• 1 hour 31 minutes
    Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)

    The first two weeks after birth have a lot going on… So I'm doing 2 episodes on it. Here you will learn what recovery can look like for both mother and baby. I discuss the wide range of postpartum experiences, the care gap that can exist after birth, and how support from midwives, nurses, GPs, partners, family, friends, and the wider community can help with feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing.

    I’m also going to explain matrescence, the transition into motherhood, and the physical, emotional, and identity changes that can happen after birth. This episode covers practical early postpartum advice, including skin-to-skin contact, feeding, rest, wound healing, bleeding, swelling, afterbirth pains, and what to watch for if there are signs of infection or heavier-than-expected blood loss.

    I give guidance on the first wee and first poo postpartum, as well as the importance of food, fluids, and support in the early days. The first days can feel intense, but we adjust and things usually become more manageable.

    Episodes Mentioned in this episode

    This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is a doula and hypnobirthing practitioner whose online hypnobirthing course, The Birth Box, has already helped thousands of women get ready for labour by teaching tools to manage intensity, surrender to the ride, and reframe labour as a purposeful pain rather than a harmful one. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box, which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the checkout 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

    7 June 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 10 seconds
    Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women

    Women with negative blood groups are routinely offered at least 3 doses of anti-D throughout pregnancy. The question is, what is anti-D, do you really need it? What happens if you choose not to take it? And how do you make wise decisions about anti-D. In this episode, Mel explains it all along with all the different tests and screening options that you can choose to help you make decisions about anti-D in pregnancy

    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 https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    You can watch this episode 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

    31 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 56 minutes 3 seconds
    Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system

    Being pregnant may be the very first reason you’ve had prolonged exposure to the health care system. Interacting with the maternity care system can feel confusing and frightening and some women feel pressured and coerced into accepting testing, screening, treatments and medicines that they didn’t really want, but didn’t know how to say NO or negotiate other options. In this episode Mel shares her thoughts and strategies that you can use when advocating for yourself in the maternity care system

    Other relevant episodes for this podcast:

     

    Get Mel’s Guide to Giving Birth Without Pain Medication here.

    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 https://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

    24 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 11 seconds
    Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour

    If you get a swollen cervix during labour, your care provider might recommend an epidural or caesarean section. There are many other things you can try before resorting to such extreme measures and this episode covers them all. Interestingly, there are no research papers AT ALL to substantiate any of the strategies to remedy a swollen cervix so it’s worth trying them all to see what works, if you want to avoid an epidural or caesarean just because of your swollen cervix 

    Here are the links for:

    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 https://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

    17 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 34 minutes 41 seconds
    Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity

    If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, this is a must-listen episode to prepare you for the journey ahead. Mel continues the pre-eclampsia 2-part series by focusing on management, decision-making, and navigating the emotional toll of this acute illness. 

    This is part 2. Episodes 201 and 202 give a deep dive into what preeclampsia is, ways to prevent and diagnose it, and today we talk about what happens if you’ve got it.

    Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here.

    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 https://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

    10 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 42 seconds
    Episode 201 - Preeclampsia: Red Flags, Risk Factors, and Reducing Your Chances

    In this episode Mel casts a critical eye over the serious pregnancy complication of preeclampsia. She explains what pre-eclampsia is, how to diagnose it, how it develops and some strategies on how to prevent it. In this episode, you will also learn who is more likely to get pre-eclampsia so that preventative strategies can be targeted.

    Get your tickets to The convergence of rebellious midwives conference, tickets available NOW - it’s not just for Midwives! 

    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 https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

    Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication 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

    3 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 36 minutes 55 seconds
    Episode 200 - How to choose great maternity care for you

    The medicalisation spectrum is 101 when it comes to understanding how to plan pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. In this episode Mel explains the medicalisation spectrum with reference to where your care provider and chosen birth location would also fit along the spectrum. Mel discusses 2 birth philosophies and encourages you to explore where you sit, so you can match your philosophy to the rest of your care. This information is the secret sauce to planning a satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

    The visual representation that Mel referred to in this episode can be found @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion on instagram and also accessible at anytime for those on the podcast mailing list in the resource folder for this episode

    Get The Great Birth Rebellion Catalogue for the first 200 episodes here.

    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 https://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

    26 April 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 56 minutes 51 seconds
    Episode 199 - Light, Sun and Vitamin D for Health

    We know sun contains nutrients, vitamin D is one of the most well-known, but there are other health properties that are garnered from sunlight both directly on our skin and indirectly that are essential for health. Listen to see if you are harvesting what your body needs from the sun.

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

    Click here to see Max’s Circadian Health Retreat 

    Get my Guide to giving birth without pain medication here… it’s just $27

    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

    19 April 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 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
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