Homebirth 101: What it’s like to birth at home with a private midwife, with Dr Melanie Jackson

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of having a homebirth but you’ve wondered 1) where on earth to begin and 2) what it’s really like to birth at home with the support of a privately practicing midwife, then this is the episode for you! I recently had the privilege of speaking with the wonderful Dr. Melanie Jackson, who you might know better, from her brilliant Instagram & Youtube channels, as Melanie the Midwife. She has been a privately practicing midwife, & providing homebirth services, for 13 years since 2009. Alongside her work as a midwife, she completed her PhD, called "Birth Outside the System", in 2015, and she has held positions in midwifery research, midwifery lecturing & National Policy development at the Australian College of Midwives. She also runs a brilliant Youtube channel where she breaks down research relevant to pregnancy & birth, amongst many other incredible offerings. Safe to say, Mel is an absolute gift to women, families & birth workers, and it’s my privilege to have her on the show. Today, Mel & I cover everything you need to know about how to have a homebirth. We talk about: how to find a homebirth midwife what it’s like having your own private midwife during your pregnancy what happens during the birth (and yes, we also cover what happens if you need to transfer into hospital) and what it’s like to have your own midwife on call for you after your baby is born, to support you during the early postpartum period. If you enjoy today's episode, it would mean the world to me if you left me a review over on iTunes, because that helps to get this podcast in front of other wild mamas who could also benefit from these conversations. You can also share this podcast with other mamas by simply taking a screenshot & sharing it on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag me at @drjessicahodgens! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Grab your copy of my free guide, 'The Four Things you Actually Need to Know to Prepare for a Physiologic ("Natural") Birth' Spiritual midwifery, by Ina May Gaskin Homebirth Group Australia, Facebook Page CONNECT WITH MELANIE At her website, www.melaniethemidwife.com On Instagram@melaniethemidwife On her YouTube channel, Melanie The Midwife “Transformative Birth Work”, Melanie’s online course for pregnant women and birth workers Launching into private practice mentorship Until next time - stay wild, mamas! Jess xx Find me on Instagram at @drjessicahodgens www.jessicahodgens.com Intro and outro music: "Bloom", from the album The Jasmani Garden by Deya Dova, with the kind permission of the artist. Cover image by Briony Goodsell.  I'm living and mothering on the unceded Country of Dharawal people, and I gratefully acknowledge their ongoing work - and the work of indigenous people everywhere - in the service of thriving life on earth.