The following courses are offered in a distance-learning, online format as part of the Certificate in Holistic Midwifery program. Non-matriculating students who meet course prerequisites are welcome to enroll when space is available.
CAM 0101 Introduction to Holistic Midwifery (4 credits). Midwives work holistically to achieve the best possible care for their clients. This course will examine the role of midwife in out-of-hospital settings and provide an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as an essential part of midwifery care. Topics include: respectful maternity care, the history of midwifery, the Midwives Model of Care, safety and efficacy of out-of-hospital birth, and advantages of CAM – including botanical medicine and homeopathy, Chinese medicine, energy work, body work and mindfulness practices – for childbearing. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 0201 Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pregnancy (4 credits). Studies show that 25% of women use at least one complementary or alternative treatment during pregnancy. Students will be introduced to herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture treatments for common complaints of pregnancy. And will examine various cultural practices related to pregnancy care and treatment of pregnancy related issues. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and informed consent rather than mastery of specific treatments, remedies or techniques. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 0301 Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Labor & Birth (4 credits). Students will consider the theoretical and scientific basis for massage, yoga, meditation and energy work as they relate to preparing women for labor and birth. Upon completion students will understand comfort measures and be equipped to encourage mother-centered awareness for all present at the birth. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and informed consent rather then mastery of specific techniques. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 0401 Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Postpartum (4 credits). Students will study complementary and alternative approaches that foster bonding and attachment, support the recovery process and encourage general wellbeing after birth, including placenta encapsulation, herbal baths and treatment of breastfeeding issues. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and informed consent rather than mastery of specific techniques. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 0501 Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Newborns (4 credits). Course will survey methods to support infant wellbeing during the “fourth trimester”. Topics will include reflexology, massage techniques for infants, sleep, newborn development and mother-baby yoga. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and informed consent rather than mastery of specific techniques. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 0602 Alternative Treatments for Complications of Pregnancy (4 credits). Students will be introduced to herbs, homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine for complications during the prenatal period. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and indications for referral rather than mastery of specific treatments, remedies or techniques. Prerequisites: CAM 0201.
CAM 0702 Alternative Treatments for Complications of Labor & Birth (4 credits). Students will be introduced to herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and repositioning techniques to address labor dystocia. Upon completion of the course, students will master these techniques and recognize when best to use them. Prerequisites: CAM 0301.
CAM 0802 Alternative Treatments for Complications Postpartum (4 credits). Students will be introduced to herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine to address symptoms for mother and baby during the postpartum period. Allopathic treatment options will be researched and considered. Survey-style course emphasizes current research and indications for referral rather than mastery of specific treatments, remedies or techniques. Prerequisites: CAM 0401, CAM 0501.
CAM 0901 Spiritual Midwifery (4 credits). This course examines the spiritual and historical roots of midwifery across different world regions and cultures. Students will analyze feminine power, cycles of life and death, wisdom and intuition throughout history and consider how individual attitudes and beliefs about women and childbirth inform societal attitudes and beliefs about midwifery. Prerequisites: none.
CAM 1002 Introduction to Vitamins & Supplements (4 credits). Intended to complement nutritional theory courses, Introduction to Vitamins & Supplements will examine the benefits and risks of common vitamins and supplements used during pregnancy and breastfeeding with an emphasis on overall health and wellbeing and whole food alternatives. Perquisites: Concurrent or previous enrollment in MWS 1001.
CAM 1102 Nutrition Assessment & Counseling (4 credits). Students will examine health and nutrition as a means to promote wellbeing and help reduce morbidity derived from chronic illnesses that are linked to nutritional inadequacies during pregnancy and postpartum. Using a variety of complementary and alternative approaches, which include Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, students will be able to identify nutritional deficiencies and teach ways to overcome those deficiencies through a proper diet in accordance to the resources, means, special diets, personal preferences and cultural preferences of the client. Prerequisites: MWS 1001.
CAM 1201 Fertility & Family Planning (4 credits – required for students that opt-out of Experiential Learning Abroad). This course is designed to increase the students’ understanding of fertility and family planning methods, including complementary and alternative methods and allopathic approaches. Students are expected to research all types of fertility and family planning methods, including methods that are only available for practitioners with prescriptive privileges as a means of preparing the student to counsel clients effectively in their family planning options. Prerequisites: none.