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.
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder</a></li>
 <li>Get yourself a ceramic travel mug or 1L drink bottle <a href="https://thegreatbirthrebellion.com/collections/all" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></li>
 <li>Get the <a href="https://amzn.to/4vsQBTM" rel="noopener noreferrer">First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother</a> on Amazon.</li>
</ul>
Episodes Mentioned in this episode
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148890986" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleep</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148910519" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth?</a></li>
</ul>
This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@popthatmumma</a>. 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 <a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox</a>.
You can watch this episode on <a href="https://youtu.be/7GZhW_uoi1M" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube here</a>
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast<ul><li>Join&nbsp;the podcast mailing list&nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/">www.melaniethemidwife.com</a></li><li>Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at <a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/">www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com</a></li><li>Follow us on social media <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/">@thegreatbirthrebellion</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/">@melaniethemidwife</a></li><li>If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"> by leaving a tip</a> to support the ongoing work of this podcast.</li></ul>&nbsp;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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Get yourself a ceramic travel mug or 1L drink bottle &lt;a href="https://thegreatbirthrebellion.com/collections/all" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;Get the &lt;a href="https://amzn.to/4vsQBTM" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother&lt;/a&gt; on Amazon.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Episodes Mentioned in this episode&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148890986" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleep&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148910519" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Episode 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;@popthatmumma&lt;/a&gt;. 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 &lt;a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can watch this episode on &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/7GZhW_uoi1M" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;YouTube here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join&amp;nbsp;the podcast mailing list&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/"&gt;www.melaniethemidwife.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your &lt;strong&gt;Great Birth Rebellion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;merchandise&lt;/strong&gt; now at &lt;a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/"&gt;www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow us on social media&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/"&gt;@thegreatbirthrebellion&lt;/a&gt; and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/"&gt;@melaniethemidwife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey &lt;strong&gt;please consider&lt;/strong&gt; thanking us financially&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"&gt; by leaving a tip&lt;/a&gt; to support the ongoing work of this podcast.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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.

Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)

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
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder</a></li>
 <li>For clinicians who want to be even more exceptional, <a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/assembly-sales" rel="noopener noreferrer">join the assembly of rebellious midwives</a>, 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 </li>
</ul>
This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@popthatmumma</a>. 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 <a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox</a>
You can watch this <a href="https://youtu.be/JVn6vxn-0YM" rel="noopener noreferrer">episode on YouTube.</a>
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast<ul><li>Join&nbsp;the podcast mailing list&nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/">www.melaniethemidwife.com</a></li><li>Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at <a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/">www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com</a></li><li>Follow us on social media <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/">@thegreatbirthrebellion</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/">@melaniethemidwife</a></li><li>If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"> by leaving a tip</a> to support the ongoing work of this podcast.</li></ul>&nbsp;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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Click here to join the podcast mailing list and access the podcast resource folder&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;For clinicians who want to be even more exceptional, &lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/assembly-sales" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;join the assembly of rebellious midwives&lt;/a&gt;, 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 &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;@popthatmumma&lt;/a&gt;. 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 &lt;a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can watch this &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/JVn6vxn-0YM" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;episode on YouTube.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join&amp;nbsp;the podcast mailing list&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/"&gt;www.melaniethemidwife.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your &lt;strong&gt;Great Birth Rebellion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;merchandise&lt;/strong&gt; now at &lt;a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/"&gt;www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow us on social media&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/"&gt;@thegreatbirthrebellion&lt;/a&gt; and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/"&gt;@melaniethemidwife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey &lt;strong&gt;please consider&lt;/strong&gt; thanking us financially&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"&gt; by leaving a tip&lt;/a&gt; to support the ongoing work of this podcast.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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.

Episode 205 - Anti-D for Rh Negative women

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:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149100042" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 173 - How to give great birth support</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149091410" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149029432" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode 151 - What is it like to be in labour?</a></li>
</ul>
 
<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get Mel’s Guide to Giving Birth Without Pain Medication here</a>.
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 <a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/GH0w9xunaME" rel="noopener noreferrer">You can watch this episode on Youtube here. </a>
 
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast<ul><li>Join&nbsp;the podcast mailing list&nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/">www.melaniethemidwife.com</a></li><li>Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at <a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/">www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com</a></li><li>Follow us on social media <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/">@thegreatbirthrebellion</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/">@melaniethemidwife</a></li><li>If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"> by leaving a tip</a> to support the ongoing work of this podcast.</li></ul>&nbsp;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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other relevant episodes for this podcast:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149100042" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Episode 173 - How to give great birth support&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149091410" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Episode 170 - Managing labour without pain medication&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149029432" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Episode 151 - What is it like to be in labour?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Get Mel’s Guide to Giving Birth Without Pain Medication here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://youtu.be/GH0w9xunaME" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;You can watch this episode on Youtube here. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join&amp;nbsp;the podcast mailing list&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/"&gt;www.melaniethemidwife.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your &lt;strong&gt;Great Birth Rebellion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;merchandise&lt;/strong&gt; now at &lt;a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/"&gt;www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow us on social media&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/"&gt;@thegreatbirthrebellion&lt;/a&gt; and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/"&gt;@melaniethemidwife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey &lt;strong&gt;please consider&lt;/strong&gt; thanking us financially&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"&gt; by leaving a tip&lt;/a&gt; to support the ongoing work of this podcast.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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.

Episode 204 - Advocating for yourself in the maternity system

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:
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer">The guide to giving birth without pain medication</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Podcast resource folder</a> - includes the cheat sheet and the acupressure points </li>
 <li><a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/swollen-cervix" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Cheat sheet - strategies to reduce a swollen cervix</a>  </li>
</ul>
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 <a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/6mx8xe89B0s" rel="noopener noreferrer">You can watch this episode on Youtube here </a>
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast<ul><li>Join&nbsp;the podcast mailing list&nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/">www.melaniethemidwife.com</a></li><li>Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at <a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/">www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com</a></li><li>Follow us on social media <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/">@thegreatbirthrebellion</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/">@melaniethemidwife</a></li><li>If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"> by leaving a tip</a> to support the ongoing work of this podcast.</li></ul>&nbsp;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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here are the links for:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The guide to giving birth without pain medication&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/mel-s-free-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The Podcast resource folder&lt;/a&gt; - includes the cheat sheet and the acupressure points &lt;/li&gt;
 &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/swollen-cervix" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The Cheat sheet - strategies to reduce a swollen cervix&lt;/a&gt;  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://youtu.be/6mx8xe89B0s" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;You can watch this episode on Youtube here &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join&amp;nbsp;the podcast mailing list&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/"&gt;www.melaniethemidwife.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your &lt;strong&gt;Great Birth Rebellion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;merchandise&lt;/strong&gt; now at &lt;a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/"&gt;www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow us on social media&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/"&gt;@thegreatbirthrebellion&lt;/a&gt; and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/"&gt;@melaniethemidwife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey &lt;strong&gt;please consider&lt;/strong&gt; thanking us financially&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"&gt; by leaving a tip&lt;/a&gt; to support the ongoing work of this podcast.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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.

Episode 203 - Swollen cervix in labour

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.
<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here.</a>
This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/" rel="noopener noreferrer">@popthatmumma</a>. 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 <a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox</a>
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast<ul><li>Join&nbsp;the podcast mailing list&nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/">www.melaniethemidwife.com</a></li><li>Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at <a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/">www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com</a></li><li>Follow us on social media <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/">@thegreatbirthrebellion</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/">@melaniethemidwife</a></li><li>If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially<a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"> by leaving a tip</a> to support the ongoing work of this podcast.</li></ul>&nbsp;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

<description>&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/GqRkAjeD/checkout" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Grab Mel’s Guide to giving birth without pain medication here.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This great birth rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;@popthatmumma&lt;/a&gt;. 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 &lt;a href="https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join&amp;nbsp;the podcast mailing list&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;to access the resource folder from each episode at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.melaniethemidwife.com/"&gt;www.melaniethemidwife.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your &lt;strong&gt;Great Birth Rebellion&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;merchandise&lt;/strong&gt; now at &lt;a href="http://www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com/"&gt;www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow us on social media&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegreatbirthrebellion/"&gt;@thegreatbirthrebellion&lt;/a&gt; and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/"&gt;@melaniethemidwife&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey &lt;strong&gt;please consider&lt;/strong&gt; thanking us financially&lt;a href="https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/offers/daGzmvGr"&gt; by leaving a tip&lt;/a&gt; to support the ongoing work of this podcast.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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.

Episode 202 - Pre-eclampsia management: the balance between protection and prematurity

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.
Want more? Follow along at @melaniethemidwife and @thegreatbirthrebellion on SM
Subscribe to get access to the resources behind the episodes at melaniethemidwife.com and get your merch at thegreatbirthrebellion.com.

The Great Birth Rebellion

Details

Recent Episodes