The Great Birth Rebellion

Dr Melanie Jackson

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

  • 55 minutes 44 seconds
    Episode 198 - Optimising your circadian rhythm for better health

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

    If you are looking for other ways to optimise the function of your body during labour and birth, consider My Guide to giving birth without pain medication and get your free checklist, High Powered Hospital Bag checklist available here.

     

    Other Great Birth rebellion episodes that complement this one include:

    You can learn more about todays guest Max Gulhane at  https://drmaxgulhane.com/

    Click here to see Max’s Circadian Health Retreat 

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    12 April 2026, 8:18 pm
  • 59 minutes 16 seconds
    Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital

    Want to increase your chances of a low-intervention vaginal birth in hospital? Then this episode is for you! If you attend hospital to give birth, you have approximately a 50% chance of having a vaginal birth without an episiotomy, vacuum, forceps, or caesarean section. There are things you can do to increase your chances. This episode gives 5 clear strategies that you can implement today to make a BIG difference to your birth experience. 

    In this episode I mention:

    The great birth rebellion podcast is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    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.

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    5 April 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Episode 196 - Breech Whisperer - Resigned not Retired

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

    You can hear more from Andrew Bisits at The convergence of rebellious midwives conference in Melbourne from July 31st-August 2nd. Information and Tickets through here 

    The great birth rebellion podcast is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    29 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 59 minutes 12 seconds
    Episode 195 - The high powered hospital bag

    Some items make a difference to your birth and postnatal experience. Have a listen to this episode to make sure you don’t miss something on your packing and preparation list for birth. A Full check list of the high powered hospital bag is available here to print and check off. 

    To prepare for your high powered hospital birth, get the guide to giving birth without pain medication so you and your care team are mentally and physically prepared for the work of labour and birth. You can do it! You just need to be prepared. The guide to giving birth without pain medication is all facts, no fluff to help you prepare for labour and birth. 

    The great birth rebellion podcast is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    The other helpful items mentioned in this episode are:

    Great birth rebellion podcast episodes that go well with this one include:

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    22 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    Episode 194 - monitoring your baby in labour

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

    Dr Kirsten Small is an Academic specialising in foetal monitoring and a retired obstetrician. Her work is accessible to anyone making decisions about foetal monitoring and we encourage you to explore:

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Link to watch on Youtube

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    15 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Episode 193 - What to do if your labour is FAST

    Precipitous labour and birth can be a real surprise if you were mentally preparing for a longer labour. Around 15% of women will have a labour that is less than 3 hours and these quick ones require a little bit of understanding and preparation to help you not become overwhelmed by it. There is often no time for pain management, you are on the ride! In this episode, Mel gives some strategies to help you plan and manage a fast labour and birth and also what to do if your baby comes before you get to hospital or before your midwife arrives. 

    This episode comes with 2 helpful check lists with quick tips for you and your support people:

    1. Preparing for a fast labour AND
    2. Born Before arrival

    These are in the podcast resource folder. Get access to them here

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount.

    Get my guide to Working through birth without pain medication here with a bonus section for your partner or support people so they know how to support you through labour and birth without pain medication. 

    You may also love to join us LIVE! The convergence of rebellious midwives conference, tickets are available NOW. Get your ticket here - it’s not just for Midwives! 

    Link to youtube 

    https://youtu.be/MndPC8eH1KA

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    8 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 22 seconds
    Episode 192 - Mel's mastitis protocol

    I came up with this Mastitis protocol early in my career and it’s just always worked. For this reason I have had no inclination to update or change it, because it has proved it to be effective. In this episode I explain my protocol and provide a detailed list of what to do if you think you might have mastitis. My protocol has elements within it that are not aligned with some of the current guidelines and I explain where it diverges and why I persist in using it despite the change in the guidelines

    Click here to go to Mel’s website and subscribe to the podcast mailing list to get Mel’s Mastitis Protocol.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Get Mel's guide to Working through birth without pain medication here with a bonus section for your partner or support people so they know how to support you through labour and birth without pain medication.

    You can watch this episode on YouTube here 

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    1 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Episode 191 - Optimal cord management

    The umbilical has a purpose in the minutes following your baby’s birth. Leaving it intact enhances the health of your baby and assists in the transition to breathing air. In this episode, Mel explains what the cord does in the minutes following birth and what happens to your baby if this transition is interrupted. Mel also covers the special circumstances of collecting cord blood, what if your baby needs resuscitation, keeping the cord intact after a caesarean and cord blood banking. This episode is all about optimal management of the umbilical cord.

    Other episodes that relate to this episode include:

    The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast is made possible by generous sponsors who believe in helping women get the best out of their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Get my guide to Working through birth without pain medication here with a bonus section for your partner or support people so they know how to support you through labour and birth without pain medication.

    This episode was generously sponsored by Birthtime, an award-winning documentary that powerfully captures what great maternity care can look like, wherever women choose to give birth. Get 20% off the Birthtime documentary by using the code REBEL at the checkout. Watch Birthtime here.

    You can watch this episode on YouTube here

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    22 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Episode 190 - When do I NEED an obstetrician?

    Often women are provided with too much medical intervention during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. How do we know when we actually need it? Or when it’s just part of the usual over-medicalised care routine? In this episode Mel offers some suggestions about which circumstances warrant obstetric care and looks at the research about which circumstances midwifery-led care would allow for more favourable outcomes than obstetric care.

    The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast is made possible by generous sponsors who believe in helping women get the best out of their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    This episode was generously sponsored by Birth Time, an award-winning documentary that powerfully captures what great maternity care can look like, wherever women choose to give birth. Get 20% off the Birth Time documentary by using the code REBEL at the checkout. Watch Birth Time here.

    Watch the episode on Youtube here.

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    15 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 46 seconds
    Episode 189 - Midwives Save Lives

    The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) shares that if 1 million more midwives provided care to women through their childbearing years, they would be healthier, happier and fewer women and babies would be damaged or die during their childbearing years. It’s time to stop pretending that Midwives don’t make a difference to outcomes for women and babies. Help us tell governments, regulators and people in power that we want 1 million more midwives in order to save women and babies. Listen to the research and sign the petition for one million more midwives… your signature will make a difference.

    One Million More Petition - sign the petition here

    New global study about One Million More

    ICM website

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Threads

    LinkedIn

    Newsletter

    Article about the One Million More petition that dives into it

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    You can watch this episode on YouTube here

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    8 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Episode 188 - Waterbirth risks and safety

    If you are planning a waterbirth, care for women using water, or you are just waterbirth curious, this episode is for you! You’ll also find this a handy episode for your birth support team so they know how to best help facilitate a waterbirth for you. In this episode we cover the risks and benefits of waterbirth and how to unlock access to one if you come up against resistance.

    In this episode Mel shared her ‘Guide to giving birth without pain medication’, you can get it here.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    You can watch this episode on Youtube here

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    Disclaimer

    The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

    The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

    This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

    All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

    1 February 2026, 4:00 pm
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