92390 Perinatal Mental Health
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, 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.
Subject handbook information prior to 2022 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is based on a population health approach to perinatal mental health promotion. The role of the midwife in early recognition of protective and risk factors that impact on women’s mental health and the development of their infants is explored. Students build the clinical midwifery skills required to work both in primary healthcare and within multidisciplinary contexts to support women’s emotional and psychological health and wellbeing during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal year.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Demonstrate the role and scope of practice of the midwife in supporting women’s emotional health and well-being during the perinatal period, including a comprehensive understanding of community resources to support maternal wellness. |
|---|---|
| B. | Undertake universal evidence based screening and appropriate woman centred referral to and collaboration with psychiatric, psychological, community and other relevant services. |
| C. | Reflect and discuss the relevance of a strengths-based approach to perinatal mental health care. |
| D. | Critically explore and discuss depression, anxiety and related conditions that may occur during the perinatal period and understand the implications of pre-existing mental illness upon childbearing and early parenting. |