In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Melanie Jackson, PhD researcher and host of The Great Birth Rebellion, to explore evidence-based maternity care and how birth systems can better support women and babies across all birth settings.

We discuss the medicalisation of birth, how fear and risk are often overstated in modern maternity care, and the need to shift social messaging that frames birth as inherently risky and dangerous. Mel explains why continuity of care is so important for positive birth outcomes, whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birth centre birth, home birth, vaginal birth, or caesarean birth.

The conversation also explores the importance of acknowledging and working through fears around pregnancy and birth, rather than suppressing them. Mel shares three practical questions to ask when an intervention is suggested during pregnancy or labour:

Is it medically necessary?

Is it standard policy or usual practice?

Or is it the doctor’s personal preference?

A grounded, inclusive conversation about informed consent, maternal choice, and maternity care that prioritises the birthing mother and baby (duh!!)

An essential listen for women thinking about having a baby, currently pregnant, or preparing for birth- in other words…share this with your preggy and preggy-to-be friends Dazeys!!

This episode is proudly sponsored by OSEA, Boll & Branch and Hungryroot!

Resource Links:

The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast

melaniethemidwife.com

Follow Melanie on IG: @melaniethemidwife

Follow Sarah Wright Olsen: IG: @swrightolsen

Follow Teresa Palmer: IG: @teresapalmer

FB: https://www.facebook.com/teresamarypalmer/

DISCOUNT CODES: • Go to www.baeo.com and get 20% when using the code MOTHERDAZE20 • Go to www.lovewell.earth and get 20% when using the code MOTHERDAZE20

More about the show! • Watch this episode on YouTube here • Co-founders of @yourzenmama yourzenmama.com • Read and buy our book! "The Zen Mama Guide To Finding Your Rhythm In Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices