Leader: Maureen Miles

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Flexible)

Synopsis

This unit will provide the foundation knowledge required by midwifery students to effectively care for women during preconception through to early parenting. The focus will be on the role of the midwife as a primary carer in relation to: the preparation of women for pregnancy; physiological and psychological adaptation of women during pregnancy and birth, and the first weeks after birth; and care of women and their babies during this continuum.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. describe in detail the anatomy & physiology of the human reproductive system, including; pre-conception, pregnancy, foetal development, birth, lactation and the baby;
2. appreciate the boundaries of care in midwifery;
3. appreciate the concepts of with woman, in partnership, holistic and continuity of care;
4. employ reflective practice and implement evidence based holistic care for women, babies and their families across the childbearing process;
5. discuss the legal issues which impact upon midwifery practice;
6. articulate a philosophy of midwifery;
7. demonstrate developing skills necessary to provide women-centred midwifery care;
8. demonstrate beginning skills in physical assessment of women and their babies at various stages of pregnancy; birth and postnatally; and
9. demonstrate midwifery competency based upon the ACMI Competency Standards.

Assessment

Reflective exercises 10%
guided study activities 10%
written assignment 30%
Compulsory pass required for examination 50%
assessment of midwifery practice skills pass/fail

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Attendance at residential schools held on-campus at Gippsland.