University of Technology Sydney

92673 Promoting, Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 92670 Anatomy and Physiology: Pregnancy and Childbirth
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject prepares students to promote, protect and support breastfeeding for all women including those who experience breastfeeding challenges. The subject is underpinned by the Baby Friendly Health Initiative and the World Health Organisation Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (2018) and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (1981).

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Describe the anatomy and physiology of lactogenesis.
B. Discuss the importance of breastfeeding with women and their families.
C. Support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties.
D. Understand the modifiable and non-modifiable variables that influence breastfeeding outcomes.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Practice woman centred care (1.0)
  • Are professionally competent midwives who provide safe and effective midwifery care using intelligent kindness (2.0)
  • Work collaboratively in order to provide excellence in maternity care (3.0)
  • Are resilient, emotionally competent midwives who foster human flourishing (4.0)

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding modules

Intent:

Breastfeeding is a fundamental human activity. As midwives, we support women every day to initiate, establish and maintain breastfeeding. Understanding the anatomy and physiology behind lactation and breastfeeding is fundamental to that support. The Breastfeeding Anatomy and Physiology modules are designed to familiarise you with the anatomy of the breast and the process of lactogenesis.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0 and 2.0

Type: Exercises
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

As per instructions in module in subject canvas site

Assessment task 2: Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)

Intent:

The intent of this assessment is to assess student competency in the knowledge and practise of the midwifery skills, associated with breastfeeding.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 60%
Length:

40mins

Criteria:

This assessment is graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

Recommended texts

Marieb, E.N., & Keller, S.M. (2018). Essentials of human anatomy & physiology. (12th edition). Pearson London.

Yip, E. (2023). Spilt Milk: Honest breastfeeding stories (1st edition). Green Hill Publishing.

References

Brodribb, W. (2012). Breastfeeding management in Australia (W. Brodribb, Ed.; 4th edition.). Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Geddes, D. T. (2007). Inside the Lactating Breast: The Latest Anatomy Research. Journal of midwifery & women's health , 52(6), 556-563.

Geddes, D. T. (2007). The anatomy of the lactating breast: Latest research and clinical implications. Infant, 3(2), 59-63.

Hetzel Campbell, S., Lauwers, J., Mannel, R., & Spencer, B. (Eds). (2019). Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care. Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Marieb, E.N., & Keller, S.M. (2018). Essentials of human anatomy & physiology. (12th edition). Pearson London.

Pillay, J., & Davis, T. J. (2022). Physiology. Lactation. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

Schafter, R., & Genna, C. W. (2015) Physiological breastfeeding: a contemporary approach to breastfeeding initiation. Journey of Midwifery & Women's health, 60(5), 546-553

Wambach, K. & Spencer, B. (2019). Breastfeeding and Human lactation. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Widstrom, A.M., Lilja, G., Aaltomaa-Michalias, P., Dahllof, A., Lintula, M and Nissen, E (2011) Newborn behaviour to locate the breast while skin to skin: A possible method for enabling early self-regulation. Acta Pediatrica; 100(1),79-85

World Health Organization & United Nations Children's Fund (‎‎‎‎UNICEF)‎‎‎‎. (2020). Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative training course for maternity staff: customisation Guide. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240008915

Other resources

UTS Student Centre
Building 10

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

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For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

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Improve your academic and English language skills
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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.

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