Ep 80 Melanie Jackson on birthing outside the system, balancing research, midwifery, and entrepreneurship

Ep 80 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Melanie Jackson on birthing outside the system, balancing research, midwifery, and entrepreneurship

@PhDMidwives  #MidTwitter  #research #midwifery @westernsydneyu @hannahdahlen @VirginiaSchmie1

https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/

Great Birth Rebellion podcast

Ever wondered how the worlds of naturopathy and midwifery intersect? Join us for an enlightening episode where we promise you'll uncover the inspirational journey of Melanie Jackson. From her roots as a naturopath to becoming a dedicated midwife and researcher, Melanie shares her unique perspective on pregnancy and birth, influenced by pivotal experiences and the wisdom of Ina May Gaskin’s “Spiritual Midwifery.” Discover how her holistic approach complements her midwifery practice and the challenges she faced reconciling these philosophies within hospital settings.

Melanie's story is a testament to resilience and passion. Learn about her academic evolution, from a nursing degree at Sydney University to her unexpected dive into postgraduate research under the mentorship of Hannah Dahlen. Melanie's commitment to physiological birth led her to become a private midwife and eventually pursue a PhD. Hear about the intricate balance she maintained while managing her PhD and midwifery work, the importance of mental health, and the support systems that kept her grounded through it all.

This episode also sheds light on the systemic issues within maternity care, driving women towards alternative birthing options. Melanie offers insightful reflections on conducting unbiased research in emotionally charged contexts and discusses her transition from private midwifery to mentoring aspiring midwives. Finally, get a glimpse into how she balances her dynamic life, including entrepreneurship, family, and community involvement, illustrating how support and a flexible work model have enabled her to thrive.

Chapters

• 0:00 Journey Into Midwifery and Research
• 7:41 Birthing Outside the System
• 16:07 Balancing PhD and Midwifery Work
• 25:26 Challenges in Research and Advocacy
• 32:27 Navigating Midwifery Challenges and Changes
• 43:06 Life, Love, and Success
• 51:49 Expanding Impact Through Mentorship
• 56:19 Expanding Impact Through Business Growth
• 1:11:18 Midwifery Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance