Midwifery

The students know the specialist vocabulary of midwifery and get to know midwifery around the world.

This course provides an introduction to scientific work, midwifery research and the academic search for literature. (Sources of knowledge for midwives, signs, purpose, limitations and history of science, research process and ethics of research). The students have insight into midwifery science literature (data banks, structure of a research report).

This course prepares the midwifery student for the conservative and surgical care of women with gynaecological problems. They acquire specialist nursing skills as well as organization and planning skills. They know the clinical guidelines and standards of practice for the following: Catheterization of women, giving injections (s.c. and i.m.), phlebotomy, finger stick, setting up an intravenous line (indwelling venous access.) Basics of evidence based nursing and midwifery concepts: • basal stimulation • kinaesthetics • therapeutic touch • anthroposophical nursing practice (e.g. compresses, poultices and fomentations) • palliative care

This course focuses on fundamental anatomical and functional aspects and physiology and pathology of the female urogenital system and the female breast.

This course deals with the physical and mental changes that a woman undergoes in pregnancy. The students learn how to look after the well-being of the woman during this time and how to give specialist care if minor disorders occur. Special emphasis is placed upon a holistic view of the special situation of the pregnant woman and on the task of antenatal counseling. The students are given the opportunity to focus on medical and holistic aspects of care as well as on the importance of achieving client compliance and on successful communication .

This course deals with general and specific pathology and focuses on the female reproductive organs and pregnancy. Apart from understanding the causes and the course of a disease, the students acquire a general understanding of pathology and of various diseases.

This course focuses on the most relevant pathogenic organisms that are harmful for mother and child in the preconception period as well as prepartally, peripartally and postpartally. Practical case studies and role plays prepare for professional consultation situations which represent a major part of midwifery work.

In this course the learning objectives that the teaching midwife and the student have agreed on are continuously assessed. This is done by structured guided and / or supervised practice of previously learned processes and by demonstration of correct procedures and by structured feedback. In semester 2 the course deals with the reflection of the demands on midwives in midwifery practice, preparation and reflection of the placement experience and clinical supervision on placement. Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: Gynaecology and oncology: • basic nursing care of gynaecological and obstetrical patients • use of materials and instruments and patient contact by applying hygienic standards delivery suite: • basic support and care of the labouring woman • fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns and the course of labour • all settings: • documentation

Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: Gynaecology and oncology: • basic nursing care of gynaecological and obstetrical patients • use of materials and instruments and patient contact by applying hygienic standards delivery suite: • support and care of the labouring woman • fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns and the course of labour • all settings: • documentation

This course reflects upon the modwife’s role in conflict situations by providing an overview of the theory of conflicts, the different kinds of conflict, escalation and de-escalation and the purpose of conflict. Managing conflict situations entails knowledge of self-help, conflict in organizations, team conflicts, conflicts with clients, conflict of values, basic models and types of conflict resolution, nonviolent communication, mediation and prevention of bullying. Under supervision the students are able to deal with different professional conflict situations.

This course deals with the theory and practice of terms and factors relevant to labour and normal spontaneous delivery. Vaginal examination, perineal massage and support and maneuvers for the birth of the fetus are demonstrated and practiced by using a model. This course aims at understanding the mechanism of labour in normal spontaneous delivery from the 1st and 2nd occiput presentations. The students learn how to describe the progress of labour, assess the fetal position, dilatation of the cervix. They enhance their competencies of monitoring fetal and maternal wellbeing in labour and acquire a repertoire of massage techniques and breathing support.

This course integrates the theory of documentation in pregnancy, during delivery and in childbed with practical training sessions by using different documentary systems. This course enables the students to find their way through the currently common systems and to know the main documentation parameters. This course aims at knowledge of documentation systems in midwifery practice and at fundamental documentation skills. Upon completion of this course the students are able to know which and how to write down information and to find it in the case notes. They are able to generate information from documentation systems in use, prioritize information and transfer it into an oral report.

This course uses legal sources to define the central regulations for the job of a midwife (training, programme, professional activity of midwives). The students acquire the relevant terminology of midwifery law, social insurance law and the legal protection of mother and child.

This course focuses on the initial care of the newborn. Birth injuries, adaptation disturbance and malformation. Experiential activities such as field trips to the phototherapy and the sleep laboratories aid in the understanding of SIDS and in understanding the prevention guidelines. The students enhance their knowledge of the physiology and the anatomy of the newborn and the physiological changes in the first few days of life. In addition, they know the right measures to take in the case of adaptation disabilities. They are able to recognize malformations and know about the therapeutic possibilities.

This course provides an introduction into the basic terminology of paediatrics and neonatology with a focus on newborn care in the delivery suite, handling of resuscitation equipment, asphyxia and aspiration syndrome. The students learn in detail how to examine a newborn and know about newborn dietary options.

This course focuses on the physiology and the pathology of the postpartal stage. The students acquire a sound knowledge of the physiological and pathological processes in the postpartal stage and are able to differentiate between them. (involution of the birth organs, hormonal changes, typical changes in the puerperium, diagnosis and therapy approaches, duties of the midwife, daily check-ups, puerperal hygiene)

This course is designed to provide an appreciation of the history, political and social issues in midwifery. This course also increases appreciation of the variety of roles that a midwife can play (practitioner and counselor, educator and researcher). The course offers discussion of issues like principles of ethics, ethical dilemmas, medical ethics, ICM international code of ethics, code of ethics for midwives and these procedures and theories are applied to real maternity care situations. Practical case studies are used to discuss normative issues in reproductive procedures and PND, represent the ethical dilemmas in obstetrics and aid in finding solutions and in developing good ethical practices.

This course presents the foundations of knowledge of human genetics and shows its current possibilities and limitations. The students are offered basic principles of cytogenetics (cell division, chromosome structure, caryograms), molecular genetics, the most common numerical and structural chromosome aberrations, genetics, the most common genetic diseases and genetic counseling. At the interface between midwifery and human genetics, they discuss issues like familial breast cancer, kinds, quality, possibilities and consequences of prenatal diagnosis and of preimplantation diagnosis.

This course is based on contemporary developmental psychology and deals with prenatal development and early childhood. (Competent infants and their needs, developmental risk factors and problems, intervention and prevention, family systems theory, establishing rapport). The course offers an overview of the multifaceted developmental psychology of the unborn child and the young infant. This enables the midwife to maintain the healthy development of the child and to recognize problems that require intervention and prevention.

This course deals with abnormal labour. First, there is a theoretical introduction into malpositions and abnormal fetal attitudes and difficult and forced birth of the head; this is complemented by practical classes on the model. The advantages of upright birth positions, special assistance with malpositions and abnormal fetal attitudes and the support of women in difficult labour are topics also focused on. The students learn to recognize early pathological labour and to take the appropriate measures to optimize the further course of labour. By vaginal examination of the obstetric model they become familiar with malpositions and abnormal fetal attitudes and know different birthing positions so that they can provide optimum labour support. They know of the advantages of the upright birthing positions and can support the perineum.

This course aims at enhancing the knowledge acquired in the first course and focuses on special problems of the neonate such as changes of the skull, the sense organs, developmental dysplasia, paresis, birth trauma and emergency situations in the delivery suite and their effects on the newborn, The digestive system, diarrhoea and skeletal and genital problems are also focused on.

This course offers the basics of prenatal diagnosis and also focuses on the specific management of pathological conditions during pregnancy. The students deal with high risk pregnancy and labour and practice independent management and problem solving strategies. They learn to recognize severe pathological complications of pregnancy and labour. They acquire the skill to repair wounds and tears on suturing practice models. They learn to differentiate between physiological and pathological labour and know when taking therapeutic measures is necessary.

This course focuses on the pharmacological foundations and medications administered in the periparatal phase and on the basics of anaesthetics and pain management. The students are able to apply this knowledge when dealing with pregnant women and in the delivery suite. They are given an overview of the most relevant anaesthetic medications, monitoring and interpreting vital parameters. They learn how to set up an intravenous line and how to assist the anaesthetic staff. The students learn how to assist in the anaesthetic management of a pregnant woman, how to recognize and to interpret changes of single vital parameters and how to take the necessary measures, which guarantees effective collaboration between midwives and anaesthetic staff. The students are familiar with the most important pharmacological terminology and know about efficiency, indications, administration, effects and side-effects of medications.

This course teaches the principles of postpartum visits.The students learn to monitor the postpartum adaptation process of the woman in the home setting and to structure extra-mural postpartum care independently.

In this course the learning objectives that the teaching midwife and the student have agreed on are continuously assessed. This is done by structured guided and / or supervised practice of previously learned processes and by demonstration of correct procedures and by structured feedback. In semester 3 the course deals with the reflection of the demands on midwives in midwifery practice, preparation and reflection of the placement experience and clinical supervision on placement. Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: delivery suite: • support and care of the labouring woman • fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns and the course of labour • evaluation of the placental period • primary assessment and care of the newborn birth house, home birth placement: • reflection and case discussion family planning clinic, midwifery office: • observation and reflection of consultations all settings: • documentation

Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: delivery suite: • support and care of the labouring woman • fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns and the course of labour • evaluation of the placental period • primary assessment and care of the newborn birth house, home birth placement: • reflection and case discussion family planning clinic, midwifery office: • observation and reflection of consultations all settings: • documentation

In this course the students learn to recognize and differentiate between the causes of different breast feeding problems and get to know challenging breastfeeding contexts (breast feeding after breast surgery, breastfeeding with sore nipples, too much and too little milk, failure to thrive, breastfeeding of the newborn) The students are given the foundations for planning and managing treatment and support (weaning, using breast pumps and formula food). They learn to evaluate national and international breast feeding guidelines and the most popular breast feeding internet sites.

In this course the role of the midwife in situations of crisis and developmental crises („becoming parents“) are examined. The students are introduced into the topic of crisis intervention (definition of crisis, types of crises, trauma, causes of crises, course of crises, crisis intervention, reflexion by using practical examples). This course offers the opportunity to carry out group supervision of crisis situations experienced during the placement. (e.g. stillbirth, family violence, excessive demand on the mother and family etc.)

This seminar deals with documentation in the puerperium and the differences between the combined documentation of both mother and child and separated documentation systems. Common or rare situations of day-to-day midwifery care and freelance midwifery practice are collected and documented. The students compile their own documentation sheet and learn to use it in their future daily routine.

This course focuses on the efficient communication in English language with the pregnant woman and the woman in the puerperium. They simulate prenatal care simulations ( admission interview and course of pregnancy) and compile a vocabulary for the different stages of labour and the puerperium, instruments and equipment, medications and breathing and relaxation exercises and postnatal exercises.)

This course deals with the differential diagnoses of mildly pathological to severe clinical conditions in the puerperium: Causes, course, differences, clinical signs, therapy and consequences (e.g. inflammatory conditions in the puerperium,. haemorrhage and medication)

This course is designed to give an overview of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, methods of data collection and data analysis in health care by using texts and papers from the topic area of the puerperium.

This course deals with different schemes for the critical appraisal of the midwifery research literature in theory and practice.

This course provides an introduction into different treatment methods in complementary medicine and herbal medicine, their philosophy and theories as well as their relevance to midwifery practice.

This course concentrates on the foundations of dietetics with a special focus on nutrition in pregnancy, puerperium, breastfeeding and the first twelve months of infancy. Among the issues dealt with in this course are prevention of diet-related conditions during pregnancy as well as their dietary therapy (e.g. hyperemesis, itching, folic acid deficiency, dietary proteins and EPH gestosis, premature labour, food-borne parasites), gestational diabetes, nutritional behaviour, nutrients for mother and child, food additives, efficiency of herbal therapy, dietary supplements and functional food. In practical classes the students prepare different kinds of baby food.

This course introduces into fundamental theories of educational science and psychology of learning that are applicable in educational settings of midwifery practice, society and health care. An analysis of different models of health care opens up new perspectives. The students document midwifery teaching concepts in a portfolio. The students are introduced to health education in maternity care and develop ideas, concepts and practical teaching skills for its implementation in their professional practice. The students • get to know and critically appraise and try out different teaching approaches • deal with educational issues of their own choice and present them in class • deal with different teaching tools in adult education • acquire and practice different approaches and techniques of consultation

This course focuses on the organization contents and limitations of antenatal care of healthy women provided by the midwife and includes care processes for the midwifery visits.

This is the last part of the module ‘theory of postpartum care’ and compares ideals of clinical and non-clinical settings with regard to organization and implementation of care. Case studies of difficult breastfeeding situations are presented and coping strategies are developed.

This course increases oral communication and reading skills in English language necessary to deal with issues such as midwifery in Austria and EU directives, communicating with the woman in pregnancy and labour, complications during pregnancy, diet, newborn assessment and family planning.

This course uses statistical evidence to investigate midwifery-led birth in clinical and non-clinical settings. The students learn to apply criteria from pregnancy to the post placenta period that aid in the decision to refer the woman to obstetric medical care. They deal with the organization and legal foundations to prepare and carry out midwifery- led care. They are able to make their own decisions if referral is required.

This courses deals with work-life balance (Which position does the job adopt in life? How can job and family life be integrated? How can women cope with this?), health, self-management, values and happiness in working life with a special focus on burnout prevention.

In this course the students further develop their knowledge of pathological pregnancy and labour and enhance their management skills of the pathologies in an interprofessional context (e.g. guidelines for shoulder dystocia, unexpected haemorrhage, preterm labour, gestosis and eclampsia). The students work out emergency reminders and practice the procedures on obstetric models.

This course focuses on the treatment and care of neonates and the management of lung maturation and the assessment and treatment of intracranial haemorrhage in premature neonates and newborns. Treatment of newborn jaundice, malformation and neonatal sepsis are also issues focused on.

The students learn to differentiate between physiological and pathological labour from the obstetric perspective and learn to recognize when and which therapeutic interventions are needed. Special emphasis is placed upon pathologies, blood parameters and blood test results, confident handling of the CTG and interpreting CTG results. The course aims at routine handling of obstetric pathologies. The students practice suturing techniques and learn to repair obstetric injuries on a model. They are also given an introduction into diagnostic ultrasound in fetal scanning.

In this course the learning objectives that the teaching midwife and the student have agreed on are continuously assessed. This is done by structured guided and / or supervised practice of previously learned processes and by demonstration of correct procedures and by structured feedback. In semester 4 the course deals with the reflection of the demands on midwives in midwifery practice, preparation and reflection of the placement experience and clinical supervision on placement. antenatal clinic, antenatal diagnosis: carrying out antenatal examinations; diagnostic measures to recognize pathologies; carrying out and reflection of consultations delivery suite: support and care of the labouring woman; fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns; evaluation of the third stage of labour; primary assessment and care of the newborn birth house, home birth placement: reflection and case discussion; …

Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: antenatal clinic, antenatal diagnosis: • carrying out antenatal examinations • diagnostic measures to recognize pathologies • carrying out and reflection of consultations delivery suite: • support and care of the labouring woman • fundamentals of interpretation of the cardiotocograph and fetal heart frequency patterns • evaluation of the third stage of labour • primary assessment and care of the newborn birth house, home birth placement: • reflection and case discussion • planning of parentcraft classes • carrying out and reflection of single parentcraft classes • practice in consultation family planning clinic, midwifery office: • observation and reflection of consultations • reflection of care situations all settings: • documentation

This course improves reading comprehension (EBM). The students study English language research literature needed for their bachelor paper and write an abstract. The course also offers a problem based approach to lactation consultation.

This course supports the students when writing a bachelor paper about a topic relevant to midwifery practice. (topic area analysis, limitations and delimitations, statement of the research problem, framework and guidelines, structure ). The students discuss their ideas, approaches and conclusions in peers and under guidance and supervision, which enhances the process of scientific paper writing.

By using specialist literature this course provides an overview of the clinical picture of psychosomatic disorders. Special focus is placed upon pregnancy and the post-partum period, sexuality and breastfeeding. The students develop attentiveness that enables them to recognize psychosomatic conditions. Knowledge of personality theories, emotions and stress aid them in their client relationship.

Part 1: This course focuses on elaborating systematic emergency procedures in high risk pregnancy and labour, e.g. special cases of CTG interpretation, haemorrhage management, early preterm labour, life-threatening conditions and resuscitation of mother and child. This course enhances the advanced knowledge of obstetric pathologies.

In this course the learning objectives that the teaching midwife and the student have agreed on are continuously assessed. This is done by structured guided and / or supervised practice of previously learned processes and by demonstration of correct procedures and by structured feedback. In semester 5 the course deals with the reflection of the demands on midwives in midwifery practice, preparation and reflection of the placement experience and clinical supervision on placement. Clinical supervising: Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: delivery suite: support and care of the labouring woman; support of the perineum; control of the third stage of labour; suturing the perineum or perineal tears under the supervision of a physician; primary assessment and care of the newborn; management of intrapartal pathologies; emergency measures maternity unit, nursery, breastfeeding clinic: care and observation of the newborn …

Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: delivery suite: • support and care of the labouring woman • support of the perineum • control of the third stage of labour • suturing the perineum or perineal tears under the supervision of a physician • primary assessment and care of the newborn • management of intrapartal pathologies • emergency measures maternity unit, nursery, breastfeeding clinic: • care and observation of the newborn • support and counseling of parents • recognizing pathologies and failure to thrive • assessment of newborn development in week one neonatology: • recognizing newborn pathologies • monitoring sick and susceptible newborns • assessment of newborn development all settings: • documentation

This workshop based seminar covers common and well-tried concepts of antenatal education and postnatal exercise. Different approaches and possibilities to organize classes are worked out and tested. Guest lecturers from different backgrounds present their approaches in theory and practice.

This course presents the terminology of health promotion, prevention and social medicine and shows how the management cycle( analyzing, planning, implementing, evaluating) is implemented in health promotion and prevention. The importance of goals and strategies and action plans is explained and theories are illustrated by looking at best practice examples and model projects and programmes. The gender aspect is reflected in all phases. The course contents should be applicable in the personal working context.

This course teaches the principles of modern project management. It integrates theory and practice for future professional activities. The students learn the theory of project management processes and how to plan, control, organize and conduct a project. They also get to know the principles of quality management with a special focus on the most important QM systems and models in Austria and their certification processes.

In this course the most important regulations of midwifery practice are presented by using practical examples of obstetric malpractice lawsuits. The students are able to know the legal fundamentals and are able to practice without violating the law (negligence, documentation errors etc.) They are able to cope with changes of the legislation.

In the world of increasing globalization intercultural competence is one of the key qualifications in health care. It requires reflection of a growing multicultural diversity in the own country as well as across the national borders. What exactly is “intercultural competence”, how can it be acquired and how can it be implemented? This course offers a possibility to acquire intercultural knowledge, skills and perspectives by integrating own experiences, biographical competences and cultural awareness and, thus, eases the contact with foreignness and difference.

This course is designed to define the role of the midwife in preterm contexts. Typical risks and pathological conditions, diagnostic procedures and management options are dealt with which enable the midwife to deliver postnatal care (technical terminology, follow-up care, nutritional advice, late complications, recognizing special needs of premature babies )

This course supports the students when writing a bachelor paper about a topic relevant to midwifery practice. (Topic area analysis, limitations and delimitations, statement of the research problem, framework and guidelines, structure). The students discuss their ideas, approaches and conclusions in peers and under guidance and supervision, which enhances the process of scientific paper writing.

In den Lehrveranstaltungen des "Integrativen Prozesses" werden die von Studentin und lehrender Hebamme gemeinsam festgelegten Lernziele für das jeweilige Praktikum kontinuierlich evaluiert. Dies geschieht durch strukturiert angeleitetes und/oder supervidiertes üben von zuvor erarbeiteten Handlungsabläufen und/oder Demonstration korrekter Vorgehensweisen und strukturiertem Feedback. Im 6. Semester besteht der INP schwerpunktmäßig in einer Leistungsüberprüfung der Studierenden im Praxisfeld (Anamneseerhebung, Erstellung eines Behandlungsplanes, Geburtsbetreuung und Wochenbettvisite unter Prüfungsbedingungen). Schwangerenambulanz - Durchführen von Vorsorgeuntersuchungen - differentialdiagnostische Maßnahmen zur Erkennung regelwidriger Verläufe - Durchführen und Reflektieren von Beratungssituationen - Erstellen eines Behandlungsplanes Kreißsaal-Begleitung und Leitung von Geburten - CTG-Beurteilung - Durchführen von Dammschutz - Leitung der Plazentarperiode…

Practical experience of previously acquired theoretical knowledge: antenatal clinic: • carrying out antenatal examinations • diagnostic measures to recognize pathologies • carrying out and reflection of consultations delivery suite – midwifery-assisted and midwifery-led births: • CTG assessment • support of the perineum • control of the third stage of labour • primary assessment and care of the newborn • management of intrapartal pathologies • emergency measures birth house, home births: • reflection and case discussion maternity unit, nursery: • basic and nursing care of the puerperal woman • planning and carrying out of childbed visits • breastfeeding support and breast care • care and observation of the newborn • support and counseling of parents all settings: • documentation • guided practical application of previously studied processes • demonstration of correct procedures • reflection of the commonly used skills and procedures • structured feedback and final assessment

In this course the students acquire the fundamental prerequisites to set up their own business as a freelance midwife (business and fiscal management).

This course deals with the history and theory of social work and uses casework to deal with individual cases. Special attention is given to issues such as pregnancy and birth in mental illness, addiction, teenage mothers, multiple problem families, and disabled women. The course gives and overview of institutional services.

Part 2: This course focuses on elaborating systematic emergency procedures for managing high-risk pregnancy and labour, e.g. special cases of CTG interpretation, haemorrhage management, early preterm labour, life-threatening conditions and resuscitation of mother and child. This course enhances the advanced knowledge of obstetric pathologies.

This course integrates the key competences of maternity care during labour. The students repeat selected contents and aspects of labour care and measures to prevent pathological progress(e.g. positioning in malpresentations of the fetal head, vertical versus horizontal birth positions, manangement of death and bereavement in the labour room). The course aims at complementing the labour management skills portfolio by the most recent evidence-based findings.

This course helps to gain understanding of the specific aspects of women’s health in a global context. The students discuss women’s health reports, gender studies, health promotion and prevention, and good practice examples. The course focuses on aspects of ethnomedicine in maternity care and on sexual and reproductive health and midwifery practice in different sociocultural contexts and integrates information about international organizations, initiatives and networks as well as international examples of midwifery practice.

This course focuses on the disabled newborn. Support group initiatives (e.g. Down syndrome, cardiovascular malformation, cleft palate and cleft lip, kidney and urogenital malformation, intersexuality, “living without models”) are presented which enable the future midwives to provide efficient parental advice. This course aims at a critical examination of the issue of special newborns and disabled newborns and provides specialist background information on children with special needs and their parents and for perinatal interdisciplinary collaboration.