Ep. 363: The Overmedicalization of birth and your right to decline with Melanie the Midwife

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In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host Hehe welcomes Dr. Melanie Jackson, a renowned midwife and PhD holder in midwifery, also known as Melanie the Midwife. They dive into the intricacies of the hospital birth system, discussing how over-medicalization can affect birth outcomes and the importance of educating oneself to navigate these systems effectively. Dr. Jackson shares insights on the cascade of interventions, the significance of understanding hospital policies, and ways to take radical responsibility for your birth experience. Both Hehe and Dr. Jackson advocate for women to be well-informed and proactive in their childbirth planning. They also touch upon the similarities and differences between the Australian and U.S. healthcare systems, the rising cesarean rates, and how confirmation bias affects the acceptance and practice of new medical research. The episode wraps up with a discussion of Dr. Jackson’s resources, including her Guide to a Great Birth and the Great Birth Rebellion podcast.

00:00 Introduction to Birth and Interventions

01:00 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

01:14 Understanding the Cascade of Interventions

02:30 Navigating the Hospital System

03:32 Introducing Dr. Melanie Jackson

05:42 Resources for Advocacy and Research

08:42 Meet Preg Nancy: A Unique Educational Tool

15:34 The Industrialization of Birth

27:54 The Power of Advocacy and Education

43:38 Equipping Your Birth Support Team

44:46 Taking Control of Your Birth Experience

46:48 The Reality of Postpartum Comfort

49:25 Understanding C-Section Rates in Australia

50:16 The Impact of Medicalization on Birth

57:24 The Role of Research and Confirmation Bias

01:06:53 Navigating Hospital Policies and Personal Responsibility

01:17:26 Resources and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio:

Dr Melanie Jackson (AKA Melanie The Midwife) loves to help midwives and women around the world better understand and apply the research relating to matrescence (the process of becoming a mother). She does this as the host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast, supporting and mentoring midwives, as well as educating mothers.

Melanie has a PhD in Midwifery - Birth Outside the System: Wanting the Best and Safest. She has various publications in academic journals. Mel has worked in multiple research roles and lectured at Western Sydney University.

Since 2009, Mel has been a Privately Practising Midwife, providing homebirths in the Blue Mountains. She has mentored midwives into private practice in every state and territory across Australia and supports rebellious midwives around the world through The Assembly of Rebellious Midwives and The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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Connect with Mel on YouTube

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Check out Dr. Mel’s website

The Convergence for midwives

Listen to The Great Birth Rebellion