Sometimes labour can hurt a little or a lot. Either way, there are things that you can do to increase your capacity to manage the pain of labour. This includes your mental game, the capacity of your support team, some free things that can be done anywhere and some other tools that require pre-planning and money. For 18 years I’ve witnessed women giving birth without medical pain management and I’ve offered the full catalogue of what I’ve seen work in this episode.

In this episode I refer to 3 products that you could add to your labour pain management kit:

ElleTENS machine - purchase or hire

The Birthsling by Dr Jess Michaels

Online Hypnobirthing education and skills with Poppy Child use the coupon code "Melanie" at the checkout to receive 20% off.

Other great birth rebellion episodes that complement this episode include:

• Episode 169 - The Epidural
• Episode 119 - What choices did Mel make for her births?
• Episode 15 - The hormones of labour
• Episode 156 - Hypnobirthing! Can it really help?
• Episode 83 - Warnings about the bed and what to do instead
• Episode 20 - Sterile water injections

Watch the 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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

You might be one of the 60% of women who have an epidural during their labour or birth. If you plan a caesarean you’ll have one and 40% of labouring women have one, but do you really know what it is, how it’s done and the positive and negative impact of accepting an epidural? We’ve got you covered - this episode is for everyone. Be prepared for every possibility, including the possibility of epidural.

Watch the 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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

The fetus ejection reflex vs the Ferguson reflex. Did you feel your baby shoot out of you unexpectedly, or that irresistible urge that made it impossible not to push? This episode is to help understand these incredible birth reflexes that make birth so much easier and faster and how to make them work for you. Today Mel discusses the difference between the fetus ejection reflex and the ferguson reflex and gives practical strategies for how to support them so your pushing phase is easier. This episode complements episode 167. Pushing out your baby.

Watch Your incredible birth reflexes! Youtube Video mentioned in this episode.

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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

Pushing out your baby is NOT about the eye popping, no breathing, PUSH PUSH PUSH PUUUUUUUSH scene that you see in movies. Unfortunately though many women are coached by their care provider to push a particular way. It doesn’t have to be like that. The evidence shows that you and your baby would be better off without a coach guiding your pushing or breathing during the pushing phase. In this episode I show you the evidence and give some suggestions on how to make your pushing phase and birth of your baby as good as it can possibly be.

Wtach the pushing out your baby Youtube Video mentioned in this episode.

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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

On Aug 19th 2025 the world farewelled legendary Obstetrician Michel Odent. He spent his career trying to warn us of the generational impact of interrupting labour and birth and gave timeless advice on the practice of authentic midwifery and obstetrics. Today in this Ode to Odent I give a broad sweeping overview on the work of Odent that I believe should be preserved and passed on to this generation. If we forget his work we forget the basic needs of women in childbirth. The resource folder this week contains the complete and total works of Michel Odent as a time capsule of his contributions.

To get access to the resource folder join the podcast mailing list 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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

A long and lovely career in midwifery requires strategic effort, the midwifery workforce is in a crisis of unsustainability so how can you be one of the midwives that makes it to a long and lovely career? In today's episode Mel gives direct and clear steps and strategy to creating a career that you love. She also reflects on the convergence of rebellious midwives and invites participation is a new project through ‘bite club’

Join bite club here

Join the email list here so you can grab your ticket to the convergence of rebellious midwives from September 1st 2025

Get the book ‘So good they can’t ignore you’ - Cal Newport

If you liked this episode you might also be interested in:

• Ep 137. Reclaiming Midwifery a modern day battlecry
• Ep 132. Who is Mel and what is she doing?
• Ep 117. How to change the system
• Ep 107. What are we rebelling against anyway?
• Ep. 92. Midwifery changes in Australia
• Ep 77. The Place of policy
• Ep 57 Getting reported to AHPRA
• Ep 49 Ethics and informed consent

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.

The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

Sometimes homebirth doesn’t go as planned and transfer to hospital is required. This doesn’t mean your homebirth failed! Planning a homebirth improves your chances of a good outcome even if you end up birthing in hospital. Today Abby Sidery from @birthcirclesydney talks to us about her homebirth transfer and why it was still the most exhilarating experience even though nothing went to plan.

Other episodes that are mentioned throughout her story include:

• 44. Prelabour rupture of membranes
  
• 79. Wise women Sheryl Sidery
  
• 112. Is CTG in pregnancy beneficial?
  
• 113. CTG use in labour and birth
  
• 114. Is CTG ever beneficial?
  
• 133. The risks of induction pt 1
  
• 134. The risks of induction pt 2
  
• 33. Induction
  
• 26. Breech Birth with Andrew Bissits
  
• 19. The Perineal Bundle
• 101. The brain and body in labour with Dr Sarah Buckley

• 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 or watch this podcast on Youtube here
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by donating 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 its 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, or delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain the 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.

The below transcript was created with AI and may contain errors.

The evidence on the safety of homebirth is well-established. This episode presents some of the research about the physical outcomes that you can expect for yourself and your baby if you plan to give birth at home. This episode explores the research for women with uncomplicated pregnancies and the evidence on higher risk homebirth scenario's will be explored in future episodes. The information in this episode can help you determine if homebirth is a good choice for you.

We more podcast episodes on the topic of homebirth if this topic is of interest to you:

150. Considering homebirth?

111. Is hospital birth dangerous for women?

81. How do homebirth midwives manage birth emergencies?

54. What do midwives do at a homebirth?

8. Giving birth at home

• 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 or watch this podcast on Youtube here
• If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by donating 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 its 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, or delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain the 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.

The below transcript was created with AI and may contain errors.