Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:24 AM AWST

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Prepare for and support childbirth

Prepare for and support childbirth

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW058
State Code
WG709
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
500
Description
This unit describes advanced skills and knowledge required to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women during childbirth and support of childbirth in a culturally safe environment.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. Plan and support culturally safe birthing for women and their families
  • 1.1 Identify local birthing practices and cultural beliefs and discuss with women in planning and advocating for culturally appropriate and safe birthing options
  • 1.2 Discuss roles, relationships and responsibilities to support culturally safe birthing, including the role of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker as an advocate for women and families
  • 1.3 Discuss and identify signs of onset of labour and support women to attend the planned place of birth as required
  • 1.4 Provide physical and emotional support to women as appropriate during childbirth and the immediate post-partum period
  • 1.5 Support women and their families to take a self-care approach in line with individual needs to organisation and community requirements
  • 1.6 Maintain referral and communication networks with medical staff, specialist obstetricians, midwives, allied health staff, birthing facilities and female community Elders regarding culturally safe birthing options and services
2. Prepare and deliver safe birthing
  • 2.1 Maintain emergency delivery bundles and instructions in isolated community settings
  • 2.2 Identify signs and symptoms of imminent unexpected childbirth
  • 2.3 Seek urgent professional assistance and advice with birthing as necessary
  • 2.4 Prepare to manage untimely birth in a community or home setting using the best available resources
  • 2.5 Identify helpers and allocate tasks as appropriate based on experience and knowledge
  • 2.6 Prepare appropriate equipment and medication
  • 2.7 Institute basic management of second and third stages of labour, if needed
  • 2.8 Undertake initial management of post-partum haemorrhage according to emergency care guidelines and organisational protocols, as well as other common birthing emergencies
  • 2.9 Arrange safe evacuation in consultation with medical or midwifery staff if required and as per organisation procedures
3. Monitor and evaluate care
  • 3.1 Monitor care of individual women after birth according to organisation procedures
  • 3.2 Regularly update client files with birthing and postnatal details according to organisation procedures and policies
  • 3.3 Review progress and outcomes in consultation with pregnant woman
  • 3.4 Maintain registers of women undergoing postnatal care according to organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.5 Keep schedules of participation in antenatal care and use to organise continuing care according to woman’s needs
  • 3.6 Organise transport and other assistance as required to women post-birth
  • 3.7 Supervise other staff participating in provision of birthing practices
  • 3.8 Maintain referral and communication networks with medical staff, specialist obstetricians, midwives, allied health staff, birthing facility staff and female community Elders
  • 3.9 Keep statistics for birthing outcomes and use to evaluate maternal health programs
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5707 HLTAHW517B Prepare for and manage childbirth Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEO20 HLTAMAT002 Assist with childbirth Unit of competency