Mel - home birth at 43 weeks following a 68hr labour + freebirth at 42 + 5 weeks. We also talk about Mel's newfound passion for postpartum care.

Welcome back to another episode of the Mama Village podcast. Today, I have the honour of sitting down with Mel, who fearlessly embraced the power of home birth and freebirth. Mel's story is nothing short of extraordinary. At 43 weeks gestation, she embarked on a profound journey of birthing her daughter, Alaska, at home, a testament to her unwavering trust in the birthing process and her own intuition. Through 68 hours of labour, Mel found herself navigating the ebb and flow of intensity, reflecting back on her first labour experience with newfound wisdom and clarity. In our conversation, Mel shares the profound importance of belief and support during labour, highlighting the pivotal role her midwife played in guiding her with reassurance and confidence. She reflects on the significance of her baby's prolonged descent, trusting that it was a necessary journey for her safe emergence into the world. But Mel's journey didn't stop there. At 42 + 5 weeks gestation, she embarked on another remarkable journey of freebirth, birthing her son, Lakai, with a profound sense of empowerment and autonomy. With laughter and smiles amidst her contractions, Mel surrendered to the rhythm of labour, finding solace and strength in the sacred journey of bringing new life into the world. Beyond her birthing experiences, Mel speaks passionately about her newfound advocacy for postpartum care and the nurturing of mothers. She emphasises the importance of partner support during the early days of motherhood, highlighting the transformative impact of having a loving and supportive presence by her side. Join us as we journey through Mel's extraordinary story of resilience, surrender, and the profound beauty of birthing on one's own terms. It's a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and a deep reverence for the miraculous journey of motherhood. Don’t forget that if you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. Thank you all for your continuing support! Instagram - @the.mamavillage For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.   Resources mentioned in the podcast: Birthing Instincts Dr Sarah Wickham Positive Birth Australia Newcastle Postpartum Village Facebook page