MIDBM3002 Maternal and infant nutrition

Maternal and infant nutrition is a vital area of study that focuses on the dietary needs and health considerations of mothers, infants, and their families. This unit examines nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation, the influence of maternal diet on fetal development, and common nutritional deficiencies, along with strategies for prevention and management. Public health initiatives aimed at improving maternal and infant dietary outcomes will also be examined. Students will gain an understanding of the physiological basis for healthy weight gain during pregnancy, including evidence-based guidelines informed by pre-pregnancy health status. The implications of both insufficient and excessive weight gain, including the retention of gestational weight and its effects on long-term maternal health, will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the prevalence and consequences of under- and overweight in pregnancy, as well as the influence of weight stigma and its impact on care provision. The unit also provides an in-depth examination of infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, the use of human milk banks and milk sharing. Students will learn how to assess feeding, develop feeding plans, and offer culturally safe, context-sensitive support that reflects the lived experiences and preferences of women and families. By the end of this unit, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence maternal and infant nutrition. They will be equipped to apply this knowledge in midwifery and public health contexts.

Course or unit outline

Credit points

EFTSL

0.125

Band

Band 1

Field of Education

Midwifery (060303)

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2026 contribution amount* $592
2026 grandfathered contribution amount^ $592

^ If you are a continuing student who commenced your course before 1 January 2021, you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented, for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.

* For Psychology and Social Work bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.

Domestic full fee–paying places

A domestic full fee–paying place is one that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government. These places are offered to postgraduate students or those who are ineligible for a CSP. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees, which means individual unit fees vary according to the degree. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

International full fee–paying places

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

Course or unit outline