The Great Birth Rebellion

By Dr Melanie JacksonSociety & Culture Alternative Health Health & Fitness Relationships Parenting Kids & Family

Favorites
108
Followers
Typical duration
59 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

The Great Birth Rebellion episodes

October 26, 2025Episode 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
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
1 hr 1 min
October 19, 2025Episode 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!
Get Mel's ‘Guide to giving birth without pain medication’ here. (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. The perfect preparation for your birth! Use the code Melanie at the check out to claim your discount. (https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox)
Related episodes
Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149091410)
Episode 160 - Keeping yourself safe from obstetric violence (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149060987)
Episode 158 - What is a Doula and Why Should I get One? (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149054366)
Episode 155 - Optimising the function of your body during labour (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149046652)
Episode 154 - How to curate a great birth (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149040893)
Episode 151 - What is it like to be in labour? (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149029432)
Episode 149 - Increase your chance of vaginal birth in hospital with these strategies (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149022790)
Episode 143 - Declining medical recommendations (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149000686)
Watch the episode on Youtube here (https://youtu.be/gCaAJPpWhuE).
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 (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) 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
1 hr 14 min
October 12, 2025Episode 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
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
57 min
October 05, 2025Episode 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
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
1 hr 3 min
September 28, 2025Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication
Sometimes labour can hurt a little or a lot. Either way, there are things that you can do to increase your capacity to manage the pain of labour. This includes your mental game, the capacity of your support team, some free things that can be done anywhere and some other tools that require pre-planning and money.
For 18 years I’ve witnessed women giving birth without medical pain management and I've used all that experience to create a guide to giving birth without pain medication you can get the guide here if you want an all facts no fluff guide to giving birth without pain medication
In this episode I refer to 3 products that you could add to your labour pain management kit:
ElleTENS machine - purchase or hire
The Birthsling by Dr Jess Michaels
Online Hypnobirthing education and skills with Poppy Child use the coupon code "Melanie" at the checkout to receive 20% off.
Other great birth rebellion episodes that complement this episode include:
Episode 169 - The Epidural
Episode 119 - What choices did Mel make for her births?
Episode 15 - The hormones of labour
Episode 156 - Hypnobirthing! Can it really help?
Episode 83 - Warnings about the bed and what to do instead
Episode 20 - Sterile water injections
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.
All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors
1 hr 23 min
September 21, 2025Episode 169 - The Epidural
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.
For 18 years I’ve witnessed women giving birth without medical pain management and I've used all that experience to create a guide to giving birth without pain medication you can get the guide here (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication) if you want an all facts no fluff guide to giving birth without pain medication
Watch the episode on Youtube here (https://youtu.be/Gzf4Vxk3fbs).
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 (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) 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
1 hr 15 min
September 14, 2025Episode 168 - Your incredible birth reflexes!
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.
Watch Your incredible birth reflexes! Youtube Video.
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
57 min
September 07, 2025Episode 167 - Pushing out your baby
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.
Get Mel's ‘Guide to giving birth without pain medication’ here. (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/birth-without-pain-medication)
Watch the pushing out your baby Youtube Video (https://youtu.be/k0-Cv9HQATg?si=S1Y4iW9VBBDXXhSE) 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 (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/) and @melaniethemidwife (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/)
If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financiallyby leaving a tip (https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr) 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
1 hr 26 min
August 31, 2025Episode 166 - An ode to Odent
On Aug 19th 2025 the world farewelled legendary Obstetrician Michel Odent. He spent his career trying to warn us of the generational impact of interrupting labour and birth and gave timeless advice on the practice of authentic midwifery and obstetrics. Today in this Ode to Odent I give a broad sweeping overview on the work of Odent that I believe should be preserved and passed on to this generation. If we forget his work we forget the basic needs of women in childbirth. The resource folder this week contains the complete and total works of Michel Odent as a time capsule of his contributions.
To get access to the resource folder join the podcast mailing list here.
Get Mel's ‘Guide to giving birth without pain medication’, 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
1 hr 5 min
August 24, 2025Episode 165 - How to have a long and lovely midwifery career
A long and lovely career in midwifery requires strategic effort, the midwifery workforce is in a crisis of unsustainability so how can you be one of the midwives that makes it to a long and lovely career? In today's episode Mel gives direct and clear steps and strategy to creating a career that you love. She also reflects on the convergence of rebellious midwives and invites participation is a new project through ‘bite club’
Join bite club here
Join the email list here so you can grab your ticket to the convergence of rebellious midwives from September 1st 2025
Get the book ‘So good they can’t ignore you’ - Cal Newport
If you liked this episode you might also be interested in:
Ep 137. Reclaiming Midwifery a modern day battlecry

Ep 132. Who is Mel and what is she doing?

Ep 117. How to change the system

Ep 107. What are we rebelling against anyway?

Ep. 92. Midwifery changes in Australia

Ep 77. The Place of policy

Ep 57 Getting reported to AHPRA

Ep 49 Ethics and informed consent
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
51 min

About The Great Birth Rebellion

From the publisher's feed

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.