Unit Outline

This unit introduces you to the roles and scope of midwifery practice. The philosophy of Woman-Centred C are is explored through a Primary Health Care framework. Opportunities to examine models of care that integrate choice, continuity, and control for the woman surrounding the birthing experience are provided. You will build on your knowledge of human bioscience and behavioural sciences to develop an understanding of the psychological, anatomical, physiological and social aspects of pregnancy and fetal development. You will also develop skills to support the pregnant woman and her family during her childbearing experience. This unit is one of six units that make up the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery and contribute knowledge, skills and attributes required for competent beginning-level midwifery practice. By the completion of the course, you will be required to demonstrate your acquisition of the current NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice (2018).

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Integrate and synthesise midwifery theories to critically analyse normal progress in pregnancy, justify assessments and care, and identify early deviations requiring escalation or referral.
2	Critically examine pregnancy as a significant developmental life event across diverse social and cultural contexts and evaluate the implications for woman-centred and culturally safe inclusive care.
3	Analyse and justify the midwife’s scope, ethical and legal responsibilities and accountability.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Concurrent Pre-requisite	CNA689 Foundations of Midwifery Practice

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This is the first time this unit has been delivered.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Professional Identity Statement	Week 5	20 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Professional Development Session	Week 9	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Antenatal Interview simulation	Week 12	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Professional Identity Statement

Task Description:

In this task, you’ll create a Professional Identity Statement that explores who you are becoming as a midwife. You’ll reflect on the unique and powerful role midwives play in supporting women and their families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. You’ll also consider your personal values, beliefs, and motivations, and how these shape your philosophy of care.
This is your opportunity to connect theory with your own professional journey—reflecting on midwifery practice in general, the significance of pregnancy as a pivotal life event and what you see your role as a midwife will encompass. Your statement should be thoughtful, authentic, and professionally presented.
Include a concise, evidence-informed justification of your professional stance, referencing relevant current NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice, legal/ethical frameworks and principles of cultural safety (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health priorities).

Task Length:

1000 words

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically examine the professional scope, ethical obligations and societal role of the midwife.	LO3
2	Critically appraise relevant professional standards, frameworks and codes of practice in relation to own professional development and accountability.	LO3
3	Critically examine and describe the transformative nature of pregnancy and the implications for a woman and her family across diverse contexts.	LO2
4	Analyse the evolving definitions of “womanhood”, “motherhood”, "parenthood” and "family" in relation to the role of the midwife.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Professional Development Session

Task Description:

In this assessment, you will deliver a 10-minute oral session to your peers on an anatomical or physiological component of pregnancy. This task is designed to deepen your understanding of pregnancy as a complex, multidimensional experience and to support your development as a reflective, evidence-informed midwife. The session will comprise a 5 min presentation on topic of choice and a 5 min unscripted Q&A session with peers discussing the topic.

Task Length:

5 min professional presentation, 5 min unscripted Q&A from peers

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse a chosen anatomical or physiological component of pregnancy.	LO1
2	Integrate evidence-based anatomical, physiological, sociological or psychological theory relative to your chosen topic.	LO1
3	Analyse and respond to peer questions using evidence-based knowledge.	LO2
4	Critically reflect on how and why your topic is relevant to professional practice.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Antenatal Interview simulation

Task Description:

In this task, you will conduct an antenatal interview in a simulated environment. You will demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practice and to engage in meaningful, woman-centred communication. You will gather relevant health and psychosocial information, build rapport and respond to questions in a way that demonstrates empathy and professionalism. After the role play, you may be asked to briefly reflect on your performance and decision-making.

Task Length:

Up to 40 mins

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply and justify theoretical knowledge to support the pregnant woman’s care.	LO1
2	Demonstrate woman-centred and culturally safe communication skills.	LO3
3	Tailor your interactions recognising that pregnancy is a developmental life event, occurring across varied social/cultural contexts.	LO2
4	Demonstrate professionalism, accountability and reflective practice during your interview.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.