Midwives College of Utah (MCU)

Bachelor of Midwifery

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.

Students will discuss and describe birth as a human right and how birther's fundamental human rights are routinely violated in industrialized birth settings. Students will describe why the maternal mortality rate is increasing in the United States and how midwifery care can stem the tide. Students will identify the four tenets of the Midwives Model of care, their meaning and application in the childbearing year. Students will demonstrate the safety of out-of-hospital birth in a formal research paper. Students will identify local, national, and international professional and consumer-based organizations dedicated to the support of midwives and increased access to midwifery care.Students will articulate their understanding and awareness of birth models that work. Students will discuss the brokenness of the maternity care system today and concepts for how to work toward improvement. Students will synthesize their learning by articulating what they will do to affect positive change