Birth Outside the System, with Dr. Melanie Jackson

This is the second half of my conversation with the incredible Dr. Melanie Jackson. In this episode, Mel and I talk about her research into why women choose to birth outside the system. We get pretty raw and real in this conversation. We talk about: Mel’s research into why women choose to birth outside the system (hint: it ISN’T because they’re reckless risk-takers - quite the opposite actually!) What this choice tells us about the state of maternity services and the prevalence of obstetric violence And what we as women, as consumers of maternity services, can do to support homebirth midwifery (because despite it being the gold standard, this model of care is only available to a small percentage of women, and is increasingly under threat). If you missed last week’s episode, don’t forget to go back and have a listen because in the first half of our conversation, Mel and I covered everything you need to know about how to have a homebirth. Melanie Jackson has been a privately practicing midwife, and 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 and National Policy development at the Australian College of Midwives. She’s an absolute gift to women, families and birth workers, and it’s my privilege to have her on the show. 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 and 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' Homebirth Australia Homebirth NSW 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.