92350 Becoming a Midwife
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject introduces students to the Bachelor of Midwifery by providing an overview of the program, the philosophy of midwifery and the requirements for registration as a midwife in Australia. Content for this subject commences during 'Welcome to Midwifery Week' in Week 1 of Autumn Session and continues as per timetable from Week 2. As the intention of the Bachelor of Midwifery is to prepare students for practice as a midwife, this subject explores the forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the philosophy, practice and image of midwifery.
This subject briefly traces the rich history of midwifery to the present day. It develops the fundamental literacy and cognitive skills that underpin practice, judgement and professionalism concurrently with other subject content. In addition, it introduces students to the concepts of self-care and also to the information technology applications available in the University.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Identify the role and responsibilities of the midwife in the provision of safe maternity services |
|---|---|
| B. | Discuss and reflect on the origins of the profession of midwifery and the current professional issues in maternity care |
| C. | Identify the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities and the values underpinning midwifery practice |
| D. | Outline the requirements in order to meet NMBA Standards for the Midwife (2018) and AHPRA registration requirements |
| E. | Identify and access student learning support, including resilience as well as library and information technology (IT) support services at UTS |
| F. | Develop beginning understandings in thinking, reading and writing as a midwife including the use of IT skills |
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, students participate in a range of learning and teaching strategies that are designed to assist in developing a deeper understanding of the history and philosophy of midwifery and the regulation of the profession in Australia and internationally.
ONLINE LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Students access online learning resources including podcasts, videos and professional literature prior to class. These activities include finding materials on the websites of the International Confederation of Midwives, Australian College of Midwives and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This information will support follow-up in-class activities or in online forums to share learning, experiences and reflections.
VIRTUAL CLASSES
Lectures and interactive group work enable students to clarify, discuss and develop subject concepts especially the professional role of the midwife and the philosophy of midwifery. Classes explore and share developing strategies for self-care and personal and professional resilience.
CASE SCENARIOS
Cases help students explore health-related scenarios. Cases depict women and their families in clinical or community situations. Students use these scenarios to learn concepts and interpret information. Students develop critical thinking through analysis, interpretation and reflection on issues or situations. Students are provided with case scenarios that enable them to develop knowledge of the role of the midwife in different contexts.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills in order to succeed at university and in the workplace. To determine your current academic language proficiency, you are required to complete an online language screening task, OPELA (information available at https://www.edu.au/research-and-teaching/learning-and-teaching/enhancing/language-and-learning/about-opela-students). If you receive a Basic grade for OPELA, you must attend additional Language Development Tutorials (each week from week 3 to week 12 in order to pass the subject. These tutorials are designed to support you to develop your language and communication skills. Students who do not complete the OPELA and/or do not attend 80% of the Language Development Tutorials will receive a Fail X grade.
Content (topics)
Course overview
- Introduction to the Bachelor of Midwifery
- Introduction to UTS and student learning support sessions
- Sessions on academic writing and library skills
The role of the midwife
- International definition of the midwife including role and scope
- The philosophy of midwifery
- The role of the regulatory authority
- Codes of ethics and professional practice
- Historical origins of midwifery
- Role of the Australian College of Midwives, other professional associations and groups including consumer and peer- support organisations
- Overview of current professional issues in maternity care including the importance of midwifery continuity of care and relationship-based care
- Reflection, resilience and mindfulness in midwifery practice
- Legal, ethical and professional responsibilities and the values underpinning midwifery
- Overview of Australian health care system and the broader political landscape in which midwives operate
Being resilient
- Development and maintenance of resilience through effective support networks
- Exploration of mindfulness as a strategy to build resilience
- Strategies to manage bullying and other non-professional behaviours
- Understanding of previous trauma experiences and the impact on women in the perinatal period
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Annotated bibliography: Exploring contemporary midwifery topics
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1500 words (approx 300 words per annotation plus your introduction). |
Assessment task 2: Essay: The role of the midwife
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Essay |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1500 words |
Minimum requirements
It is a requirement of this subject that all students complete OPELA. Students who received a Basic grade in the OPELA are required to attend 80% of the Language Development Activities in order to pass the subject. Students who do not complete the OPELA and/or do not attend 80% of the Language Development Activities will receive a Fail X grade.
References
Byrom, S. and Downe, S. (eds.) (2015). The roar behind the silence: Why kindness, compassion and respect matter in maternity care, Pinter and Martin, London.
Commonwealth of Australia (2009). Improving maternity services in Australia: The report of the Maternity Services Review, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
International Confederation of Midwives (2019). Essential competencies for midwifery practice. Available at: Essential competencies for midwifery practice
Kirkham, M. (2010). The midwife-mother relationship, 2nd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Marshall, J. & Raynor, M. (eds.) (2014). Myles textbook for midwives, 16th edn, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.
Morley-Warner, T. (2010). Academic writing: A guide to writing in a university context, Association for Academic Language and Learning, Sydney.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2018). Midwife Standards for Practice, NMBA, Melbourne.
Pairman, S., Tracy, S., Thorogood, C. & Pincombe, J. (eds.) (2018). Midwifery: preparation for practice, 4th edn, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
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Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
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