Course overview
This course will develop a foundational understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and mental illness in order to respond appropriately to the needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Content includes: mental health; mental illness (mood and anxiety); clinical management, i.e. psychotherapy, psycho-pharmacology; attachment and lifespan development theories; pre-existing mental illness and the perinatal period; psychological disorders in pregnancy and childbirth; postnatal distress, postnatal depression; postnatal psychosis; psychosocial aspects of perinatal health; trauma informed care; vulnerable women; substance abuse; consultation and referral; interprofessional collaboration; communication and teamwork; personal and professional development; cultural safety; grief; loss; compassion and resilience.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of mental health and wellbeing in the context of contemporary Australian society.
- Explain the relevance of lifespan development theories and attachment theories to midwifery practice in the perinatal period.
- Describe common mental illness and psychological disorders occurring during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Recognise perinatal and mental health issues including appropriate response and referral pathways.
- Demonstrate appropriate midwifery care that responds to the psychological needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Identify the legal and ethical issues as they relate to caring for women with mental illness and or vulnerable women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the midwife caring for women who experience traumatic birth, grief and loss.
Availability
Class details
Whyalla
Group 1
Class number 24094
Section SE01
Size 25
Available 23
Class number 24096
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 23
Class number 24095
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 23
Mt Gambier
Group 1
Class number 24091
Section SE01
Size 25
Available 22
Class number 24092
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 22
Class number 24093
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 22
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 24045
Section SE01
Size 100
Available 28
Class number 24041
Section TU04
Size 25
Available 9
Class number 24042
Section TU03
Size 25
Available 3
Class number 24043
Section TU02
Size 25
Available 16
Class number 24044
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 0
Class number 24117
Section WS04
Size 25
Available 0
Class number 24118
Section WS03
Size 25
Available 0
Class number 24119
Section WS02
Size 25
Available 19
Class number 24120
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 9
Online
Group 1
Class number 24121
Section SE01
Size 25
Available 12
Class number 24122
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 12
Class number 24123
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 12
Fee calculator
To display course fees for 2027, select your status and program below:
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Social Work program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.