29 courses with the subject MDWF, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MDWF 1010Introduction to Midwifery1
This course will provide the learner with a foundational understanding of childbirth as a human right. Students will examine models of care that work, diving deeply into understanding the Medical Model and the four tenets of the Midwifery Model of Care. The current care system will be examined for its flaws with an eye toward effective change with a focus on the safety of out-of-hospital birth. Students will interact with local midwives and OB/Dr.’s and begin to build relationships within their community. Disparities in childbirth will be explored and students will emerge from this course understanding the power, value and importance of access to midwifery care for all who choose this maternity care option. Learning Objectives: 1. Students will discuss and describe birth as a human right and how birther’s fundamental human rights are routinely violated in industrialized birth settings. 2. Students will describe why the maternal mortality rate is increasing in the United States and how midwifery care can stem the tide. 3. Students will identify the four tenets of the Midwives Model of care, their meaning and application in the childbearing year. 4. Students will demonstrate the safety of out-of-hospital birth in a formal research paper. 5. Students will identify local, national, and international professional and consumer-based organizations dedicated to the support of midwives and increased access to midwifery care. 6. Students will articulate their understanding and awareness of birth models that work. 7. Students will discuss the brokenness of the maternity care system today and concepts for how to work toward improvement. 8. Students will synthesize their learning by articulating what they will do to affect positive change
BIOL 1010, Must be in a clinical placement or have an MCU-approved limited preceptor or currently a
MDWF 2010Prenatal Care I: Foundations of Prenatal Care (3 academic credits/.5 clinical credit)3.5
Note: this class is a prerequisite for other classes. It is recommended you take this as soon as possible in your phase 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. Learning Objectives: 1. Apply midwifery standards of care, professional ethics, and human rights principles to prenatal care, including appropriate documentation, shared decision-making, and individualized care planning across diverse birth settings. 2. Explain the benefits and risks of available birth settings and determine client eligibility for direct-entry midwifery care, including ongoing assessment for conditions requiring collaboration, consultation, or referral. 3. Obtain and document a comprehensive health, obstetric, gynecologic, reproductive, and family history at the initial prenatal visit and perform an ongoing history at each antenatal visit. 4. Identify and confirm pregnancy through recognition of signs and symptoms, history-taking, physical examination, laboratory testing, and accurate calculation of gestational age and estimated date of birth. - 26 -
Completion of Phase one classes and clinical requirements or currently a CPM/RM
MDWF 2020Prenatal Care II: Prenatal Care for a Healthy Pregnancy, (3 academic credits/.5 clinical)3.5
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, sizeism, classism or other differentisms. Students will explore how to help foster their client’s wellbeing 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 - 27 -
(2 academic credits/1 clinical credit) 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. Learning Objectives: 1. An awareness of a birthing parent’s spiritual, physical, and emotional postpartum needs, and how to help them meet those needs. 2. Education of parents in preparing for the postpartum period. 3. Adequate care required the first few hours after birth. 4. Understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes that occur in postpartum period. 5. Common problems in the postpartum period. - 28 -
MDWF 2030 Labor & Birth (can be taken concurrently) or currently a CPM/RM
MDWF 2050Pediatrics4
(3 academic credits/1 clinical credit) 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 transfer of care 14. To identify alternative modalities and treatments for common newborn conditions
(2 academic credits/1 clinical credit) 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. Learning Objectives: 1. Manage clinical testing for care of clients, including explaining to a client the various types of tests, those that they may choose within practice, and those that may be referred to another practitioner. 2. Demonstrate appropriate ordering, collection, and results interpretation for standard lab work commonly used during the childbearing year and compare to reference ranges, and identify those outside of normal. 3. Demonstrate understanding of and provide explanation for the Direct and Indirect Coombs tests, and antibody ID and titer. 4. Counsel clients for the prevention of pre-eclampsia by providing proper nutritional support, while appropriately utilizing pre-eclampsia/HELLP lab tests. 5. Explain the physiologic changes of pregnancy, including blood volume expansion, and describe how it impacts lab results. 6. Demonstrates understanding of, and provides education to clients on, fetal screening (i.e., NIPT biophysical profile, 1st and 2nd trimester screen, NST, U/S) 7. Recognizes signs, performs appropriate testing for, and creates a treatment plan for jaundice in the newborn. 8. Creates order for and performs, and interprets testing for, but not limited to: screening for HIV, STIs, and PAP tests. 9. Demonstrates understanding of appropriate use of the microscope to perform simple screening tests, including, but not limited to: amniotic fluid ferning, candida, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis (Note: we will not have microscopes available for use). - 29 -
MDWF 2010 and must be in a Clinical placement or currently a CPM/RM
MDWF 2070/2075 Obstetrical Pharmacology3
(2 academic credits/1 clinical) 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. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe basic pharmacological concepts, including the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacovigilance, both in general and specific to pregnancy 2. Counsel clients on the use of over-the-counter medications in pregnancy 3. Support clients in a shared decision-making process for the use of pharmaceuticals 4. Describe their drug protocols, including indications for use, mechanism of action, administration, contraindications, storage, and adverse effects for medications commonly used in CPM practice, including: a. Administration of Rh0D immunoglobulin to prevent Rh alloimmunization b. Magnesium sulfate administration for the treatment of severe preeclampsia c. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for Group B Strep d. Epinephrine as part of the management of anaphylactic shock e. Antihemorrhagics for the management of postpartum hemorrhage f. Local anesthesia for the repair of lacerations g. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum h. Vitamin K for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding 5. Counsel clients on vaccinations in pregnancy, including Tdap vaccine to prevent newborn pertussis, influenza vaccine, and COVID vaccine, as well as rubella vaccination 6. Counsel clients on the administration of pharmacological abortive agents, including specific medications, timing, dosage, safety, and efficacy 7. Counsel clients on basic principles of certain prescription medications used by midwifery clients, including: a. tocolytic therapy for the prevention of preterm labor b. antibiotic therapy for common infections c. antidepressants for the management of depression 8. Counsel clients on specific hormonal contraceptives, including timing and administration, safety, efficacy, contraindications, and side effects 9. Identify resources for obtaining pharmaceutical medications used in midwifery practice
(3 academic credits/1 clinical credit) 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
(3 academic credits/.5 clinical credits) 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. 1. Identify normal and abnormal findings in pregnancy and recognize deviations that require monitoring, management, consultation, or transfer of care. 2. 2. Assess maternal and fetal risk factors, including preexisting conditions and pregnancy-related complications, and determine appropriate levels of care and referral. 3. 3. Implement evidence-based first-line, collaborative, and supportive management strategies for variations and complications of pregnancy, including both allopathic and complementary approaches. 4. 4. Recognize, counsel, and manage exposure to or contraction of infectious diseases during pregnancy, including prevention of maternal-to-child transmission and appropriate referral. 5. 5. Provide informed, non-directive counseling, resources, and ongoing physical and emotional support for clients experiencing or considering miscarriage, fetal demise, or therapeutic abortion. 6. 6. Demonstrate professional communication, documentation, and clinical decision-making skills, including development of client education materials, informed consent documents, and transport or transfer-of-care protocols in accordance with applicable regulations. - 31 -
Completion of all Phase Two classes or currently a CPM/RM
MDWF 3030Complications of Labor, Birth, and Immediate Postpartum, (3 academic credits/.5 clinical credits)3.5
This course covers complications in more depth for labor, birth and immediate postpartum. Focus is directed towards writing midwifery-practice documents for emergency care and variations of normal delivery. 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. Demonstrates understanding of the importance of interprofessional collaboration in providing safe midwifery care. 2. Explain the etiology of common complications, discuss pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical first-stage labor interventions, including indications for appropriate transport/transfer of care. 3. Apply knowledge of interventions for the second stage to scenarios and practice guideline creation, including assisted birth and cesarean section, and indications for appropriate transport/transfer of care. 4. Compile documents and demonstrations of third-stage labor, immediate postpartum, and neonatal complications, including interventions and indications for appropriate transport/transfer of care. 5. Demonstrates understanding of indications and procedures for active management of the third stage
MDWF 2070/2075 (can be taken concurrently) and Completion of all Phase Two classes or currently a CPM/RM
MDWF 3035Complications of Lactation1
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, Raynaud'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: 6. Provide client education using a shared decision-making model 7. Understand and identify components of the physiologic process of lactation 8. 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 9. Conditions of the infant affecting lactation 10. Understands common lactation interventions: a. Galactagogues, b. Supplemental feeding, c. Pharmacological treatment, d. Complementary measures, 5. Understands effective counseling techniques 11. Supports physiologic establishment of lactation 12. Understand indications for lactation consultation and referral 13. Provides evidence-based client education 14. Understands importance of interprofessional collaboration
MDWF 1030 Human Lactation (or corequisite) and completion of Phase One classes and clinical requirements
MDWF 3050Complications of the Postpartum Period3.5
(3 academic credits/.5 clinical credits) 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: 5. 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 Infection/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 - 32 -
Please NOTE: if you are NOT planning to take the NARM exam reach out to the registrar to have a different class assigned. If you have opened this class you are NOT eligible for the MCU comprehensive exam. Students collect and extract study materials from previous class assignments and readings, outline study plan and prepare for NARM written examination. Students analyze multiple choice questions and apply test-taking strategies on practice tests.
Students will have the opportunity to select an area of interest within the scope of prenatal care to research and examine in-depth. Evidence-informed practices, actual practice styles, care provider attitudes, client perceptions, and mass media discourses will be examined. Students will collect original data using a variety of methods and engage existing scholarly literature to inform recommendations for midwives and other care providers to improve service to families in their chosen communities. This class focuses on Semi Structured Interviews a research design and analysis techniques. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify appropriate research question. 2. Construct an annotated bibliography. 3. Conduct a scholarly literature review. 4. Critically appraise research studies. 5. Assess media discourses on the research topic. 6. Perform original qualitative data collection and analysis. 7. Articulate the premises of interview methods 8. Synthesize results of scholarly literature, media discourses, and original data narratives. 9. Examine areas where more research is needed to advance midwifery models of care. 10. Theorize about the disparities and congruencies between evidence-informed practices, popular and scholarly discourses, and actual care practices; and 11. Communicate findings to audiences of significance
Students will have the opportunity to select an area of interest within the scope of postpartum care to research and examine in-depth. Evidence-informed practices, actual practice styles, care provider attitudes, client perceptions, and mass media discourses will be examined. Students will collect original data using a variety of methods and engage existing scholarly literature to inform recommendations for midwives and other care providers to improve service to families in in their chosen communities. This class focuses on Participation Observation research design and analysis. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify appropriate research question. 2. Construct an annotated bibliography. 3. Conduct a scholarly literature review. 4. Critically appraise research studies. 5. Assess media discourses on the research topic. 6. Perform original qualitative data collection and analysis. 7. Articulate the premises of the participant-observation method. 8. Synthesize results of scholarly literature, media discourses, and original data narratives. - 48 -
Eight (8) credits of Midwifery Issues coursework are required. Each course is 4 (four) credits. Students select two of the courses. Professional Development Choices
(Three course sections) The purpose of this course is to guide you in the enactment of your research-based thesis study. The culminating hallmark of graduate education is an original scholarly or creative contribution of significance. In the MSM program, there are two options to enact this goal: a non-thesis applied project or a research-based thesis. This course is for those choosing a research-based thesis. Your thesis will be based on an original research study that integrates leading theories, methodologies, and techniques in midwifery and maternal- child health, as well as make a significant, original contribution to the scholarly literature. Your primary advisor will guide you in this work, and your entire committee will provide substantive, critical feedback on the thesis development, as well as final approval. The successful passing of the final oral defense and submission of the final, approved thesis is the last step in your graduate studies journey! This course is delivered over three trimesters. Learning Objectives: 1. Execute an original research study of significance that integrates leading theories, methods, and techniques from the fields of midwifery, maternal-child health, and integrative health 2. Articulate and defend the role of ethical conduct in scholarly and applied research 3. Sustain coherent written and oral arguments for both generalized and specialized audiences 4. Defend a research-based thesis
(Three course sections) The purpose of this course is to guide you in the enactment of your applied project of significance. The culminating hallmark of graduate education is an original scholarly or creative contribution of significance. In the MSM program, there are two options to enact this goal: a non-thesis applied project or a research-based thesis. This course is for those choosing an applied project. Your applied project will integrate leading theories, methods, and techniques in midwifery and maternal-child health, as well as make a significant, original contribution to the field. Your primary advisor will guide you in this work, and your entire committee will provide substantive, critical feedback on the project development, as well as final approval. The successful passing of the final oral defense and submission of the final, approved project is the last step in your graduate studies journey! This course is delivered over three trimesters. Learning Objectives: 1. Execute a non-thesis applied (creative) project of significance that integrates leading theories, methods, and techniques from the fields of midwifery, maternal-child health, and integrative health 2. Articulate and defend the role of ethical conduct in scholarly and professional engagements 3. Sustain coherent written and oral arguments for both generalized and specialized audiences 4. Defend an applied (creative) project - 49 -
