92271 Foundations of Midwifery Practice

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

The aim of this subject is to increase students' understanding and appreciation of childbearing as a normal healthy development experience in the life cycle of a woman and her family. The childbearing experience encompasses the pre-conceptual period through to early parenting. The subject also aims to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the role of the midwife as a health care professional, providing a critical contribution to the quality of the women and her family's experience of childbearing. This subject provides students with a framework for midwifery practice, and develops their knowledge and skills in the care of the woman and her family experiencing normal pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. Students maintain contact with the women with whom they made initial relationships in Health Assessment.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. apply an understanding about the anatomy physiology of childbirth to midwifery practice and decision making
2. describe the emotional, psychological and sociocultural changes that can influence pregnancy and childbirth
3. explore issues relating to stillbirth and newborn death and family bereavement
4. develop beginning skills to assess the physical, social–cultural, and psychological needs of the mother — during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal
5. begin to develop clinical judgment skills by reflecting on and analysing the midwifery support required by and provided to women during pregnancy.

Content

• Antenatal period: anatomy of pelvis and fetal skull, physiological changes of pregnancy and influence on the woman, psychosocial issues, midwifery care, exploration of options.
• During labour and birth: physiological process, mechanisms of labour, psychological and sociocultural influences, exploration of ways to keep birth normal, and midwifery care.
• Postpartum period: physical and emotional changes in the postpartum period and their potential effects on women's lives and wellbeing, sociocultural influences, physiology of lactation, WHO code, exploration of options, midwifery care.
• Working with women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD).
• Newborn period: physiological adaptation and normal behaviour.
• Woman centred care in practice.
• Community resources available to women and families.
• Occupational health and safety in maternity care.