This course will dig deep into the Midwifery Model of Care. You will develop your perspective as a midwife and your voice in advocating for women, midwives, and out-of-hospital birth. You will engage with your local midwifery community, discover midwifery organizations, research the safety of homebirth and participate in weekly conferences or discussion boards to process all of this information with your peers and instructor. 

This course aims to acquaint students with basic human biology and the human body's major anatomical systems. A midwife who understands the body and how it functions is far more capable of helping clients with specific problems that may arise during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology is an indispensable component of midwifery training. This course covers the identification and essential functions of various body systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. There is also a discussion on how pregnancy affects these body systems. 

This course prepares students with the foundational skills necessary for successful written communication as a student and professional midwife. Course topics include basic grammar and punctuation, use of research tools, basic writing skills, and will require students to identify and use appropriate tone and language for various audiences and intents. There is a strong focus on development of proficiency in using APA style and format that can be applied in future MCU classes immediately upon completion of the course.

Relationships, organizations, and communities hinge on human communication. Things are lovely when everyone agrees, feels safe and understood.  But, what happens when opinions vary, the stakes are high, emotions run strong, and safety feels compromised? We see the results of these failed conversations and interactions daily. In midwifery, these conflicts affect the progress of our profession, they affect our local, state and national organizations, they affect client care and outcomes, and they affect our most important relationships.

COMM 1010 explores the way in which we think about and see others (mindset), and our ability to develop and maintain the free-flow of information (dialogue) are fundamental to effectiveness, productivity, and satisfaction in our work environments, the communities we live and serve in, and our intimate relationships.

Students will learn the models, tools, and skills to engage in an “Outward Mindset,” and successfully navigate “Crucial Conversations” in work and private life.

This course focuses on the Professional Excellence and Personal Greatness portions of MCU’s mission statement. The objective is for students to see real-life transformations in their private and professional lives through their commitment to an Outward Mindset, and successful Crucial Conversations (dialogue). 

This course seeks to prepare students with the skills necessary for successful written communication as a student and professional midwife.  The course topics includes intermediate writing skills and requires students to identify and use appropriate tone and language for various audiences and intents.  There is a strong focus on development of proficiency in using APA style and format that can be applied in future MCU classes immediately upon completion of the course.  

Students observe at least ten births and describe in writing one case linking knowledge or skills acquired in observed birth experiences with knowledge acquired in first year of study, specifically the Midwives Model of Care. Students evaluate the learning gained from observed birth experiences. 

This course will instruct the learner in commonly used word roots, prefixes, and suffixes relevant to health-care professions, as well as commonly used abbreviations and acronyms. The learner will build a substantial working vocabulary of medical terms in the areas of prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, and newborn care.  The learner will understand theory of legal standards of charting, and apply these principles when charting in medical documents.

This course is to guide aspiring midwives on the path of acquiring knowledge and experience in the herbal healing potential for people in the childbearing year. Incorporating texts rich with applicable knowledge, students will apply their studies to hands on experience in the field identifying & harvesting, making remedies and understanding applications for midwifery practice.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the foundational concepts of equity, anti-oppression, and cultural humility in midwifery care, and to engage critical learning on how difference, power, discrimination, and privilege intersect to produce documented disparities in perinatal health outcomes and practices in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to study and explore three broad areas of cultural humility, equity and (anti)oppression practices, and their impact on maternity care through historical and current sociopolitical frameworks: 1) Social identities, racism, and privilege; 2) Health disparities, inequities, and inequalities; and 3) Cultural humility and equity care models. Students will examine these issues through a combination of interactive discussion sessions, analytical exercises, case studies, reflexive essays, research papers, critical interactive engagement with peers via Online Discussions (OD), and a final advocacy paper. In doing so, students will acquire foundational skills necessary for the provision of culturally safe care and the actualization of anti-oppression midwifery professional practices—in commitment to equity in perinatal health for all childbearing persons.

This course helps student midwives prepare to become efficient, trustworthy, and competent assistants. This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the requirements and duties of a midwife's assistant. After having completed this course, students will be prepared with the theoretical background necessary for her clinical practicum. Students will understand the scope and principles of general skills used in a prenatal setting and will explore the role of the assistant through case studies.

This course will introduce students to foundational concepts in Public Health and taught to apply Public Health theory to midwifery practice. Maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality will be discussed from a Public Health perspective and students will identify interventions in the intersection of the fields of Midwifery and Public Health. Students will learn about health inequities and will have the opportunity to perform in-depth analysis of a selected health inequities. The health care and public health system, resources for mothers and babies, and the role of midwives in the broader system will be analyzed. Students will learn techniques in shared decision making and health education and will gain competency in these areas through case studies and an oral presentation. 

This course covers pelvic bones, joints, ligaments and classifications, musculature of pelvic floor and perineum, fetal skull, fetopelvic relationships, reproductive organs, the reproductive cycle, natural child spacing, fertilization and early development, fetal circulation and the female urinary tract. 

Students will learn about the historical and cultural background of human lactation, anatomy and physiology of lactation, human milk and the infant, the infant feeding process, and possible problems. 

Students demonstrate practical skills and competencies necessary to begin assisting a midwife and prepare for Phase One Assessment. Clinical Competency classes are required during the final trimester of a Phase and may not be extended. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Be oriented to and prepared for Level One Integrated Assessment

 2. Practice skills appropriate for Assist level clinical practice 

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making 

4. Pass Level One Integrated Assessment Skills Exam with a score of Competent or higher 

This course teaches basic math skills to enable the midwife to make correct calculations and interpret data. 

At the end of this course, students will:

 1. Have a working understanding of basic accounting methods. 

2. Demonstrate the ability to calculate percentages, ratios and probability. 

3. Understand relative risk and odds ratio.

 4. Demonstrate the use and interpretation of various kinds of graphs commonly used in research. 

5. Have an understanding of sample populations in research, the selection methods of sample populations and the limitations of each 

6. Have a working understanding of measures of central tendency and be able to identify similarities, differences, and strengths and weaknesses

 7. Understand measures of spread.

 8. Understand normal distributions and standard deviations 

9. Have a working understanding of confidence intervals and there relevance in research 

10. Understand methods of comparing samples 

11. Have a working understanding of regression analysis

 12. Understand and describe the relationship (or lack of) between correlation and causation in data sets 

13. Be able to identify hypotheses and null hypotheses in research 

Must be in a clinical placement or have an MCU-approved limited preceptor or currently a CPM/RM This course covers the indications for IV therapy in childbirth, types of fluids, and proper technique in starting, administering, and discontinuing IVs, as well as proper charting. 

Completion of Phase one classes or special permission from Registrar or currently a CPM/RM This course focuses on the basics of prenatal care from establishing initial contact, taking a thorough client history, initiating ongoing prenatal care, evaluation of the pregnant person and the fetus, addressing common discomforts and physiological changes of pregnancy, and recognizing when referral is indicated. With the midwifery model of care and an individualized approach, students will develop a portfolio of chart forms for routine prenatal care, client handouts, several practice guidelines, and the NARM Informed Disclosure of Midwifery Practice. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of practice of the Certified Professional Midwife. 

Students assist approved preceptors with appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and reflect on these experiences, linking knowledge or skills acquired in assistant experiences with knowledge acquired in phase two of study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from assistant clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week).

Learning Objectives:

1. Record assistant-level clinical experience obtained in the students own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

5. Assemble an E-portfolio of professional documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in educating others in their profession and in their communities

6. Critique individual and social learning through reflective and critical thinking and writing through Portfolio creation

7. Organize practice directive documents collected in the Portfolio

The purpose of this course is to give students an overview of the history of midwifery, from ancient times through the present.

This course includes the physiological changes of pregnancy, disease conditions relating to pregnancy and the reproductive organs, tests to detect physical conditions (both physiological and pathological), fetal diagnosis, maternal metabolic disorders and postpartum testing. Case studies will hone the midwives understanding of screening and diagnostic tests and appropriate management plans for the scope of the Certified Professional Midwife.

Building off of a foundation of cultural competence and culturally safe care from SOSC 1010, students will further explore difference, power and privilege as it relates specifically to midwifery care in the childbearing year. Students will strengthen skills necessary for the provision of culturally competent care and the actualization of anti-oppression midwifery professional practices -- in commitment to equity in maternal-child health for all childbearing families.

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of research, including a basic overview of literature searches, research analysis and design methods, and critical appraisal of the literature. The course is intended to be a survey of the fundamentals of research design, analysis, critique, and application, and will cover both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with basic conceptual and practical skills necessary to find and interpret research studies, and apply to practice evidence-based approaches for midwifery care. Because becoming fluent in conducting research requires multiple years of study and advanced courses, our focus here is on sourcing and critiquing literature--the two central research fluency skills necessary for implementing evidence-based practices.

Students assist approved preceptors with appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and reflect on these experiences, linking knowledge or skills acquired in assistant experiences with knowledge acquired in phase two of study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from assistant clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week).

Learning Objectives:

1. Record assistant-level clinical experience obtained in the students own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

5. Assemble an E-portfolio of professional documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in educating others in their profession and in their communities

6. Critique individual and social learning through reflective and critical thinking and writing through Portfolio creation

7. Organize practice directive documents collected in the Portfolio

MDWF 2010 and must be in Clinical Placement or currently a CPM/RM This course offers a thorough review of fetal heart surveillance procedures while encouraging critical thinking. It discusses the physiological basis and instrumentation of antepartum and intrapartum monitoring including intermittent auscultation, electronic fetal monitoring, and ultrasound. The course teaches what AAT (Auscultated Acceleration Test) is and how we can use it prenatally and during labor. The second part of the class is about problems that can arise, like baseline changes, bradycardia, tachycardia, sinusoidal pattern and periodic and nonperiodic changes. The assignments include several case study evaluations. This course will support the learner to use various instruments for fetal heart surveillance, recognize possible causes if the heart rate is non-reassuring, confidently interpret the results and take the appropriate steps to ensure optimal fetal outcomes. Students will also discuss access to technology and testing locally and globally and examine how inequities are evident even at the level of fetal heart tones and can result in increased referral for cesarean section in labor in the absence of racially/ethnically congruent care. Charting, communication, and transfers of care are also considered.

 Learning Objectives: 

1. Physiological bases for fetal heart monitoring 

2. Instruments used for fetal heart rate and uterine activity monitoring 

3. Determination of baseline fetal heart rate

4. Recognizing bradycardia, tachycardia, periodic and nonperiodic changes 

5. Determination of possible causes if the heart rate is non-reassuring 

6. Taking the appropriate steps if the heart rate is non-reassuring 

7. Antepartum fetal heart rate monitoring 

MDWF 1030 Human Lactation (or corequisite) and completion of Phase One classes or currently a CPM/RM This course covers complications of lactation in more depth than MDWF 1030. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding problems such as low milk supply, mastitis, thrush, tongue-tie/lip-tie, Reynaud's syndrome, and others will be covered. Case studies, class engagement, readings, reflection and practice documents are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife

 Learning Objectives: 

1. Provide client education using a shared decision-making model 

2. Understand and identify components of the physiologic process of lactation 

3. Is familiar with common complications of lactation: a. Slow weight gain, b. Tethered oral ties, c. Low milk supply, d. Breast/Chest surgery, e. Infections and illness affecting lactation

 4. Conditions of the infant affecting lactation 5. Understands common lactation interventions: a. Galactagogues, b. Supplemental feeding, c. Pharmacological treatment, d. Complementary measures 

5. Understands effective counseling techniques 

6. Supports physiologic establishment of lactation 

7. Understand indications for lactation consultation and referral 

8. Provides evidence-based client education

 9. Understands importance of interprofessional collaboration 

This course focuses on various elements of promoting a healthy pregnancy and caring holistically for clients. Students will create client educational materials or prenatal care plans which address nutritional, physical, environmental, emotional, social and sexual needs, changes and risks during pregnancy. Students will develop practice guidelines for several common disorders, diseases and infections during pregnancy. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife. The following topics are examined as they relate to pregnancy: exercise, weight gain, herbs, tobacco exposure and cessation, optimal fetal positioning, glucose metabolism, and gestational diabetes screening. The course also introduces students to some complications of pregnancy they will revisit in later courses. Other topics explored include late term and post term pregnancy, urinary tract infections, environmental hazards and illnesses caused by environmental exposures, fifth disease, infectious disease reporting, unintended or mistimed pregnancies, abuse during pregnancy and substance use. Additional consideration is given to adolescent pregnancy, advanced parental age, grand multiparity, excess weight, and care of persons from populations on the margins such as those impacted by racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, homophobia, transphobia, sizism,classism or other differentisms. Students will explore how to help foster their client’s well being and resilience through a focus on emotional health, psychosocial care, cultural humility, and structural competency.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop or identify documents that will be used in the student’s personal practice.

2. Describe the benefits and risks of available birth settings.

3. Identify clients that are good candidates for direct-entry midwifery care at the initial interview and assess throughout the prenatal period for complications that necessitate collaboration or referral.

4. Understand the components of a comprehensive health and obstetric, gynecologic and reproductive health history.

5. Describe the role of evidence-informed care in prenatal care.

6. Identify pregnancy through recognition of signs and symptoms, history-taking, physical assessments, and laboratory testing.

7. Perform a routine prenatal care exam, including gestational assessment, abdominal assessment, fetal growth assessment, monitoring of the fetal heart rate, fetal well-being assessment, pelvic examination, and clinical pelvimetry.

8. Perform ongoing history at each prenatal visit.

9. Describe components of the physical examination that evaluate potential for a healthy pregnancy.

10. Describe physiological and emotional changes in pregnancy.

11. Understand midwifery standards of care and guidelines in regard to prenatal care.

12. Have a basic understanding of common complaints and complications of pregnancy and non-pharmacological remedies for those complaints.

13. Describe the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply to midwifery care during the prenatal period, including specific infection prevention and control strategies.

14. Demonstrate facilitation of the informed decision-making process and provision of individualized care, counseling, collaboration, and referral as indicated, evident throughout all documents.

15. Identify pre-existing factors and factors that develop any time during the childbearing cycle that make community-based birth an unsafe option.

16. Provide health education to adolescents, pregnant persons and families about normal pregnancy progression, warning signs and symptoms, and when and how to contact the midwife.

17. Provide routine education specific to pregnancy including appropriate hygiene in pregnancy, considerations for work inside and outside the home, components of preparation of the home/family for the newborn, and common techniques to physically prepare for labor.

18. Identify the ways that racism, heterosexism and bias impact prenatal care and shape health inequities that impact clients, families and communities that midwives serve

Students assist approved preceptors with appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and reflect on these experiences, linking knowledge or skills acquired in assistant experiences with knowledge acquired in phase two of study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from assistant clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week).

Learning Objectives:

1. Record assistant-level clinical experience obtained in the students own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

5. Assemble an E-portfolio of professional documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in educating others in their profession and in their communities

6. Critique individual and social learning through reflective and critical thinking and writing through Portfolio creation

7. Organize practice directive documents collected in the Portfolio

This course will explore the impacts of trauma and traumatic stress on childbearing people. This course included midwives' unique role in providing trauma-informed care and trauma-specific interventions, promoting resilience for persons with a history of trauma, supplying supportive care for those experiencing current trauma, and promoting appropriate support for families experiencing parent, fetal, or newborn death. Learners explore clinical best practices, tools, policies, and procedures that promote trauma-sensitive and culturally safe care for midwives and clients. 

Physiology and management of first, second and third stages of labor are taught. Students also learn about the mechanism of labor for occiput anterior, transverse, posterior, face, brow, military, and breech presentations. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife.

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in checking for and identifying first through fourth degree tears, and other types of pelvic damage. Students will learn the appropriate use and repair of episiotomies, forms, and usage of anesthetic agents, how to tie off and postpartum repairs appropriate for the midwife in an out-of-hospital setting. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife. 

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the myriad of ethical considerations that govern and influence the Midwives Model of Care™ and the practice of midwifery. Students will have the opportunity to learn and explore four broad areas of ethical considerations in midwifery care: 1) Professional ethics in midwifery; 2) Ethics in clientele selection and service; 3) The ethics of privacy and confidentiality; and 4) State/Province legislation, regulation, and the ethics of “choice.” Students will examine these issues through a combination of interactive discussion sessions, case studies, reflection papers, critical thought exercises, and advocacy projects in their community.

Students will study factors affecting the health and illness of populations. Using evidence-based research, students will identify risk factors for disease and determine optimal treatment approaches to clinical practice.

Students assist approved preceptors with appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and reflect on these experiences, linking knowledge or skills acquired in assistant experiences with knowledge acquired in phase two of study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from assistant clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week).

Learning Objectives:

1. Record assistant-level clinical experience obtained in the students own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

5. Assemble an E-portfolio of professional documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in educating others in their profession and in their communities

6. Critique individual and social learning through reflective and critical thinking and writing through Portfolio creation

7. Organize practice directive documents collected in the Portfolio

As midwives, we are responsible for providing high quality, comprehensive care to clients during their pregnancy and the birth of their baby. The expertise of midwives includes supporting and honoring uncomplicated pregnancy and birth. It must also include the knowledge, skill and ability to take action when intervention is necessary to improve health outcomes for client and baby. This expertise requires that midwives be knowledgeable about both life-saving medications and those used to ease common discomforts of pregnancy.

This course will focus on the medications, both prescribed and available over the counter, that midwives will encounter when providing care for clients and newborns during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods. The course will introduce the ways in which pregnancy impacts the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and the actions of these drugs in the body. Protocols for both common and life-saving medications will be developed to assist you in caring for your clients.

This course provides instruction in understanding, preparing for and meeting the normal physiological and emotional changes that may occur in the postpartum period. It includes what to do in the first few hours after birth as well as providing excellent care and record keeping in the subsequent postpartum care visits. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife.

This course will educate students to recognize the relation between health and nutrition and promote measures to reduce morbidity and mortality derived from chronic illness linked to nutritional inadequacy. They will be able to identify nutritional deficiencies and teach ways to overcome those deficiencies through a proper diet in accordance with the needs, means, and personal and cultural preferences of the client. They will understand the benefits and risks of supplements during pregnancy and will learn to recommend the appropriate use of vitamin and mineral supplements through childbearing the years. This course also addresses the nutrition of the baby during the first year of life.

This course provides students a general understanding of midwifery billing practices to better assist them in becoming successful in business as professional midwives. Students will enhance their knowledge of the various types of billing options available, health insurance industry practices and requirements, basic terms of the billing industry and the billing process, including basic insurance coding and filing of claims. This course is a must for those wanting to bill in their practices themselves but also important understanding for midwives who will be using a professional biller.

This course covers basic genetic principles including the structure of DNA and genes, principles of inheritance and the origins of genetic malfunction. It provides the foundation by which the student can research genetic problems, explain them to a client and counsel the client or refer the client for more in-depth counseling.

Students demonstrate practical skills and competencies necessary to begin acting as a primary midwife under supervision and prepare for Phase Two Assessment. Clinical Competency classes are required during the final trimester of a Phase and may not be extended.

Learning Objectives:

1. Be oriented to and prepared for Level Two Integrated Assessment

2. Practice skills appropriate for Primary level clinical practice

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making

4. Pass Level Two Integrated Assessment Skills Exam with a score of Competent or higher

This course gives students an understanding of the origins of homeopathy, how disease is manifested, how to take a case, how to prioritize the signs and symptoms, and how to prepare and administer homeopathic remedies. It will also introduce many remedies useful in the practice of midwifery. 

This course is specifically designed to explore the anatomy and physiology of the newborn from birth through eight weeks. Students will understand normal and abnormal findings. Assessment, age-appropriate strategies, and cultural differences will be discussed. Current research will be reviewed by participants to enhance the midwife’s care of the neonate and case studies will be utilized.

Learning Objectives:

1. To achieve an in-depth knowledge of the Apgar Score

2. To define a detailed assessment of the anatomy and physiology of the newborn

3. To recognize the extrauterine transitions and physiologic responses of the newborn

4. To discuss the assessment and management of jaundice in the newborn

5. To meticulously scrutinize the care of the newborn immediately after birth in the normal labor, including bonding and attachment and behavior.

6. To develop a thorough physical examination of the newborn, including expected findings, common variations, signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings and recognition of situations needing referral/transport. The following systems are reviewed: skin, head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, neck, chest, abdomen, genitalia, back, rectum, extremities and neuromuscular (including reflexes and neurological exam).

7. Understand gestational age assessments

8. To select or create documents to record the newborn history and newborn examination from birth to 6 weeks of age

9. To synthesize the use of common tests in the newborn, including newborn screening

10. To design client handouts/informed consents for prophylactic procedures and immunizations in the newborn

11. To develop a plan for the management of the dehydrated infant

12. To review safety and prevention from birth to 12 months of age, including shaken baby syndrome, safe sleeps practices, and health and community resources, including emergency numbers

13. To recognize emergency conditions in the newborn requiring referral, transport, or tran

This course explores the basic health of birthing people across the lifespan. Topics covered include: the normal reproductive cycle, dysfunctions of menstruation, contraceptive devices and information, sexually transmitted infections, how to perform a well-person examination, and PAP smear interpretation. Also included is information about the female sexual response and various mental and emotional aspects of wellness and health. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop the skills to provide reassurance of normalcy for people across the lifespan.

2. Learn appropriate care strategies for encouraging wellness from adolescence through menopause

3. Master the physiology of the normal menstrual cycle and educate clients on their own physiologic processes

4. Acquire the skills to collect subjective and objective data during a client visit including conducting a physical exam

5. Counsel someone concerning contraceptive choices, sexual concerns and unintended pregnancy

6. Recognize the spectrum of normal across all systems and common abnormalities that may require referral

7. Conduct a problem-oriented patient visit

8. Learn appropriate care strategies for minority communities including LGBTQ inclusive care

9. Gather resources in your community for referral of primary care, gynecologic and mental health problems

10. Understand obstacles to care including financial when considering referral sources

This course presents the latest research and model practices regarding hydrotherapy for labor and birth. Waterbirth benefits, risks,and contraindications are addressed. Students will create practice documents, including care and cleaning protocols, client handouts,informed consent documents, and practice guidelines for use in practice. Practical considerations for a smooth waterbirth experience for client and midwife will be addressed. A variety of learning methods are used to address course objectives, including professional videos, student-conducted research, in-depth study of latest publications on waterbirth, online discussions, and interactive sessions.

A comprehensive look at how functional core and pelvic floor strength impacts birthing parents’ prenatal pain, fetal alignment, birthing coordination, and birth recovery. Students will receive practical tools to assess and address conditions like diastasis recti, poor fetal alignment, pelvic pain, low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction and facilitate an appropriate 4th trimester healing plan.

Students perform Primary Care under Supervision with an approved preceptor providing appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and link knowledge or skills acquired in primary clinical experiences with knowledge acquired in Phase 3 didactic study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from primary under supervision clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week).

Learning Objectives:

1. Record primary-under-supervision level clinical experience obtained in the student’s own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors.

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically; with accountability proven via Preceptor’s Evaluation and Reflective Assignments.

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and obtain clinical experience within own or selected communities.

5. Demonstrate Critical Thinking and social learning determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation, Reflection

6. Describe what they have learned about themselves in connection with a clarified sense of the role of education within midwifery as a profession.

7. Identify and reflect on self-care strategies to avoid burnout.

8. Work towards and prepare for Phase three integrated assessment.

Students perform Primary Care under Supervision with an approved preceptor providing appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and link knowledge or skills acquired in primary clinical experiences with knowledge acquired in Phase 3 didactic study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from primary under supervision clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week). By the end of the term you enroll in this class, you should have at least 5 primary birth numbers to be on track to complete your phase. This is not required but listed as information to help you decide on clinical class enrollment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Record primary-under-supervision level clinical experience obtained in the student’s own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors.

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically; with accountability proven via Preceptor’s Evaluation and Reflective Assignments.

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision-making determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and obtain clinical experience within own or selected communities.

5. Demonstrate Critical Thinking and social learning determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation, Reflection

6. Update ePortfolio of professional documents: prepare documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in primary care, critical thinking, learning reflections, self-assessment, and educational practice.

7. Describe what they have learned about themselves in connection with a clarified sense of the role of education within midwifery as a profession.

8. Identify and reflect on self-care strategies to avoid burnout.

9. Work towards and prepare for Phase three integrated assessment.

Students perform Primary Care under Supervision with an approved preceptor providing appropriate prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care duties and link knowledge or skills acquired in primary clinical experiences with knowledge acquired in Phase 3 didactic study, including current research in the field. Students evaluate learning gained from primary under supervision clinical experiences. Students should plan to spend a minimum of 80 hours in clinical placement during the trimester (an average of about 5.33 hours/week). By the end of the term you enroll in this class, you should have at least 10 primary birth numbers to be on track to complete your phase. This is not required but listed as information to help you decide on clinical class enrollment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Record primary-under-supervision level clinical experience obtained in the student’s own community under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors.

2. Engage in the maternity care system professionally and ethically; with accountability proven via Preceptor’s Evaluation and Reflective Assignments.

3. Demonstrate fluency in appropriate clinical judgment and decision making determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and obtain clinical experience within own or selected communities.

5. Demonstrate Critical Thinking and social learning determined via Preceptor’s Evaluation, Reflection

6. Update ePortfolio of professional documents: prepare documents and reflections to provide evidence of experience in primary care, critical thinking, learning reflections, self-assessment, and educational practice.

7. Describe what they have learned about themselves in connection with a clarified sense of the role of education within midwifery as a profession.

8. Identify and reflect on self-care strategies to avoid burnout.

9. Work towards and prepare for Phase three integrated assessment.

This course covers complications during the prenatal period, including etiology, identification, management, and discussion with clients. Students will prepare midwifery practice directive documents that guide management for complications during the prenatal period, develop shared decision-making documents, and evaluate procedures for transfer of care. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of practice of the Certified Professional Midwife.

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate proper actions for transport/ transfer of care during pregnancy.

2. Recognize preexisting health complications such as thyroid disorders, Type I/II diabetes, cardiac condition, depression and their impact on pregnancy.

3. Have ability to recognize the signs, symptoms and potential effects of prenatal conditions including hyperemesis gravidarum, Group B Strep, ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole, intrauterine growth restriction, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, miscarriage, insufficient cervix, gestational diabetes, HELLP syndrome, hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, malpresentation, amniotic fluid abnormalities, and cholestasis.

4. Discuss exposure, contraction, and management of infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis, HIV, Hepatitis C, varicella, rubella, and cytomegalovirus and the effects on pregnancy.

5. Detect and suggest appropriate treatment for problems and variations during pregnancy, including allopathic treatment and complementary or alternative health therapies.

6. Respond to prenatal problems and variations with a range of treatments including alternative health modalities similar to above.

7. Identify fetal risk factors requiring prenatal transfer of care.

8. Provide support, resources, and post-event care for those considering or experiencing therapeutic, elective, threatened, missed, or spontaneous miscarriage or fetal demise

This course covers physical and psychological complications that may arise during the postpartum period. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the application of clinical judgment and management within the scope of care of the Certified Professional Midwife.

Learning Objectives:

1. Clinical management of complications in the first few hours after birth.

2. Clinical management of complications in the first eight weeks after birth.

3. Complications in the postpartum period including when to refer to other care providers and when to activate EMS.

4. Clinical management of the following conditions: - 35 - Postpartum Hypertension and Preeclampsia, - Endometritis, - PP hemorrhage, - Cystocele, - Rectocele -incontinence (feces or urine) and fistula, bowel problems, -Urinary retention - principles of elimination,, management-micturition & catheterization, -Perineal pain and dyspareunia, -Retained products of conception, D + E, -Subinvolution, -Gallbladder disease, -Cesarean recovery including wound infection, principles of infection control-need to obtain swab, principles of wound management-principles of wound healing, -Postpartum thyroid conditions, -Mastitis/Cellulitis  ,. -Hematoma, -Postpartum hemorrhage/late postpartum hemorrhage, -DVT/Thrombophlebitis/PE, -UTI/Kidney nfection/Cystitis/Urethritis, -Postpartum Mood Disorders including PP depression, PP Anxiety, PP OCD, and PP psychosis, -Mental illness and complex childhood trauma/PTSD, -Maternal HIB, HIV, TB, Hep B and C including prevention of transmission to midwives and assistants, -Postpartum anemia

6. Management of the following: -Substance abuse risk factors, -Child abuse/neglect risk factors, -Domestic partner abuse, -Transport etiquette

8. Management of birth trauma associated with: Shoulder dystocia, -PP hemorrhage, -Manual removal of placenta, -Fetal demise, -Family and others showing up

uninvited not behaving appropriately during birth, -Mismatch for the client of their attendant/midwife/student, -Sexual abuse trauma arising during birth