The Great Birth Rebellion

Jaksot

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  Episode 220 - Shoulder Dystocia 13.09.2026 1t 19min

  Summary: This episode of The Great Birth Rebellion podcast looks at shoulder dystocia — an urgent birth complication that often fills women and clinicians with fear. Host Mel shares practical prevention strategies and simple, minimally invasive management techniques designed to make the experience less stressful and help clinicians feel more confident. She also talks through common shoulder dystocia techniques she's completely abandoned, and what she uses in their place. The episode includes links to free resources (a podcast resource folder, a guide to giving birth without pain medication, and a waitlist for Mel's "Assembly of Rebellious Midwives"), a sponsor discount code for a birth prep product, and pointers to related past episodes on big/small babies and induction of labour.
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  Episode 219 - Restless Legs in Pregnancy 06.09.2026 21min

  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. 
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  Episode 218 - The Cascade of Intervention 30.08.2026 1t 23min

  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.
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  Episode 217 - Surviving and Thriving in Midwifery 23.08.2026 59min

  In this episode, Mel interviews Lynnelle Moran about her research into the working life of midwives and provides tips to help you prevent burnt out.
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  Episode 216 - Childbirth for Children 16.08.2026 23min

  In this episode, Mel and her 9 year old daughter Frida explain childbirth to your children. We explain the unique anatomy of a woman's body and how incredible and capable women's bodies are in growing and birthing babies.
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  Episode 215 - Strategies to avoid tearing during birth 09.08.2026 55min
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  Episode 214 - Spicy Question Time with Mel 02.08.2026 1t 10min

  It’s spicy Friday but on a Monday! In this episode Mel answers listener questions in this unscripted, off-the-cuff, unfiltered Q&A session submitted straight from her social media followers.
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  Episode 213 - What if I have an epidural 26.07.2026 1t 16min

  You might be one of the 60% of women who have an epidural during their labour or birth. Whatever birth you’re planning, knowing about epidurals is an absolute must. Epidurals are the most effective form of pain relief available in labour, but they are much more than just a quick injection—they come with a complete "package" of interventions, altered physiology, and downstream effects that women are rarely fully informed about.
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  Episode 212 - It’s Not ‘False’ Labour, It’s Prodromal Labour 19.07.2026 1t 36min

  Around 25% of women will experience a longer than anticipated early labour phase. Some maternity care providers might explain this as ‘false’ labour… but I can assure you it’s not false, it’s called ‘prodromal labour’ or prolonged early labour. That is what this episode is all about and as an extra special treat, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma shares her story of prodromal labour. This episode is full of tips and strategies if you are sustaining yourself through a long early labour phase.
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  Episode 211 - Manage your labour pain with sterile water injections and hypnobirthing 12.07.2026 54min

  Why not favour pain management options that have no side-effects? In this episode, Mel interviews midwife and researcher Nigel Lee who explains the research he and his team undertook regarding 2 pain management options for labour and birth - sterile water injections and hypnobirthing. In this episode we pick apart the research, explain how they are used and show how using sterile water injections and hypnobirth could change the course of your labour and birth. If you want to reduce your chances of needing an epidural or caesarean, this episode has some helpful strategies for you.
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  Episode 210 - It's bad but there's hope 05.07.2026 54min

  Mel shares her key learnings from the 2026 International Confederation of Midwives Conference in Portugal, exploring the major global challenges facing maternity care, including the over-medicalisation of childbirth, midwifery workforce shortages, and the loss of skills that support physiological birth. She also highlights the solutions already making a difference and how midwives and birth workers can help improve outcomes for women and babies.
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  Episode 209 - The 5 BIG induction studies 28.06.2026 1t 16min

  In this episode, Dr Melanie Jackson and Professor Hannah Dahlen unpack the five major research studies that are commonly used to support induction of labour for suspected big babies, pregnancies beyond 41 weeks, and women over 35. They explore the strengths, limitations and clinical implications of each study, helping listeners better understand the evidence and make informed decisions about induction.
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  Episode 208 - Beyond 40 weeks pregnant 21.06.2026 59min

  Mel explores the history and mathematics behind estimated due dates, challenging the idea that pregnancy should end precisely at 40 weeks. She examines why treating day 280 as a strict deadline can lead to unnecessary interventions and encourages a more nuanced understanding of pregnancy length, risk, and decision-making around induction.
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  Episode 207 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (part 2) 14.06.2026 1t

  Mel explores what recovery can look like in the first two weeks after birth, including breastfeeding in the early days, preparing your home for postpartum, emotional changes, safe sleep, visitor management, and common physical recovery experiences. She also discusses the difference between the baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis, helping families understand what is normal and when to seek support.
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  Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1) 07.06.2026 1t 31min

  In this episode, Mel explores what to expect during the first two weeks after birth for both mothers and babies. She discusses the realities of postpartum recovery, the often-overlooked care gap after birth, and the importance of practical and emotional support from partners, family, friends, midwives, nurses, and GPs.
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  Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women 31.05.2026 49min

  In this episode, Mel unpacks what anti-D is, why it’s routinely offered during pregnancy to women with negative blood groups, and the different testing and screening options available. She explores the evidence, risks, benefits, and considerations around accepting or declining anti-D, helping listeners make informed decisions that feel right for them.
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  Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system 24.05.2026 56min

  Pregnancy is often a person’s first prolonged experience within the healthcare system, and navigating maternity care can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or intimidating. In this episode, Mel explores the pressure and coercion many women experience around testing, screening, treatments, and interventions, and shares practical strategies to help you advocate for yourself, ask questions, and navigate your options with confidence.
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  Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour 17.05.2026 50min

  A swollen cervix during labour can sometimes lead care providers to recommend an epidural or caesarean section, however there are many other strategies that may help before moving to those interventions. In this episode, Mel explores the available options, discusses the surprising lack of research on swollen cervix management, and shares practical resources and techniques for those hoping to avoid unnecessary intervention.
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  Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity 10.05.2026 34min

  Part 2 of Mel’s preeclampsia series focuses on what happens after diagnosis — covering management, decision-making, and the emotional impact of the condition. It builds on Episode 201, which explores what preeclampsia is, along with prevention and diagnosis.
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  Episode 201 - Preeclampsia: Red Flags, Risk Factors, and Reducing Your Chances 03.05.2026 51min

  Mel takes a closer look at preeclampsia, breaking down what it is, how it develops and is diagnosed, and who is most at risk — along with practical strategies for prevention and early awareness.