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The school of nursing and midwifery in Australia offers an innovative curriculum and the graduates are provided with the necessary skills required by the Australian health industry. The school offers postgraduate, undergraduate, research programs in health, nursing and midwifery and is well noted for its learning and teaching excellence. The schools facilities are similar to that of a hospital setting, where students undertake experimental and practical learning in order to gain skills and knowledge that is required for professional practice. Registered nurses have the option to further their career by opting for post registration study such as health and ageing, midwifery, critical care, mental health and other specialist areas of nursing.

Midwifery in particular is becoming a popular choice for graduates as many women are now leaning towards giving natural birth. Women that are preparing for natural birth participate in birth educational classes that include ICEA, Lamaze, hypno-babies, CAPPA and the Bradley method. To help women prepare for natural birth, there are many books on the subject available. Natural childbirth favoured positions include hands and knees, squatting and birthing in water. Some prefer a medical birth such as a lithotomy, which has been shown to complicate labour and slow the birth as the women has to lie on her back with her legs in stirrups. Natural birth means pushing the baby out slowly and using hot compresses to reduce tearing. As part of midwives services they may prepare the mother for a natural birth. However, to ensure an intervention free outcome, preparation alone is not sufficient.

There are several midwife jobs Australia positions available across Australia which are well paid and rewarding. For women that are looking for an earth based birthing experience there is the Australian school of shamanic midwifery which awakens a women’s deeper connection to the way of life and to the cycles. The coordinator is a homebirth midwife with 25 years experience of home birthing, and facilitates nurses that are interested in becoming shamanic midwives. Workshops are held regularly with regards to the pregnancy cycles of ancient wisdom, termed as the inner journey. A midwife requires certain knowledge and skills in order to pursue their career. For instance they require excellent people skills, good observation and communications skills, and must have the ability to offer advice and answer questions.

Midwives need to be able to work as part of a team and provide professional reassurance and support to women during this most emotionally intense time of their life. A midwife is required to participate in the psychological and physical process of pregnancy and birth and have a sound understanding of foetal and child development.