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92922 The Meaning of Birth

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject exposes students to sociopolitical discourses that inform the experience of childbirth for women and their families, and the role of the midwife in that experience. Examining popular culture helps to stimulate students to consider and debate relevant psychosocial and political issues. Students engage in an ongoing process of questioning their own attitudes, values and feelings. Elements of research, self-reflection (as a student and as a future midwife) and woman-centred approaches assist students to prepare for what it means to be a midwife. In order to have a fuller understanding of the meaning of birth, theories of grief and loss are also explored.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Successful completion of this subject will enable you to:

  1. Describe how sociological perspectives inform the social construction of childbirth, motherhood, the family and the midwife.(ANMC 7.1, 12.2)
  2. Appraise the use of popular culture to understand the construction of childbirth. (ANMC 12.1, 12.2)
  3. Analyse women’s stories to identify their individual needs and experiences during their childbirth journey.(ANMC 4.3, 6.1)
  4. Identify the ethical issues in relation to working with woman and their families. (ANMC 1.1, 11.1)
  5. Evaluate, and reflect on, the role of the midwife with particular awareness of issues related to cultural diversity and difference.(ANMC 10.1, 12.1)
  6. Critique the role of the midwife in the political agenda in Australia and internationally.(ANMC 12.2)
  7. Explore the meaning of birth in circumstances of perinatal loss and grief.(ANMC 6.1, 7.2)

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Interview, thematic analysis, and identification of issues for women

Objective(s):

1, 3 and 4
Weighting: 60
Length:

2,000 Words
Criteria:

1. The woman’s story /experience (no more than 300-400 words) (5)

  • A summary of the woman’s experience
  • Woman centred language
  • A woman centred approach is evident

2. Analysis (variable) (10)

  • Table of evidence
  • Data grouped into concepts
  • Themes developed

Emergence of themes is evident by the analysis
Data matches sample transcript

3. Summary of the issues (~1000 words) (20)

  • Three (3) issues identified
  • Issues summarised and related to evidence

4. Ethical issues (~500 words) (10)

  • Issues identified and discussed
  • Issues related to the interview conducted

Interview techniques

  • Evaluation of technique
  • Reflection on what learning occurred

5. Overall presentation (5)

  • Spacing, Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation
  • Correct word length
  • Correct referencing if used

Structure and style

  • Coherency / Fluency
  • Evidence of succinct writing
  • Logical sequencing

Assessment Item 2: Popular culture: Power Point Presentation

Objective(s):

3 and 5
Weighting: 40
Criteria:

Synopsis (500 words) (10)

  • Introduces subject
  • Purpose is clear
  • Discusses examples
  • Provides direction for the audience
  • Ensures meaning is evident
  • Supported with evidence

Presentation (30)

  • Overall (Clear, attractive, holds attention, appropriate length)
  • Content (clear, logical, identifiable meanings, easy to understand)
  • Notes (provide explanation, add to meaning, make presentation clearer)

Assessment Item 3: Reflection on your meaning of birth

Objective(s):

1, 3 and 5
Weighting: 0
Length:

500 words
Criteria:

Identifies own attitudes and understandings about the meaning of birth and discusses whether these have changed or developed through participation in this subject.

Submits written piece of work that is:

  • Logically structured
  • Grammatically correct and free from spelling errors
  • Referenced according to FNM&H Guidelines

Recommended texts

Kirkham, M. 2000, The midwife -mother relationship, Macmillan, London.

Mander, R. 2006, Loss and bereavement in childbearing, 2nd edn, Routledge, London.

Page, L.A. & McCandlish, R. 2006, The New Midwifery: Science and Sensitivity in Practice, 2nd ed, Books for Midwives, Oxford.

Pairman, S., Pincombe, J., Thorogood, C. & Tracy, S. 2006, Midwifery: preparation for practice, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.

Squire, C. 2009, The social context of birth, 2nd edn, Radcliff Medical Press Ltd, Oxon.

Other resources

UTS Student Centres

Building 10
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Tel: (02) 9514 4911

Kuring-gai
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 11am - 4:30pm
Tel: (02) 9514 5021

Website details for student centres: https://servicedesk.uts.edu.au/CAisd/pdmweb.exe
For other resources/information refer to the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health website (www.nmh.uts.edu.au/students/current/index.html) or UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS is located in Student Services, on level 3 building 1 at City Campus and via the Student Services area at Kuring-gai. Phone 9514-2327 or 9514-2361

Please see www.UTS.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.