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.

  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1

    Having your labour induced has risks and benefits. This episode is part 1 of a discussion of the labour induction process and the associated risks that go along with each stage of an induction. The discussion continues in episode 182. Sometimes the benefits of an induction outweigh the risks, but sometimes an induction is more risky than staying pregnant. This episode offers information to help inform your decisions around labour induction options.

    To learn more about the opportunity to work as a midwife in Darwin please contact Claire Marks: [email protected]  ph: 0431095847 https://midwivesindarwin.com.au/jobs-with-mid/ or check her out on Instagram here @midwivesindarwin

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Her Sonic Rooms has just launched with a limited half-price offer, available right now. If you want in while it’s live, the link is https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/sonicrooms 

    Mel also mentioned the recordings from The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives 2024 and 2025 are available for purchase. These talks are from some of the best minds in the maternity field. Just click the link below that is most relevant for you.

    Podcast episodes that complement this episode 

    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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    14 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 28 minutes 20 seconds
    Episode 180 - Protecting yourself from microplastic in pregnancy

    Women are warned about environmental hazards in pregnancy, but why not microplastics?

    In this episode I share the research about how microplastic gets into your placenta and baby and give you practical strategies to help you avoid microplastics during pregnancy. 

    If you are interested in the guide to giving birth without pain medication that Mel mentioned in today's episode, you can get the guide here

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. 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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    7 December 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    Episode 179 - The transition to motherhood with Jane Hardwicke Collings

    Just as children transition into adulthood through adolescence, women transition into motherhood through matrescence. Jane Hardwicke Collings joins Mel on the podcast today to speak about the transitions through our different life stages including to motherhood and onto menopause where we are gifted new powers! Discover the power of each life stage and how to transition through them healthily. 

    Janehardwickecollings.com

    schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com

    www.spinningwheels.app

    @janehardwickcollings

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. 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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    30 November 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 56 seconds
    Episode 178 - Normal baby movement in pregnancy

    Is your baby moving normally during pregnancy? 15% of women report reduced movement of their baby at some point during their pregnancy, but what are normal movements, how you monitor movement and what could it mean if your baby is moving less? In this episode Mel takes you through the current recommendations for how to monitor your baby’s movement during pregnancy and what to do if you are worried and also the research behind these recommendations.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. 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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    23 November 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Episode 177 - Defending birth and midwifery in the UK

    The UK used to be held up as an idyllic maternity care system worth replicating, but in the past 10 years, the caesarean section rate has increased to over 45% and poor maternal outcomes are rising as a result. Midwives are leaving in droves, birth services that once facilitate physiological birth are closing and the whole system is becoming hostile toward normal birth. There are people petitioning to put a stop to midwifery education from focusing on physiological birth which will fundamentally change midwifery in the UK relegating midwives to obstetric nursing roles. In this episode Mel speaks to Dr Sheena Byrom and Prof Soo Downe who explain the situation and offer practical solutions. 

    The easiest way to help save physiological birth in the UK is to sign this open letter from @thepeoplesbirthtribunal People power = change… sign the letter to help enact change. Together we can save physiological birth in the UK.

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount.

     

    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.

     

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    16 November 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Episode 176 Using birth mapping to make confident choices

    Birth mapping is an evidence-based tool to help with decision making in pregnancy and childbirth. Dr Catherine Bell @birthmapping, joins Mel to discuss the birth map and the research behind it. Birth mapping can help you make confident decisions at forks in the road on your journey through pregnancy and birth. 

    This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. 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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    9 November 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 56 minutes 51 seconds
    Episode 175 - Post-traumatic growth is possible

    Some women feel stuck in a traumatic experience after childbirth, but another possibility is post-traumatic growth. Mel explores this possibility with Midwife and Psychotherapist Dr Athena Hammond. Athena specialises in trauma therapy, specifically around childbirth. In this episode we have a conversation about post-traumatic growth as Athena gives words to the long term experience of recovering from trauma. This is part 2 of my conversation with Athena, a continuation of episode 174. 

    Our guest for this episode is Dr Athena Hammond from @thebirthcounsel You can learn more about Athena at www.thebirthcounsel.com.au

    If you have concerns for your well-being there is help for you at:

    The Gidget foundation Australia

    COPE

    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. This is an example of a nervous system calming technique discussed in our episode today. 

    Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox 

    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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    2 November 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 1 hour 52 seconds
    Episode 174 - Buffering for emotional safety at birth

    Being alive at the end of your birth is different than being kept safe. In this episode Mel invites midwife and psychotherapist Dr Athena Hammond to talk about emotional safety during childbirth, how to enhance emotional safety and some strategies for nervous system preparation. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Episode 175 is about the possibility of post-traumatic growth, a helpful discussion for women who feel emotionally and mentally traumatised by their birth experience who are looking for hope.  

    Our guest for this episode is Dr Athena Hammond from @thebirthcounsel. You can learn more about Athena at www.thebirthcounsel.com.au

    If you have concerns for your well-being there is help for you at:

    The Gidget foundation Australia

    COPE

    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. This is an example of a nervous system calming technique discussed in our episode today. 

    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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    26 October 2025, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Episode 173 - How to give great birth support

    This episode is for your birth support people, your partner, doula, mum, friend… whoever you’ve chosen to be with you for your birth. Mel explains the role of a great support person clearly to give practical tips to your support people about how they can prepare to be the best support person ever!

    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. The perfect preparation for your birth! Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. 

    Related episodes

    Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication 

    Episode 160 - Keeping yourself safe from obstetric violence

    Episode 158 - What is a Doula and Why Should I get One?

    Episode 155 - Optimising the function of your body during labour

    Episode 154 - How to curate a great birth

    Episode 151 - What is it like to be in labour?

    Episode 149 - Increase your chance of vaginal birth in hospital with these strategies

    Episode 143 - Declining medical recommendations

    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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    19 October 2025, 5:00 pm
  • 56 minutes 31 seconds
    Episode 172 - Do I have to consume raspberry leaf tea and dates?

      Raspberry leaf tea and dates are often recommended to you women with the thought that consuming them during pregnancy will assist with a more efficient labour and fewer complications. Today Mel looks at the evidence behind the use of raspberry leaf tea and eating date fruit during pregnancy. Find out what impact they might have on your pregnancy and birth.

    Watch this episode on YouTube now

    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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    12 October 2025, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Episode 171 - The midwives mission with Betty Anne Daviss

    Betty-Anne Daviss has seemingly endless energy and motivation to continue her midwifery mission. This week Betty-Anne Daviss (Canadian Midwife of nearly 50 years!) speaks to Mel about her career as a midwife, her learnings about breech (she invented the crowning touch manoeuvre), her midwifery activism and where to from here. Betty-Anne is an inspiration to midwives who maybe are muddling around not quite sure what this midwifery life is about.

    The resource page for this episode contains the complete works of Betty-Anne Daviss, you can access the resource page if you are on the mailing list for this podcast. 

    Betty-Anne Daviss is one of the keynote speakers coming to the convergence of rebellious midwives 2026. Come see her live - tickets available here 

    Youtube link 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.

    The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

    5 October 2025, 5:00 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App