This subject provides students with the knowledge to work, using a primary health care approach, with women and their families during childbirth including the transition to parenthood. Emphasis will be placed on the biological, psychosocial and cultural aspects of the pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period and understanding of the role of the midwife in maintaining a woman and family focus within a continuity of care model. The neonatal period will also be examined. Childbirth in our culturally diverse maternity health system will be explored, investigated, analysed and discussed with a specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This will include the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how events in history have impacted on their health and birthing practices. Experiences of women from other countries and cultures will be examined.