The Great Birth Rebellion

mel@melaniethemidwife.com

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Episode 214 - Spicy Question Time with Mel

August 02, 2026

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. She tackles burning birth questions and hot topics, including: 08:32 – To protect the perineum or not when pushing? How to know when to do it and when not to do it? 14:18 – How can we protect our oxytocin when transferring from home to hospital? 19:50 – Do you think that posterior labour that's not su...

Episode 213 - What if I have an epidural

July 26, 2026

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. In this episode I mention: The Guide to giving birth without pai...

Episode 212 - It’s Not ‘False’ Labour, It’s Prodromal Labour

July 19, 2026

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. You are in labour, but for some reason your body is not making visible signs of progress towards birth. Why does this happen? There are lots of reasons why you could be having a long early phase of labour… it can be completely normal and there is lots ...