Heritage School of Midwifery

Prerequisite: Intrapartum
In this course, students learn mechanisms of a normal postpartum period from the time following the delivery of the placenta through the final postpartum visit, anatomy and physiology of the involution of the uterus and postpartum recovery, how to assess the physical and emotional well-being of postpartum mother, prevent complications, recognize complications when they do arise,  and become prepared to refer for psychologic or gynecologic care when necessary.

This course presents the theory and practice of informed consent, mutual decision making, patient privacy and HIPAA. It seeks to provide an understanding of the importance and complexity of ethics in healthcare, explores the role of the students’ own ethics and personal opinions and how this can affect the care they provide.

This course is a study of basic genetic principles including the structure of DNA and
genes, principles of inheritance, the origins of genetic malfunction, and the normal
development of a human from conception through birth. 

Building on the foundation laid in the basic Anatomy and Physiology courses, this course is a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human male and female reproductive systems. This course includes hands-on laboratory experience to enhance the students’ understanding of the concepts presented through lecture. 

This course explores the physiology of pain and pain relief, natural comfort measures for labor and why they work, and the role of the doula.

This course provides preparation for the NARM exam, which is the official LM/CPM licensing exam, recognized by national standards and Florida state standards. 

This course is an overview of the professional and legal issues related to establishing and maintaining a practice. Topics covered include incorporation, licensure, hiring and paying employees (and yourself), setting up accounts with labs, billing different types of insurance and Medicaid, preparing for business tax payment, bookkeeping, marketing, fostering relationships with other midwives, maintaining an outstanding reputation, and creating a close-knit birthing community.

Prerequisite: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
With Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology as a foundation, this course is an introduction to the fundamentals of well-woman care. It supplies students with the knowledge and skills to provide care, support, and information to women regarding their overall reproductive health, including understanding the normal life cycle of women, family planning, problems with the female reproductive system and breasts, infertility, and interpretation of lab test results. 

Prerequisite: Midwifery Skills IV, matriculating students only
This series covers equipment used by midwives, how to use and care for that equipment, physical exams, gynecological exams and pap smears, venipuncture, injections, fetal monitoring, suturing, newborn exams, and all midwifery skills outlined in The Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery. 

Prerequisite: Midwifery Skills III, matriculating students only
This series covers equipment used by midwives, how to use and care for that equipment, physical exams, gynecological exams and pap smears, venipuncture, injections, fetal monitoring, suturing, newborn exams, and all midwifery skills outlined in The Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery. 

Prerequisite: Midwifery Skills II, matriculating students only
This series covers equipment used by midwives, how to use and care for that equipment, physical exams, gynecological exams and pap smears, venipuncture, injections, fetal monitoring, suturing, newborn exams, and all midwifery skills outlined in The Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery. 

This series covers equipment used by midwives, how to use and care for that equipment, physical exams, gynecological exams and pap smears, venipuncture,
injections, fetal monitoring, suturing, newborn exams, and all midwifery skills outlined in The Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery.

This two-part series covers many non-pharmacologic methods of treatment and prevention of specific health issues common to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; including herbs, homeopathy, essential oils, Chinese medicine, and others. Students learn to grow and make their own herbal preparations. Also included is an introduction to other modalities that may be available in our communities, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy. 

In this course, students become familiar with the most widely utilized lab and imaging tools used to assist the midwife in determining the health status of the mother and fetus to recognize when intervention is necessary, including all those required by Florida Law. 

In this course, the student midwife will learn normal newborn examinations and behavioral assessments, infant anatomy and physiology, and common complications affecting the newborn, with special emphasis on the infant’s first hours of life. Topics covered include the newborn physical exam, signs and symptoms of impending problems, routine medications, when and how to transfer care to the NICU, and the 24-48 hour home visit. 

This course explores the relationship between nutrition and health and the impact diet has on a woman’s reproductive health, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and lactation. Topics covered include an in-depth study of the physiology of digestion, assimilation, and GI health; basic nutritional principles relevant to all humans; specific unique nutritional needs of the pregnant and lactating woman; nutrients and their sources; special dietary needs and choices including food allergies and sensitivities and vegan and vegetarian diets; signs of nutrient deficiencies and PICA; and nutritional evaluation. 

This course focuses on normal psychology as it relates to childbearing families.
Specific topics covered include temperaments, body image, eating disorders, sexual abuse, domestic violence, motherhood and fatherhood, psychological responses to unexpected outcomes, and recognizing unhealthy psychological issues that may require referral to a counselor or psychologist. 

This course is an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of lactation, enabling the student to accurately evaluate a baby at the breast, identify and implement solutions to common breastfeeding problems, offer effective breastfeeding education for clients, and understand the role of lactation specialists in the community.