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  • Episode 207 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (part 2)
    2026/06/14

    Get practical ways to support recovery in the first 2 weeks after birth. Learn how to prepare your home for easier access to supplies, early breastfeeding patterns, and what to expect as milk comes in during the first few days.

    Expect huge emotional changes around day three, including crying and feeling overwhelmed, and discover how to distinguish these from postpartum depression and the rarer postpartum psychosis.

    Mel also discusses safe sleep, normal newborn care, rest, managing visitors, and common postpartum experiences such as sweating, soreness, fatigue, and intrusive thoughts.

    Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder.

    Episodes Mentioned:

    • Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleep

    This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is a doula and hypnobirthing practitioner whose online hypnobirthing course, The Birth Box, has already helped thousands of women get ready for labour by teaching tools to manage intensity, surrender to the ride, and reframe labour as a purposeful pain rather than a harmful one. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box, which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the checkout 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

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    1 時間 1 分
  • Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)
    2026/06/07
    The first two weeks after birth have a lot going on… So I'm doing 2 episodes on it. Here you will learn what recovery can look like for both mother and baby. I discuss the wide range of postpartum experiences, the care gap that can exist after birth, and how support from midwives, nurses, GPs, partners, family, friends, and the wider community can help with feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing. I’m also going to explain matrescence, the transition into motherhood, and the physical, emotional, and identity changes that can happen after birth. This episode covers practical early postpartum advice, including skin-to-skin contact, feeding, rest, wound healing, bleeding, swelling, afterbirth pains, and what to watch for if there are signs of infection or heavier-than-expected blood loss. I give guidance on the first wee and first poo postpartum, as well as the importance of food, fluids, and support in the early days. The first days can feel intense, but we adjust and things usually become more manageable. Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folderGet yourself a ceramic travel mug or 1L drink bottle hereGet the First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother on Amazon. Episodes Mentioned in this episode Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleepEpisode 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth? This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is a doula and hypnobirthing practitioner whose online hypnobirthing course, The Birth Box, has already helped thousands of women get ready for labour by teaching tools to manage intensity, surrender to the ride, and reframe labour as a purposeful pain rather than a harmful one. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box, which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the checkout 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 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
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    1 時間 31 分
  • Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women
    2026/05/31

    Women with negative blood groups are routinely offered at least 3 doses of anti-D throughout pregnancy. The question is, what is anti-D, do you really need it? What happens if you choose not to take it? And how do you make wise decisions about anti-D. In this episode, Mel explains it all along with all the different tests and screening options that you can choose to help you make decisions about anti-D in pregnancy

    • Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder
    • For clinicians who want to be even more exceptional, join the assembly of rebellious midwives, a collective of tapped in clinicians learning from each other so that we can provide women with evidence-based, woman centred and respectful maternity care

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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.

    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

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    49 分
  • Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system
    2026/05/24

    Being pregnant may be the very first reason you’ve had prolonged exposure to the health care system. Interacting with the maternity care system can feel confusing and frightening and some women feel pressured and coerced into accepting testing, screening, treatments and medicines that they didn’t really want, but didn’t know how to say NO or negotiate other options. In this episode Mel shares her thoughts and strategies that you can use when advocating for yourself in the maternity care system

    Other relevant episodes for this podcast:

    • Episode 173 - How to give great birth support
    • Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication
    • Episode 151 - What is it like to be in labour?

    Get Mel’s Guide to Giving Birth Without Pain Medication here.

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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

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    56 分
  • Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour
    2026/05/17

    If you get a swollen cervix during labour, your care provider might recommend an epidural or caesarean section. There are many other things you can try before resorting to such extreme measures and this episode covers them all. Interestingly, there are no research papers AT ALL to substantiate any of the strategies to remedy a swollen cervix so it’s worth trying them all to see what works, if you want to avoid an epidural or caesarean just because of your swollen cervix

    Here are the links for:

    • The guide to giving birth without pain medication
    • The Podcast resource folder - includes the cheat sheet and the acupressure points
    • The Cheat sheet - strategies to reduce a swollen cervix

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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

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    50 分
  • Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity
    2026/05/10

    If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, this is a must-listen episode to prepare you for the journey ahead. Mel continues the pre-eclampsia 2-part series by focusing on management, decision-making, and navigating the emotional toll of this acute illness.

    This is part 2. Episodes 201 and 202 give a deep dive into what preeclampsia is, ways to prevent and diagnose it, and today we talk about what happens if you’ve got it.

    Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here.

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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

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    35 分
  • Episode 201 - Preeclampsia: Red Flags, Risk Factors, and Reducing Your Chances
    2026/05/03

    In this episode Mel casts a critical eye over the serious pregnancy complication of preeclampsia. She explains what pre-eclampsia is, how to diagnose it, how it develops and some strategies on how to prevent it. In this episode, you will also learn who is more likely to get pre-eclampsia so that preventative strategies can be targeted.

    Get your tickets to The convergence of rebellious midwives conference, tickets available NOW - it’s not just for Midwives!

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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

    Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here.

    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

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    52 分
  • Episode 200 - How to choose great maternity care for you
    2026/04/26

    The medicalisation spectrum is 101 when it comes to understanding how to plan pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. In this episode Mel explains the medicalisation spectrum with reference to where your care provider and chosen birth location would also fit along the spectrum. Mel discusses 2 birth philosophies and encourages you to explore where you sit, so you can match your philosophy to the rest of your care. This information is the secret sauce to planning a satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

    The visual representation that Mel referred to in this episode can be found @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion on instagram and also accessible at anytime for those on the podcast mailing list in the resource folder for this episode

    Get The Great Birth Rebellion Catalogue for the first 200 episodes here.

    This great birth rebellion podcast episode is 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

    続きを読む 一部表示
    37 分