Teaching and research

A Continuity of Care experience is a teaching/learning strategy where a midwifery student follows a woman through her pregnancy, labour and birth and the time after birth in a partnership approach.

Midwifery students are required to undertake these experiences as a formal requirement of midwifery education in Australia. Following a woman throughout her pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience gives the student the opportunity to experience continuity of care.

If you choose to participate in this partnership, you will continue to receive your usual care from doctors and midwives during this time.

• The student is expected to observe and participate in supervised care throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth and for up to six weeks after the birth.
• The student will attend some of your antenatal visits with you. Attendance at visits will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon by you, the student and your care provider.
• The student will then attend your labour and birth and a minimum of two visits after you have your baby. These may occur in the hospital or the Maternal and Child Health Centre setting. The professional relationship will conclude at the final visit.

This partnership ensures the student meets requirements as part of their midwifery education and potentially is of benefit for you. Regular contact with the student during your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born can be very reassuring as the student can provide supportive care under the direct supervision of a midwife and/or medical practitioner.

The student learns from you about your experience of pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks with a new baby. This helps students to understand how to provide care that is centred around women’s individual needs.

As with all health professionals within maternity settings, the student with whom you are in partnership is expected to provide all aspects of care with consideration, respect and confidentiality.

1. You may be approached and invited by a midwifery student during one of your antenatal visits.
2. You are welcome to express your interest as outlined below.

If you are less than 30 weeks pregnant, please contact Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery via email: clin-nm@deakin.edu.au or phone: 9244 5445.

You will be matched with a student who will make contact with you. All you need to do is give your permission to enter a Continuity of Care experience with a student by signing a consent form which will be supplied by the student from Deakin University when you first meet.

Details required when you contact us:

• your name
• your due date
• the hospital you are booked to give birth
• your preferred contact details (email/text/phone)

If you wish to withdraw from the partnership, you can do so immediately and at any stage. Your decision will not impact upon the care being provided by your doctor, midwife, and/or maternity service.