🤰 In this episode I’m joined by Dr Melanie Jackson, a midwife and researcher who transitioned from naturopathy into midwifery to better support women through pregnancy and birth.

🧬 We explore the physiology of labour and birth, including the role of oxytocin, the Ferguson reflex, and how the body is biologically designed to bring babies into the world when supported rather than over-managed.

🏡 We also discuss the differences between hospital birth, home birth with a registered midwife, and free birth, alongside the research gaps and controversies surrounding these approaches.

💧 Dr Jackson unpacks common myths around water birth, explains how midwives support physiological birth, and reflects on how hospital policies and rising C-section rates are shaping modern maternity care.

🌿 This conversation ultimately centres on maternal autonomy, informed decision making, and what a truly woman-centred model of birth could look like.

Find Melanie and her incredible work at melaniethemidwife.com or on Instagram @melaniethemidwife 

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