92685 Working Within a Strengths-Based Midwifery Model

Description

This subject examines the role of the midwife when working with women and families who experience social or emotional complexities which impact on maternal and infant wellbeing. The subject builds on students' understanding of the community resources available to women and their families who require additional support.

Students gain a deeper understanding of the diverse complexities for some women and their families by developing an understanding and knowledge base around ethically challenging areas including domestic violence, stillbirth, grief and loss during pregnancy and child protection, female genital mutilation, and perinatal mental health. Students enhance their health literacy to take into account the unique needs of each woman and family. Students develop their midwifery knowledge and skills to enable them to work to the full scope of midwifery practice including understanding the midwife role and responsibility of consultation, referral, and escalation in situations that sit outside the midwife’s scope of practice. Legal, ethical, and professional issues regarding the challenges in midwifery care are also explored as well as understanding appropriate referral pathways and working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.