MID1000 · Introduction to Midwifery

Overview

The focus of learning for this unit is centred on your understanding the role of the midwife within contemporary maternity practice environments, and to build foundational knowledge of midwifery practice. In this unit you will explore the philosophical foundations of midwifery practice, which is underpinned by woman centred care. In preparation for your role as a midwife you will gain foundational knowledge of the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period experienced by pregnant women experiencing a normal pregnancy. As midwives play an important role in health education, you will have the opportunity to examine midwifery health promotion, which aims to empower women to achieve optimal maternity health outcomes. You will explore the meaning of providing culturally safe maternity care for women from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, you will examine the regulations of midwifery practice as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss the philosophical foundations of midwifery, the models of maternity care and the midwife's scope of practice in normal midwifery practice;
2. Describe the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period experienced by a normal pregnant woman and her family;
3. Determine the factors which impact on the care of childbearing women, and their families, through a culturally diverse lens, inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders;
4. Discuss the significance of midwifery health promotion and how this empowers childbearing women to achieve optimal health outcomes;
5. Discuss how the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife standards for practice and Code of conduct for midwives, and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) International Code of Ethics for Midwives underpins the expected behaviour and attitudes of your own professional practice.

Workload

12 hours per week of teacher facilitated and self-directed learning including tutorials and online activities. Please refer to Moodle for tutorial types and requirements.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.