In this unit, students commence learning about the woman-centred care philosophy that underpins midwives’ practice with women during childbearing. A woman centred approach is linked to the unique context of women’s experiences of childbearing journey with an emphasis on health and wellness. The midwives’ role in facilitating women’s maternity care will be examined from international, national and local perspectives. Students explore views and experiences of childbearing for women grounded in the concepts of diversity and cultural safety with emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s health needs and choices for birthing. Students will develop skills in therapeutic communication, health assessment and the provision of high quality and safe prenatal care. Holistic health assessment and care of the woman and her baby during pregnancy are introduced with a focus on normal physiological adaptions in pregnancy, maternal nutrition and oral healthcare. In this unit, numeracy skills learnt in the Foundations of Nursing unit are linked to learning about safe administration of oral medications. Students will also commence the Continuity of Care program, recruiting two (2) women and undertake 24 hours observational placement with midwives to gain insights into, and reflect upon, the role and scope of practice of midwives in women’s maternity care.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The assessment tasks link to the unit’s learning outcomes and graduate capabilities. In the first assessment students will submit a written piece to Identify the key attributes of therapeutic and professional communication integral to building partnerships with women they work with in practice. Following written feedback, students submit a second written piece that uses critiquing skills to investigate and apply the assessment principles and practices of the midwifery role in facilitating woman-centred care. The third assessment is a practical skills demonstration conducted face to face. The Practice Portfolio tasks (hurdle tasks) are used to record evidence of recruitment of two women for Continuity of Care experiences, observational hours undertaken in the practice setting and the fourth assessment is comprised of reflections on observational practice experience.
Students must also submit a signed and witnessed confidentiality agreement from the Midwifery Practice Portfolio.
To gain an overall pass in this unit, students must attend all practical laboratories for essential skill development as per ANMAC expectations. Students are required to complete and/or submit all assessments. Any absences and non-submissions must be supported with documentation and an application for special consideration via the CUA to the unit convenor.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):