Routine vaginal examinations can cause more harm than good. Sometimes they are needed but most of the time they are not. Vaginal examinations are offered as routine surveillance during most births, but you have a choice. Know that if you don’t want one, that's ok, because there is no evidence that shows that routine vaginal examinations improve outcomes - in fact, it’s more likely to be the opposite.

Some complementary episodes that go with this topic include:

• Ep.88 what if I have to push before I am fully dilated
• Ep.143 - declining medical recommendations

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 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.

Today we talk about all of your ultrasound options in pregnancy. Mel and her guest Phil Jones (sonographer) discuss the full menu of ultrasound options offered to women during pregnancy, right from the dating scan all the way through to the ‘post-dates’ ultrasound. We talk about how to prepare for each scan, how much they cost, what each scan looks for and all the nitty gritty questions that women often have about ultrasounds.

This podcast is and will always be free to you, but if you have benefited from the great birth rebellion, show some tangible support by wearing the rebellion at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

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 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.

We invite Dr. Joel Warsh (Paediatrician) to discuss newborn and childhood vaccine options from his upcoming book, ‘between a shot and a hard place: tackling difficult vaccine questions with balance data and clarity’

We remind our listeners that this podcast does not give advice about your medical choices, they are for you to make.

You can learn more about Dr. Warsh @drjoelgator (instagram) and www.theshotbook.com

Here in Australia Midwives and heath care providers are required to recommend the Australian Immunisation Handbook as the guidance for immunisation strategies. This includes the Australian Immunisation schedule

See the Australian Immunisations Handbook here

This podcast is and will always be free to you, but if you have benefited from the great birth rebellion, show some tangible support by wearing the rebellion at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

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 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.

If you’re pregnant, chances are you’ll feel nauseous or be vomiting. It’s really common! And in this episode I explain 10 strategies that could help reduce and manage your symptoms.

This episode is free to you the listener because of our generous sponsor Hydramama. Keira Rumble the creator of mini and me is offering great birth rebellion listeners 20% off Hydramama electrolyte drink when you use the code GBR20 at the checkout www.miniandme.co

This podcast is and will always be free to you, but if you have benefited from the great birth rebellion, show some tangible support by wearing the rebellion at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

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 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.

What to do when you’re ‘over-due’, what does it mean to be over-due? Is it dangerous? Why do they want to induce you? Is your placenta failing or your baby in danger? Mel looks into due dates, how they are calculated and your options if you go over your due date.

You might also like to listen to episode 84 - the myth of the failing placenta

This podcast is and will always be free to you, but if you have benefited from the great birth rebellion, show some tangible support by wearing the rebellion at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

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 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.

Can you decline recommendations given to you by your care provider? And If you do, what kind of reaction can you expect. In this episode Mel gives insider details of how the maternity care system works and some of the reactions you might expect if you say ‘no’ to medical recommendations. Mel gives actionable strategies that you can employ in the moment but also strategies that will help you advocate and keep your power in the birth space.

This podcast is and will always be free to you, but if you have benefited from the great birth rebellion, show some tangible support by wearing the rebellion at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com

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 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.

Iron deficiency and anaemia in pregnancy occur for nearly 50% of women. In this episode, Mel and her guest Jaimee Smith discuss how to identify iron deficiency early in pregnancy to prevent anaemia, and also how to treat anaemia if it occurs. We discuss diet, supplement and iron infusion options

This episode is sponsored by the convergence of rebellious midwives. Get your ticket to the 2025 convergence being held August 15th-17th 2025

Find out more about Jaimee Smith at www.themidwivesmidwife.com and get access to her iron deficiency and anaemia masterclass 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 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.

Are you pregnant and have been told that your baby is too big or too small? Do they want to induce you or give you a caesarean because of it? This episode is a compilation of the information shared on this podcast over a year ago in the big babies, small babies episodes. It’s been given revamp to only include the facts and snippets and condensed into a single "all killer no filler episode". This is for you if you’ve been told your baby is too big or too small.

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 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.