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

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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. Individualised Care  

46:16 Clinicians' Responsibilities: Understanding Policies

1:00:20 RANZCOG 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.