Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit will extend foundational midwifery knowledge to provide safe, woman-centred, effective care across the childbearing continuum. The unit is required by students to consolidate their foundational learning and extend their midwifery knowledge on the role of the midwife within the available models of maternity care. The exploration of pre-pregnancy and antenatal evidence-based care and advice will prepare students for support of women during the Continuity of Care Experience (CCE) as a requirement for course registration. Commonly used medications and non-pharmacological therapies in the continuum of pregnancy care will be explored.

The aim of this unit is to build on earlier learning about the anatomy and the physiological processes of childbearing and extend students' knowledge of contemporary midwifery concepts in relation to care planning for women across the childbearing continuum.

We recognise that people who access maternity care may have diverse gender identities, that those who do can experience marginalisation and oppression, and that using appropriate terminology can help with these community members’ recognition and visibility, acknowledge the variety of pregnancy and birth experiences people may have, and respect individuals’ preferences. To reflect this, terms such as ‘pregnant person’, ‘birthing person’, ‘childbearing people’, ‘parent’ and ‘chestfeeding’ may be used in the midwifery courses at ACU in addition to ‘woman’, ‘mother’, ‘maternity’, ‘maternal’ and ‘breastfeeding’, which are used not to exclude those who do not identify as a woman, but in recognition that women continue to be marginalised and oppressed in many places around the world and to respect their own individual preferences.

2026 10

Campus offering

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  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

HLSC122 Evidence for Practice AND (MIDW127 Foundations in Midwifery OR MIDW111 Midwifery Professional Practice 1: Foundations in Midwifery Knowledge and Practice OR MIDW112 Foundations in Midwifery )

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Analyse selected models of care in relation to saf...

Learning Outcome 01

Analyse selected models of care in relation to safety, collaboration, the rights and self-determination of the woman and her family.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC11

Demonstrate effective communication and collaborat...

Learning Outcome 02

Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills in relation to health promotion in pre-pregnancy, antenatal and early labour.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC9, GC10, GC12

Apply the principles of care planning and evaluati...

Learning Outcome 03

Apply the principles of care planning and evaluation of safe, holistic, evidence-based midwifery care for women, babies and their families in a culturally appropriate manner.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC3, GC5, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Apply the knowledge and principles of safe medicat...

Learning Outcome 04

Apply the knowledge and principles of safe medication administration within the scope of practice and quality use of medicines framework.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11

Content

Topics will include: 

Legal and professional practice 

  • Legal issues in midwifery care 
  • Informed consent 
  • Duty of care
  • Documentation and use of health informatics and health technologies 
  • Legal aspects of medication administration 
  • Medication knowledge and administration
  • Ethical practice 
  • Evidence-based practice 
  • Assertive communication skills

Midwifery knowledge and practice 

  • Pregnancy care 
  • Models of care 
  • Cultural competence 
  • Principles and practice of antenatal care 
  • Miscarriage 
  • Health screening and diagnostic testing  
  • Antenatal health assessment 
  • Antenatal education 
  • Advice regarding minor discomforts of pregnancy 
  • Working with women to develop birth preferences 
  • Recognition of labour 
  • Early labour care  
  • Introduction to non-pharmacological pain management 
  • Care planning  
  • Medication administration 
  • Complementary therapies and common medications in antenatal care 
  • Routes of administration and rationale 
  • Postnatal care of the well mother and baby 
  • Postnatal assessment  
  • Introduction to feeding methods 

Midwifery as primary health care  

  • Health promoting behaviours 
  • Family care  

Reflective and ethical practice 

  • Evaluation and reflection within care planning and provision

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures consistent with University assessment requirements will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes.  

Students will work in groups to develop an oral presentation exploring discipline specific skills and knowledge of health promotion for childbearing women. The group work enables students to experience and reflect on working within the midwifery team, the wider multidisciplinary team and in health promotion teams. The written assignment provides students with the opportunity to explore the evidence base regarding care planning for women across the childbearing continuum. The examination enables students to demonstrate a sound knowledge base in addressing content and process questions related to unit content. 

In order to pass this unit, students are required to comply with all attendance requirements, submit all assignments on or before the due date (unless an Extension has been approved by the LIC), and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%.

These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this programme, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective midwife. 

Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1 - Group Work (including Oral Pr...

Assessment Task 1 - Group Work (including Oral Presentation) 

Enables students to achieve sound communication and team skills and demonstrate understanding of key concepts in health promotion for childbearing women.

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2 - Written Assignment (1200...

Assessment Task 2 - Written Assignment (1200-1500 words)

Enables students to achieve skills in academic writing and referencing and to articulate their knowledge and understanding of care planning for childbearing women.  

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3 - Written Examination (2hrs) (C...

Assessment Task 3 - Written Examination (2hrs) (Central Examination Period) 

Enables students to demonstrate overall knowledge and understanding of content in the unit. 

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO3, LO4

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. Modes of delivery in this unit include learner-centred resource sessions, tutorials and online classrooms. Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning strategies used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional midwifery practice. These strategies will also support students in meeting the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit and the broader course learning outcomes. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively with peers. Scenario-based learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning are all used to support the development of students' independent learning ability. 


Learner-centred resource sessions are utilised to convey content and central principles while tutorials deliver interactive learning sessions. These sessions include formative feedback to build foundational tertiary study skills while also providing an opportunity to establish group-work and community learning skills. Online materials are introduced to provide students with a foundation for ongoing, self-directed, self-motivated, off-campus study. 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.

  • Relating to

    Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Identifies what is important to women as the foundation for using evidence to promote informed decision-making, participation in care, and self-determination

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Supports access to maternity care for the woman

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based health initiatives and programs, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Identifies and promotes the role of midwifery practice and the midwifery profession in influencing better health outcomes for women.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Supports the choices of the woman, with respect for families and communities in relation to maternity care

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises without the discrimination that may be associated with race, age, disability, sexuality, gender identity, relationship status, power relations and/or social disadvantage  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises cultural safety that is holistic, free of bias and exposes racism

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises in a way that respects that family and community underpin the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Develops, maintains and concludes professional relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Understands their scope of practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Contributes to a culture that supports learning, teaching, knowledge transfer and critical reflection

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Recognises and responds appropriately where safe and quality practice may be compromised, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Undertakes comprehensive assessments

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Assesses the resources that are available to inform planning.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Collaboratively develops plans until options, priorities, goals, actions, anticipated outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the woman, and/or relevant others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Co-ordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises to achieve the agreed goals and anticipated outcomes that meet the needs of the woman

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Johnson, R., Taylor, W., De-Vitry Smith, S. & Bayes, S. (2019). Skills for Midwifery Practice (Australia & New Zealand edition). Elsevier.

Leap, N., & Hunter, B. (2022). Supporting Women for Labour and Birth: A Thoughtful Guide (2nd ed.). Routledge.  

MacDonald, S., & Johnson, G. (Eds.). (2017). Mayes' Midwifery (15th ed.). Elsevier.

Marshall, J., & Raynor, M. (Eds.). (2020). Myles Textbook for Midwives (17th ed.). Elsevier

Page, L., & McCandlish, R. (2006). The New Midwifery: Science and Sensitivity in Practice (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. 

Pairman, S., Tracey, S., Dahlen, H., & Dixon, L. (2018). Midwifery: Preparation for Practice (4th ed.). Elsevier.

Rankin, J. (2017). Physiology in Childbearing: with Anatomy and Related Biosciences (4th ed.) Elsevier.

Taylor, J., O’Hara, L., Talbot, L., & Verrinder, G. (2020). Promoting Health: The Primary Health Care Approach (7th ed.). Elsevier.

Wambach, K., & Spencer B. (2021). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Wylie, L. & Bryce, H. (2016). The Midwives' Guide to Key Medical Conditions (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

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