Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:23 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 health care for mothers and babies

Provide postnatal health care for mothers and babies

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAMAT003
State Code
OEO25
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide care to mothers and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies in the postnatal period, which is broadly defined as the six week period following birth.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide 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 or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess mother and baby and plan for postnatal health care.
  • 1.1. Use culturally safe and effective communication in all interactions to establish and maintain positive relationships.
  • 1.2. Review client information and establish individual care requirements.
  • 1.3. Complete maternal and baby health assessment and screening tests according to scope of practice and organisational standard treatment protocols.
  • 1.4. Seek information on the social and emotional wellbeing of women and their partners and families to identify support needs and preferences.
  • 1.5. Utilise observations, sensitive and empathetic discussions and relevant assessment tools to evaluate potential postnatal depression and anxiety.
  • 1.6. Develop a postnatal care plan based on client’s needs and preferences, organisational care protocols and consultation with relevant health professionals.
  • 1.7. Accurately document details of assessments and care plan in client records according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Provide postnatal care.
  • 2.1. Implement strategies to establish and support breastfeeding and other feeding options according to current guidelines and client preferences.
  • 2.2. Identify minor postnatal problems for mother and baby and provide appropriate care and advice.
  • 2.3. Identify potentially serious health conditions for mother and baby and make referrals according to organisational procedures.
  • 2.4. Provide education on key signs of ill-health in babies and need to present for prompt medical treatment.
  • 2.5. Recognise situations that indicate mother, baby or others may be at risk and respond according to organisational procedures.
  • 2.6. Update client records accurately and according to organisational procedures.
3. Monitor health and provide information to mothers, partners and families during postnatal period.
  • 3.1. Monitor maternal and baby health through ongoing scheduled assessments incorporated in care plan.
  • 3.2. Provide information that supports maternal self-care and wellbeing in the postnatal period.
  • 3.3. Provide advice on routine baby care to mothers, their partners and families and make required referrals according to organisational procedures.
  • 3.4. Provide current and accurate information on contraceptive options.
  • 3.5. Clearly explain key healthy lifestyle habits that support mothers in the postnatal period.
  • 3.6. Monitor the social and emotional wellbeing of women and their partners and families and provide appropriate care and advice.
  • 3.7. Promote the role of other family members in supporting maternal health and wellbeing based on client situation and preferences.
  • 3.8. Update client records accurately and according to organisational procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG680 HLTAHW029 Provide information and strategies in maternal and infant health Unit of competency
WG710 HLTAHW059 Provide postnatal and infant health care Unit of competency