Postgraduate - UnitMID5006 - Public and primary health care in midwifery

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

1. Examine women's experiences as recipients of health and maternity care, paying particular attention to socio-economic and cultural difference;
2. Examine the particular health and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander childbearing women and families in historical context;
3. Develop an understanding of their own values and beliefs, and the challenge presented when working with women who are different from themselves;
4. Analyze the concept of cultural safety and the implications for midwifery practice;
5. Discuss the social determinants of health and ill health in relation to childbearing and their impact on perinatal outcomes;
6. Demonstrate theoretical understanding and skills development in education and counselling for health promotion in relation to breastfeeding and fertility regulation, and preparation for childbirth and parenting;
7. Critically examine the role of the midwife as primary health care provider for women of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds;
8. Describe the various models of midwifery care available for the childbearing woman and analyse the factors that limit or facilitate the choices they might make;
9. Critically examine screening in pregnancy in its public health context and the ramifications for maternal and infant health;
10. Explore the impact of contemporary living and lifestyle factors on maternal and infant health during the childbearing year and beyond;
11. Discuss maternity care and its impact on long term maternal and infant health;
12. Critique the role of midwifery in the broader context of public and primary health care provision;
13. Demonstrate competence in the provision of discerning, discriminating, safe midwifery care in a variety of contexts and complexity of environment based upon the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife (2006).