MIDW1016 Indigenous Health for Midwives

This topic is designed to enhance students' understanding and awareness of Indigenous Australians health from historical, sociological and population health perspectives. The topic will examine ways Indigenous health is currently addressed within the Australian maternity health system. Students will explore their personal and professional concepts of cultural identity, cultural safety and population health and critically reflect on the impact of socio-political and cultural determinants of health on the midwifery care of Indigenous women, and their communities.

This topic aims to introduce students to the socio-political and cultural determinants of health in the context of understanding and promoting the wellbeing for Indigenous women and their communities within a primary health care framework.

1. Describe the diversity in population health and public health infrastructure in regards to Indigenous health and culture
2. Describe the impact of socio-political and cultural determinants of health on the midwifery care of indigenous women, and their communities
3. Reflect upon and critically analyse the personal, professional and structural elements of cultural safety
4. Describe Indigenous holistic and traditional health practices and understand their incorporation into a western framework of midwifery practice
5. Describe the role of midwives working with Indigenous women, their infants and families in a range of health care settings and communities
6. Analyse the complexities associated with Indigenous women’s maternity journeys between country and hospital and identify appropriate strategies to meet their needs