MID2010 - Working with birthing women - 2018

The focus of this 12 credit point unit is to develop midwifery knowledge and skills related to working with women throughout labour and birth.

This unit will enable students to develop skills and confidence in the clinical assessment of the woman and her baby. Students will revise the mechanisms of labour, and will describe, in-depth, the assessments undertaken by the midwife during labour.

Students will examine the theories of pain in relation to labour and childbirth. Students will be able to recognise variations from the normal birthing process, and describe the appropriate interventions for common at risk situations during childbirth.

The impact of current birthing options for women from all backgrounds will be explored. Both 'simulated' and 'real' opportunities to develop skills and knowledge will be provided, to enable students to provide effective care to birthing women.

The clinical practice component will provide students with opportunities to incorporate theoretical learning directly into midwifery practice.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain the comprehensive assessment and care of a woman, from all cultural backgrounds, and her baby, during the birth process;
2. Interpret the philosophical, physiological, psychosocial, spiritual, cultural and environmental factors influencing the birth process;
3. Discuss the midwife's scope of practice and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, when working with women during childbirth;
4. Describe common variations from normal that may arise during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period and the midwife's role in managing these
5. Identify vulnerable populations within Australian society and examine the impact of the current birth options for refugees, asylum seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women;
6. Critique the implications of obstetric interventions and use of technology upon the woman and her family;
7. Critically reflect on the professional health care partnership role when working with vulnerable women and their families, during childbirth;
8. Recognise women's rights, values and cultural beliefs in creating an appropriate and culturally safe environment for women and their partners to birth; and
9. Demonstrate beginning level competency based upon the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife.

Students are required to participate in 160 hours clinical placement. They are also required to continue with their Continuity of Care relationships with women (~20 hours per woman) x 4.

• Written Assignment (2,500 words) (25%)
• Written Exam (2 hours) (35%) (Hurdle)
• Attendance at RANZCOG Fetal Surveillance Education Program (Pass / Fail) (Hurdle)
• Online quiz linked to Fetal Surveillance Education Program (10%)
• Continuity of Care Case Reports (500 words x 2) (Pass / Fail) (Hurdle)
• Clinical Placement with Learning Tools and Skills Assessment (160 hours) (30%) (Pass / Fail) (Hurdle)
• Students must pass clinical placement to pass the unit

Lectures: 2 hour x 8 weeks = 16 hours

Tutorials: 2 hours x 8 weeks = 16 hours

Self directed study: 40 hours

Clinical: 160 hours

Continuity of Care clinical hours: 80 hours

Total: 312 hours.

See also Unit timetable information

Nursing and midwifery