October 4, 2002

Tuition  $1800

Registration Deadline - August 15, 2002

This program is primarily designed for women who are looking to enter apprenticeship, desire  a midwife’s assistant position, have a more knowledgeable background to work as a labor support, are doing a correspondence program, or are exploring becoming a midwife. Some women who are planning to become a CNM choose this program to get a non-pathological view of birth before entering the medical model of care.

Hands of Light brings you an amazing group of instructors.  Their diversity and depth of knowledge makes this program an exciting and exceptional educational opportunity. 

This program offers students a basic foundation in  midwifery.  It offers the opportunity for students to have a supervised space to learn medical skills through hands-on practicals, a place to explore an alternative view of complications and variations, and a safe space to voice concerns, fears and desires around their role with birth. Class time includes lecture, practical skills sessions, visual aids and interactive class exercises. Students will be required to do homework. Students will receive a certificate as a Midwife’s Assistant. To receive a certificate students must have pass all practicals and written exams with a C or better.

All courses with  * are transferable into the Traditional Midwifery program For a course to be transferable a student must receive a grade of B- or better.

midwife’s assistant course descriptions

Complementary Therapy Guest Lecturer *

#SM121-4

HOL brings in a guest lecturer to discuss topics of concern in complementary health care: anything from homeopathy to accupressure.

Complications of Labor and Birth

Fetal distress, failure to progress, PROM, dehydration, infection, meconium.  Physiology and management of VBAC, shoulder dystocia, posterior presentations, episiotomies.  

Practical: Fetal Heart Tones, Oxygen, Setting up an I, .

Complications of  Pregnancy

Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abruption, placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, anemia, essential hypertension,  polyhydramnios,

relaxed cervix, premature labor.

Practical: Injections II, Catherization

Counseling & Communication *

#PM122-1

Emotional and psychological needs of the birthing couple, counseling and communication skills; Death & Dying – how to help parents cope with loss – miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and a less than perfect baby

Lab Work

How to perform, order and read routine prenatal lab work, anemia, blood sugar, RH titer, UTI, ultrasound, amniocentesis, alpha fetal protein.

Practical: Hemoglobin, Postprandiol, PKU, Fingerstick.

Mechanism & Assessment of Labor & Birth*

#PM122-1

The study of the way the baby adapts itself to the maternal pelvis. Assessment skills will be taught with an emphasis on the normal process, findings, and outcomes.

Practical: Intrapartum Exam

MIDWIFERY MODEL OF CARE *

#PM111-10

 This course will explore the different models for midwifery and their educational routes, and organizations, as well as looking at the role of the midwife in the community and the responsibilities & commitments involved.

NEONATAL RESUSCITATION *

Participants will have a thorough understanding and gain the practical skills of chapters1-4 of the required text: Neonatal Resuscitation (available through the American Academy of Pediatrics 800-433-9016). Chapters 1-4 must be read prior to the workshop.

Nutrition

Nutritional needs in pregnancy, how to work with different kinds of diets.

Practical: Vaginals and Bi-manuals.

Pregnancy Massage *  

Emphasis on the importance of touch in pregnancy & childbirth for the release of emotions and tension

Prenatal ISSUES

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy, gestational age assessment, prenatal assessment, routine prenatal care and fetal heart tones.

Practical: Drawing up meds, Injections I.

Postpartum Care *

Care, needs and concerns of mother and baby in the first 6 weeks, family dynamics, adjustments, and concerns, the watchful eye of the Doula in the first week postpartum, ability to recognize postpartum complications, referral resources and breastfeeding.

Reproductive Anatomy

Female reproductive system & bony pelvis, musculature, hormonal and menstrual cycle, fetal skull, standards, ethics and scope of practice.

Practical: Sterile technique, vitals

Third Stage

Physiology and management of third stage: birth of the placenta, normal blood loss, and hemorrhage.

Practical: Inspection of placenta, Estimating blood loss, Suturing.

Women’s Ways of Knowing *

The exploration of empowerment in women and how social structure affects perception.  This course will encompass readings and projects that encourage self-awareness and personal development.