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The Great Birth Rebellion

The Great Birth Rebellion

By: Dr Melanie Jackson
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About this listen

 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.© 2025 Melanie The Midwife Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Episode 169 - The Epidural

    Episode 169 - The Epidural
    Sep 21 2025

    You might be one of the 60% of women who have an epidural during their labour or birth. If you plan a caesarean you’ll have one and 40% of labouring women have one, but do you really know what it is, how it’s done and the positive and negative impact of accepting an epidural? We’ve got you covered - this episode is for everyone. Be prepared for every possibility, including the possibility of epidural.

    Watch the episode on Youtube here.

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    • Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com
    • Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com
    • Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
    • If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this 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.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Episode 168 - Your incredible birth reflexes!

    Episode 168 - Your incredible birth reflexes!
    Sep 14 2025

    The fetus ejection reflex vs the Ferguson reflex. Did you feel your baby shoot out of you unexpectedly, or that irresistible urge that made it impossible not to push? This episode is to help understand these incredible birth reflexes that make birth so much easier and faster and how to make them work for you. Today Mel discusses the difference between the fetus ejection reflex and the ferguson reflex and gives practical strategies for how to support them so your pushing phase is easier. This episode complements episode 167. Pushing out your baby.

    Wtach Your incredible birth reflexes! Youtube Video mentioned in this episode.

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    • Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com
    • Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com
    • Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
    • If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this 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.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Episode 167 - Pushing out your baby

    Episode 167 - Pushing out your baby
    Sep 7 2025

    Pushing out your baby is NOT about the eye popping, no breathing, PUSH PUSH PUSH PUUUUUUUSH scene that you see in movies. Unfortunately though many women are coached by their care provider to push a particular way. It doesn’t have to be like that. The evidence shows that you and your baby would be better off without a coach guiding your pushing or breathing during the pushing phase. In this episode I show you the evidence and give some suggestions on how to make your pushing phase and birth of your baby as good as it can possibly be.


    Wtach the pushing out your baby Youtube Video mentioned in this episode.

    Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

    • Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com
    • Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com
    • Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife
    • If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this 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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 25 mins
All stars
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Amazing resource for all things birth. I love their passion and dedication to providing unbiased information. These women are changing the pregnancy and birthing culture and I’m so here for it!

So informative

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Absolutely love this podcast. A great way to receive a summary of research to help inform and empower women, to assist with decision making and to help women feel confident with birth.
I recommend this podcast to all of my Hypnobirthing clients and any pregnant woman who wants to learn more.
Thanks for everything you do Mel!

Evidence based, empowering and very interesting

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I have honestly listened to each episode at least 3 times each. Mel and B are educated, balanced and engaging. the information discussed is researched, unbiased and thorough. Every single pregnant person in Australia and those who support them should listen. I rave on about the great birth rebellion and have called on their information throughout my pregnancy so many times. I feel confident, informed and able to advocate for myself in a potentially hostile medical system.

INCREDIBLE! Informative, educational and evidenced

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Highly recommend this podcast! I’m 42 with a higher BMI and the ‘system’ has been trying to intervene, regardless of my other healthy lifestyle factors, etc. to have an induction. There’s so much pressure to listen to the Drs and take on their recommendations. I’m so happy I listened to so many of these podcasts (about 20!) to ensure I had the right information to focus on what’s right for me and my baby. Thank you so much for your time, effort and thoughtful information that’s so beneficial for every pregnant mother 😍

Focusing on what’s real and natural for a wonderful experience for Mums and Bubs

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