Parent Resources
Pregnancy and birth involve a lot of choices, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. This resource brings together evidence from trusted Australian sources and research so you can understand the interventions commonly used in pregnancy and birth—what they are, why they might be used, and what the evidence says about their outcomes.
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RESEARCH ARTICLES
New call to review gestational diabetes screening
Probiotics for preventing gestational diabetes
BLOG POSTS
Induction for gestational diabetes: what’s the evidence?
Gestational Diabetes: beyond the label
PODCASTS
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148709171
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Ten years of uterine rupture in an Australian tertiary hospital
BLOG POST
VBAC: making a mountain out of a molehill
RESEARCHERS
PODCASTS
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148668424
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149052651
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RESEARCH ARTICLES
Routine vaginal examinations in labour
BLOG POSTS
Vaginal examinations: a symptom of a cervical-centric birth culture
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What it is: Medical or mechanical methods to start labour, usually when there's a risk to baby or mother.
Why it’s done: Post-term pregnancy, high blood pressure, reduced fetal movements, or medical conditions.
Australian data:Overall induction rates: ~30% of births.
Instrumental birth among induced labours: approximately 18–25%, versus 10–15% in spontaneous labours.
Combining induction + epidural can further raise the chance of instrumental birth.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-adverse-outcomes/
Australia's mothers and babies report 2022
BLOG POSTS
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What it is:
A surgical cut made in the perineum during birth to widen the vaginal opening.Why it’s done:
To prevent severe tearing or help deliver the baby quickly if needed.Evidence & Stats (Australia):
Routine episiotomy is not recommended
Rates are ~15–20% for first-time mothers.
Can increase postpartum pain and recovery time if done unnecessarily
RESEARCH
https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/january-february/perineal-tears-a-review
PODCASTS
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148567888
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148573214