of regular organisms to prepare for birth and the function of your skenes glands in sex and birth. We both learnt more about our bodies and ourselves than we thought, and we think you will too. After hearing this episode you won't ever think of sex, orgasms, birth or your cervix the same ever again. You're welcome. 

We are ALL about sharing evidence-based information. That is, information that comes out of actual research papers. This week, along with our guest Prof. Hannah Dahlen, Mel and B talk about how anyone (maternity care providers, women, families, birth workers, etc) can find good quality research without having to pay for it. We give secret hacks about getting access to research papers that might help you better negotiate your care options and we discuss how to interpret and use it once you've found it. As a bonus, Hannah breaks down the ARRIVE trial to help us understand why it is a useless research paper in the real world when deciding if induction of labour is right for you. To get access to research papers and databases mentioned in this podcast, get on the podcast mailing list at www.melaniethemidwife.com Fact check on this episode - we mentioned that midwives and health professionals have poor access to research, we have since learnt that publicly employed staff have access to a database through the government - however it's not 'everything' like a university database. But it is more than nothing. Midwives, if you are still employed, you have access! go git it :-)  

Due dates - this week we talk about due dates, how they are calculated, how the timing of pregnancy has been medicalised, the shortfalls of 'estimated due dates' and the importance of knowing your due date in a world where 'post-dates' pregnancy is taboo. We also discuss how women who go beyond 41 weeks of pregnancy are 'cared for' by the system and navigate the pressure that women feel to have an induction of labour. We learn about the history of full term pregnancy and catch the bloopers at the end where Mel educates B on a few farm facts about animals and their due dates. Remember, its an 'estimated' due date, because babies come when they want to ;-) If you want to get on the mailing list head over to www.melaniethemidwife.com 

We discuss the medicalisation spectrum... if you don't know what that is then this episode is for you. We discuss the spectrum of physiological philosophy and along the spectrum to biomedical philosophy and how to match your philosophy with the choices you make of care provider and birth location. We dig deep into the research about the safety of birth and the lies we are told about the dangers of birth. We put forth an argument for why we should all be rebelling from the authoritative story about birth because it's a big fat lie.

Welcome to our introductory episode to the great rebellion podcast, Meet Dr Melanie Jackson and her co host B for this first episode where you can learn about them, and why they are worth listening to.