Introduction to Midwifery

The focus of learning for this unit is centred on your understanding the role of the midwife within contemporary maternity practice environments, and to build foundational knowledge of midwifery practice.

In this unit you will explore the philosophical foundations of midwifery practice, which is underpinned by woman centred care. In preparation for your role as a midwife you will gain foundational knowledge of the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period experienced by pregnant women experiencing a normal pregnancy.

As midwives play an important role in health education, you will have the opportunity to examine midwifery health promotion, which aims to empower women to achieve optimal maternity health outcomes.

You will explore the meaning of providing culturally safe maternity care for women from a variety of backgrounds.  In addition, you will examine the regulations of midwifery practice as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).