The Great Birth Rebellion

We need you Australia! It’s time to rally! Meet us on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra at 10:30am on November 24th, 2026. Access to midwives in Australia is under threat because the Australian Government has refused to address an insurance gap for midwives attending homebirth. At the mother of all Rallies In 2008 we protested on the lawns of parliament asking for a fit-for-purpose insurance product for midwives. In 2026 we are doing it again at the Grandmother of all rallies in a last ditch effort to secure a solution to prevent women losing access to homebirth services. It’s a really bad look for the Australian government to prevent access to midwives, especially for rural and remote women and we are making a noise about it. 

Click here to register your attendance at the Rally (https://events.humanitix.com/grandmother-of-all-rallies-canberra) so the organisers can make big plans

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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 its 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

Is my baby moving normally during pregnancy? One of the most common questions pregnant women ask. 15% of women report reduced movement of their baby at some point during their pregnancy, but what are normal movements? How do 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. She shares the research behind these recommendations and what to do if you are worried. 

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

This episode has been generously sponsored by:

• Ergo Pouch - check out my favourite cotton sleeping pouches here (https://ergopouch.pxf.io/ZV15bz) buy well, buy once. Ergo Pouches are my family's choice for simple and transportable sleep wear. 
• Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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 its 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

Mel is talking all about the labour process. The focus is on how you can identify and understand labour and how it progresses so you can be prepared for each part of it. We start from early labour all the way through to pushing out your baby.

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

Complementary episodes:

• 149. Increase your chances of vaginal birth (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149022790)
• 148. Why do they put their fingers in your vagina (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149017213)
• 82. Failure to progress or just normal? (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148602793)
• 65. Breathwork for birth with Emma Johnston (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148469047)
• 55. Supplies to gather for home labour (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148221037)
• 47. Managing labour pain without medicine (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148065112)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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 its 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

Natasha found out she was pregnant with twins at her 21 week ultrasound. She already had her private midwife but had to pivot quickly in order to access the additional care she needed. Natasha gave birth to both of her babies vaginally, and both were breech. Today she shares her story of how she curated a twin birth and made sure she didn’t have to compromise too much. This story offers birthing women a case study of how you can navigate the maternity care system and keep options available to you. This is the second part of this twin story.

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

Complementary episodes:

• 223 - Navigating twin pregnancy and birth Part 1 https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149262618

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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 its 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

Discovering you’re pregnant with twins comes with the weight of knowing that your pregnancy and birth care might look different to what you were hoping for. There are ways of navigating the maternity care system and curating your twin birth so it still represents your preferences, even if new restraints mean you have to compromise. This is part one of navigating twin pregnancy and birth options, especially if you want to avoid a cesarean. In this episode we use a case study to unfold the story of strategies that you can use to put as many options on your twin menu as possible. In this episode we speak to Midwife Hannah Muller and Doula Louise Gorham about their role in Natasha’s twin birth with her two breech babies. Next week (episode 224) we speak with Natasha, the woman who curated a twin birth that felt best to her. 

Our guests on today's episode are:

Hannah Muller - Soul Midwifery - www.soulmidwifery.au - IG @soulmidwiferyau (https://www.instagram.com/soulmidwiferyau)

Louise Gorham - Doula Lou- www.doulalou.com.au - IG @doula_lou (https://www.instagram.com/doula_lou)

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

Complementary episodes:

• Ep. 42 - Twins with Dr Stuart Fischbien (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148000895) 
• Ep. 143 - declining medical recommendations (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149000686) 
• Ep. 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity care system (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149207341)
• Ep. 113 &114 -  CTG use in labour and birth (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148850856)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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 its 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

You CAN have hot baths, heat packs, sauna and do intense exercise in pregnancy. Feeling hot during pregnancy is not a risk to your unborn baby, but hyperthermia for a prolonged period could be. You may have been told by your care provider to avoid hot baths in pregnancy, however, the Finnish and Swedish women are being told by their care providers that it’s safe to sauna during pregnancy. I have a look at the research on getting hot when pregnant and how to do it safely. It’s time to enjoy heat again and I’ll explain how. 

Get Mel’s FREE push without panic classes here → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/opt-in-8cc9d700-8dda-4ee1-9722-22bd8af9c6ba

The research and resources from each episode → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff

Explore everything else:

• Website → www.melaniethemidwife.com 
• Instagram → @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife) AND @thegreatbirthrebellion (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication → https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication
• Great Birth Rebellion Merch → www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

In this episode Mel mentioned:

• Giving a tip to contribute to the ongoing work of the podcast (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr/checkout)
• The Guide to Giving birth without pain medication (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication)

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma (https://www.instagram.com/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 

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

Everything changes when you are pregnant! Your body, brain, relationships, lifestyle AND of course, your sex life. Nobody tells you how to navigate this change or even if it’s safe to have sex when you’re pregnant. Some women have low sex drive, some have high, for some it hurts and others are just confused. In this episode Mel gets into the details, balls and all and uses real juicy language to talk you through it. This episode is not for little ears. 

In this episode Mel mentions the guide to giving birth without pain medication. You can get that here

Other Episodes related to this one:

• Episode 215 - Strategies to avoid tearing during birth
• Episode 62 - Thrush in pregnancy

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

You can watch this episode on Youtube here https://youtu.be/ODlP_CO8ejs 

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.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Shoulder dystocia is an urgent situation during birth BUT there are some strategies that you can use to prevent it and some simple and minimally invasive interventions that can be used to manage it. Shoulder dystocia often fills women and clinicians with fear, however this episode offers some simple strategies and suggestions to make the management of shoulder dystocia less stressful and help clinicians feel more confident. Mel offers the techniques that she uses and explains which common techniques she has completely abandoned (and what to use in their place). 

In this episode Mel makes reference to:

• The Podcast resource folder - sign up to the mailing list for access
• The Guide to giving birth without pain medication - get it here
• The Assembly of rebellious midwives wait list - join now 

Other episodes that complement this one include:

• Episode 141 - Big babies small babies 
• Episode 152 - The 5 BIG induction studies 
• Episode 181 - Induction of Labour Part 1
• Episode 182 - Induction of Labour Part 2

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

You can watch this 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.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

Restless legs is a circumstance in pregnancy where you feel an irresistible urge to move, stretch, kick your legs or walk around. It gets especially worse when at rest and in the evening and can cause you to have difficulty sleeping during pregnancy. This episode explains restless legs and some solutions to help stop it. 

This episode comes with a cheat sheet and magnesium spray recipe which you can find here.

In this episode I referenced Episode 142 - Iron deficiency in pregnancy which I recommend you listen to if iron deficiency is the cause of your restless legs.

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

If you want some strategies to help avoid epidural and manage the pain of labour without medication, get the guide 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.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors

The cascade of intervention is a known and proven phenomenon within maternity care. More and more research is revealing that interventions have both intended and unintended consequences. In order to remedy the side-effects or unintended consequences of some interventions, others a required to remedy the impact of the last. This is the cascade of intervention. In this episode Mel explains the concept of the cascade and goes through research that demonstrates the reality of the cascade of intervention. 

In this episode Mel mentions the avoidance of epidural as a way to avoid the cascade of intervention. If you want some strategies to help avoid epidural and manage the pain of labour without medication, get the guide here

Complementary episodes that accompany this episode include:

• Episode 148 - Why do they put their fingers in your vagina?
• Episode 112 - Is CTG in pregnancy beneficial?
• Episode 113 - CTG use in labour and birth
• Episode 114 - Is CTG ever beneficial?

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

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.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors