Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:39 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:39 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide postnatal and infant health care
Provide postnatal and infant health care
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW059
HLTAHW059
State Code
WG710
WG710
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the required skills and knowledge to provide Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women, infants and their families with specialist health care services in postnatal and infant health. This unit applies to those Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Provide health information, support and care after birth for women, infants and families
- 1.1 Perform maternal and infant physical assessment and record observations of mother and infant in line with standard protocols and organisational guidelines
- 1.2 Provide information and support for self-care and wellbeing in the postnatal period
- 1.3 Provide advice on routine care of the newborn to mothers and refer as appropriate and within organisational guidelines and/or procedures
- 1.4 Implement strategies to establish and support breastfeeding
- 1.5 Discuss with the client the importance of nutrition, exercise, rest, sleep and support with domestic tasks and care of family in the immediate postnatal period
- 1.6 Identify minor postnatal problems for mother and newborn and provide appropriate advice
- 1.7 Identify potentially serious health conditions for mother and newborn and refer to senior health staff
- 1.8 Provide information on contraceptive options
- 1.9 Deliver, implement and monitor care in the postnatal period as per standard treatment protocols and in accordance with legislative guidelines
- 1.10 Undertake immediate care in response to at-risk situations
- 1.11 Observe and support maternal-infant attachment
2. Organise and evaluate maternal health programs
- 2.1 Maintain registers of women undergoing postnatal care according to organisational policies and procedures
- 2.2 Keep schedules of participation in postnatal care and use to organise continuing care for women
- 2.3 Organise and/or provide reminders, transport and other assistance to attend care according to women’s needs
- 2.4 Provide support to other staff participating in provision of postnatal care
- 2.5 Maintain referral and communication networks with medical staff, specialist obstetricians, midwives, allied health staff, birthing facility staff and female community Elders
- 2.6 Keep statistics on attendance for antenatal care and birthing outcomes and use to evaluate maternal health programs
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5708 | HLTAHW518B | Provide postnatal and infant health care | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEO25 | HLTAMAT003 | Provide postnatal health care for mothers and babies | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC023 | HLTSS00031 | Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Maternal and Infant Care Skill Set - Clinical | Skill set |
| J585 | HLT50213 | Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice | Qualification |