Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit will extend foundational knowledge to provide safe, effective culturally competent care for women in the postpartum period including exploring human lactation and infant nutrition. The focus will be on the role of the midwife immediately following birth and including the first six weeks of the woman and her baby/ies covering the full scope of midwifery practice as described by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). The principles of surgical care will be explored in relation to the care of childbearing women. Students will have the opportunity to analyse socio-cultural dimensions related to lactation and nutrition. This unit is required by students to assist their consolidation of midwifery knowledge and skills specifically in relation to evidence-based care for women, babies and their families in the postpartum period.

This aim of this unit is to support students in the development of knowledge and skills regarding the role of the midwife in provision of maternal and infant care, immediately following birth and extending to six weeks after birth. It builds on earlier learning about the anatomy and the physiological processes of childbearing.

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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  • Semester 1Multi-mode

Prerequisites

For Bachelor of Midwifery: MIDW127 Foundations in Midwifery OR MIDW111 Midwifery Professional Practice 1: Foundations in Midwifery Knowledge and Practice OR MIDW112 Foundations in Midwifery

For Bachelor of Midwifery (Graduate Entry): Nil

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.

Outline the anatomy and physiological changes in t...

Learning Outcome 01

Outline the anatomy and physiological changes in the postpartum period for women and their babies;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC9, GC11

Relate the socio-cultural dimensions of infant nut...

Learning Outcome 02

Relate the socio-cultural dimensions of infant nutrition and breastfeeding in Australia and globally, which impact on promotion and protection of breastfeeding;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC11

Reflect upon self-values and beliefs in regard to ...

Learning Outcome 03

Reflect upon self-values and beliefs in regard to infant feeding, parentcraft and care of the postpartum woman;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC3, GC6, GC11

Apply effective communication skills and principle...

Learning Outcome 04

Apply effective communication skills and principles of health promotion including identification of credible community resources for postnatal care and ongoing maternal health;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC11

Apply the principles of clinical decision making t...

Learning Outcome 05

Apply the principles of clinical decision making to plan and evaluate safe, culturally competent, holistic, evidence-based care for women, babies and their families in the postpartum period.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC7, GC8, GC11

Content

Topics will include: 

Legal and professional practice 

  • Legal issues in midwifery and surgical care 
  • Informed consent 
  • Medication knowledge and administration 
  • Consultation and collaboration 
  • Health informatics and health technology  
  • Assertive communication skills

Midwifery knowledge and practice 

  • Postnatal physical and psychosocial alterations and adaptation  
  • Principles of infection prevention 
  • Postnatal care 
  • Postnatal assessment of mother and baby 
  • Hygiene: perineal care, infant hygiene 
  • Promoting bonding and attachment 
  • Infant behaviour in the early postnatal period 
  • Supporting the family unit 
  • Health screening and discharge medications (e.g.; immunisation) 
  • Transition to home and beyond 
  • Longer term outcomes for women following childbirth 
  • Infant nutrition 
  • Promoting breastfeeding (BFHI) 
  • Ethical considerations with infant feeding 
  • Evidence-based infant feeding practices 
  • Contemporary socio-cultural issues in infant feeding and nutrition locally and globally 
  • Science of human lactation 
  • Anatomy and physiology of the female breast 
  • Human lactation 
  • Composition of human milk 
  • Breastfeeding and families 
  • Hospital practices  
  • Education and community resources to support breastfeeding 
  • Positioning, attachment, frequency and duration of breastfeeding 
  • Special considerations (e.g. breast surgery, communicable diseases, multiple pregnancies, supply) 
  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological considerations 
  • Breastmilk substitutes 
  • Options for women who cannot or do not want to breastfeed 
  • Preparation of infant formula 
  • Human milk banking 
  • Principles of postoperative surgical care 
  • Risk assessment (e.g. haemorrhage, infection, DVT) 
  • Education 
  • Post anaesthetic and post-surgical care 
  • Pain assessment and analgesia 
  • Manual handling and safe mobilisation including falls risk 

Midwifery as primary health care  

  • Education and health promoting behaviours e.g. safe sleeping 
  • Community resources for health and parenting support 
  • Reproductive and sexual health including family planning 
  • Family care 

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.   

A quiz will be used to build upon learning throughout the semester, the content of which will be directly related to the online module content to promote student engagement in module content. The literature review provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate engagement with evidence based practice and analysis of the literature around postnatal care. The examination enables students to demonstrate overall knowledge and understanding of content in the unit. 

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 - Online Quiz Enables student...

Assessment Task 1 - Online Quiz

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

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2 - Literature Review (1500 word...

Assessment Task 2 - Literature Review (1500 words) 

Enables students to articulate their knowledge and understanding of the role of the midwife in provision of maternal and infant care, immediately following birth and extending to six weeks after birth. 

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 3 - Examination (2 hours) (...

Assessment Task 3 - Examination (2 hours) (Central Examination Period) 

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

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO5

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Modes of delivery in this unit include learner-centred resource sessions, tutorials/workshops and online modules. 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.

Students entering university need significant support to transition into a learning and teaching environment where they are required to drive their own learning. To guide students in their learning, feedback is required to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. Located in the second year of the programme, this theory unit includes moderate face-to-face teaching hours and an increasing online component of learning to build life-long learning skills. Resource sessions are utilised to convey content and central principles while tutorials deliver interactive and student driven learning sessions which require an increasing reliance on students to extend their community of learners and increase self-reliance. Online materials provide students with the opportunity to undertake  directed, self-motivated study and continue to transition to  independent study and life-long learning.  

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, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • 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, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Supports access to maternity care for the woman

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Practises ethically, with respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality, equity and justice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • 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 OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • 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 OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Undertakes comprehensive assessments

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4, LO5

  • 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, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Assesses the resources that are available to inform planning.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • 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 OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4

  • Relating to

    Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO4, LO5

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Australian College of Midwives [ACM]. (2021). National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (4th ed.). Australian College of Midwives.

Bryant, B., Knights, K., Rowland, A., & Darroch, S. (2018). Pharmacology for Health Professionals (5th ed.). Elsevier. 

Johnson, R., & Taylor, W., De-Vitry Smith, S., Bayes, S. (2018). Skills for Midwifery Practice Australian & New Zealand Edition (1st ed.). Elsevier. 

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

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021) Postnatal care NICE guideline [NG194]. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2013). Code of ethics for midwives. International Confederation of Midwives. 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2018). Code of conduct for midwives. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. 

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2018). Midwife standards for practice. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. 

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

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

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

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