Leader: Maureen Miles

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Flexible)

Synopsis

An introduction to the obstacles women may experience during childbearing and the care of babies with special needs. Students will develop their existing knowledge/skills by working with women and other members of the healthcare team when problems arise during pregnancy, labour & birth, and the first weeks after birth. Students will have an opportunity to study circumstances that commonly result in a baby being admitted to a Level 2 Nursery and issues confronting the infant & family during this period will be explored. Emphasis is given to the collaborative role of the midwife, referral, use of medical technology & intervention, and the implications for women, their babies, and midwives.

Objectives

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

1. utilise knowledge from the biosciences applicable to woman experiencing obstacles;
2. describe and identify common embryological and fetal developments that give rise to abnormalities;
3. examine specific medical and obstetric conditions that affect childbearing;
4. evaluate the implications of obstetric interventions for the woman and midwifery practice;
5. demonstrate skills in the management of emergencies in childbearing;
6. demonstrate understanding of the circumstances that may necessitate admission of a baby to a Level Two nursery;
7. evaluate the Level Two Nursery environment and its impact upon the baby and family;
8. utilise the clinical decision making process to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the care required by the baby and the family;
9. demonstrate an appreciation of the family's need for privacy, dignity and respect, as well as their right to be informed and to make decision regarding care of their baby;
10. demonstrate the ability to practice within a multidisciplinary team in an environment of complexity;
11. facilitate woman's access to appropriate community resources; and
12. demonstrate midwifery competency based upon the ACMI Competency Standards.

Assessment

Reflective journal
guided study activities 20%
written assignment 30%
Compulsory pass in examination 50%
assessment of midwifery practice skills pass/fail.

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Attendance at residential schools held on-campus at Gippsland.

Prerequisites

MID9001 Woman midwife partnerships