Available in 2024
Course code

MIDI2107

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

In this course students add to their growing knowledge base for midwifery, learning to safely care for women and/or their babies experiencing complexity. Using midwifery, physiological, medical, pharmacological, europhysiological, and sociological theory, emphasis is placed on the health needs of women and babies with complexities: that is women who are ill or at risk of illness and/or their compromised baby who is ill or at risk of illness, in the postnatal period. Recognising and responding to deteriorations in condition through careful and regular assessment and care and instigating appropriate escalation, is foundational. Further legal concepts for midwifery are introduced.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Online

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. show understandings, from a midwifery perspective, of mothering and being a family in complex situations

2. analyse evidence informed midwifery and other health care for best outcomes for postnatal women and babies with challenges to their health

3. discuss midwifery interventions which assist women and their babies with lactation and breast/complementary feeding in complex situations

4. demonstrate knowledge of safety in medication administration and the interpretation of diagnostic testing/screening results in the context of complex health needs

5. identify potential health needs for postnatal women and babies from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and women with specific ethnic and other diverse needs and their babies

6. develop growing abilities in critical thinking, academic reading and writing, and the use of digital technology


Content

Module 1: Support

  • A woman-centred, rights-based approach to care for postnatal women and their babies in complexity
  • Psychosocial postnatal support for women:
  1. who are ill or at risk of physical and/or mental illness
  2. with a baby who is ill or at risk of illness or injury
  3. when their baby needs complex newborn care
  • Support for partners and families in complexity

Module 2: Care of the postnatal woman

  • Physical assessment and care of unwell women: pain relief, skin care, wound care, fluid balance, nutrition, hygiene, continence and comfort
  • Recognising/responding to a deteriorating health condition
  • Lactation/breastfeeding support
  • Secondary postpartum haemorrhage
  • Pharmacology in the complex postnatal time

Module 3: Care of the baby

The First Four Hours

  • the antenatal environment and the impact of labour and birth
  • challenges transitioning to extrauterine life
  • seeking help from, and collaborating with, the multidisciplinary team
  • immediate care of the baby with complex needs
  • skin-to-skin and the first breast feed
  • birth injuries

The First Week, and Ongoing

  • Recognising/responding to deterioration
  1. noticing physiological deviations before significant changes in care are required or harm occurs
  2. ensuring a timely and accurate response encompassing all necessary support and treatment from appropriate members of the healthcare team
  • Infant feeding: breastfeeding, complementary feeds for complex babies
  • Newborn babies needing complex care, including those with:
  1. respiratory disorders
  2. jaundice
  3. a mother with diabetes
  4. drug withdrawal
  5. neonatal infections
  6. cardiovascular disease
  7. genetic disorders and errors of inborn metabolism
  8. disorders of other body systems

Module 4: Accompanying issues

  • The impact of illness in the postnatal time on the first 2000 days of life
  • Mother/baby attachment
  • Grief and loss: Women, partners, families, support people and midwifery
  • Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their babies
  • Working with women with specific ethnic and other diverse needs
  • Community resources and services available after discharge
  • Legal and ethical issues: Competence; protecting children; work, health and safety
  • Overview of quality improvement/research approaches for safe care

Requisite

Students must be active in the Bachelor of Midwifery [40297] or [12200] programs to enrol in this course.


Assumed knowledge

HUBS1416 Advanced Human Bioscience HUBS2203 Introductory Pharmacology MIDI1207 Midwifery Professional Experience 2 MIDI2106 Women with complex pregnancies MIDI2203 Women with complex labours INDH2510 Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Midwifery Care


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Scenario learning package
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.

Online Learning Activity: Online discussions
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.


Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Online

Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Lectures are virtual
Online Activity-1
  • Online 1.5 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 72 hour(s) per term
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.