92673 Promoting, Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
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)
| 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: | 25 Minutes written 35 minutes Practical |
| Criteria: | This assessment is graded |
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
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