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.

There are various strategies that you can start using today that will help to reduce the chances of your vulva or vagina tearing during childbirth. This episode lists the action that you, your care team and partner can use to help you try and increase the chance of your vulva remaining intact during your birth. If you are preparing for birth make sure you get Mel’s guide to giving birth without pain medication here. Episodes that complement this episode: 72 - Episiotomy Part 1 & 73 - Episiotomy Part 2 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth 143 - Declining Medical recommendations 19 - The Perineal Bundle 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 hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf 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. DisclaimerThe 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.