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Maternal and Child Health Foundations

Karen McDonnell

We will investigate maternal and child health from a multidisciplinary social justice perspective. This course then explores the developmental, demographic, epidemiological, economic, political, behavioral, and social characteristics unique to the health and their impact on the well-being of women, children, and families. This course provides insights into leadership and advocacy issues of greatest importance to Maternal and Child Health experts.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe the individual, community, organizational, and societal needs and strengths of women, youth, and children.
  • Discus the importance of reproductive choice, justice, and health in mch
  • Consider how to incorporate a developmental life course perspective to the healthy development of mch populations.
  • Describe the importance of perinatal mental health in mch
  • Consider how to analyze and communicate the unique needs and strengths of this important segment of the population and appreciate how such needs and strengths may impact interventions both in design and implementation.
  • Describe the role of leadership and advocacy in mch

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores maternal and child health from a social justice lens, catering to those interested in social justice and healthcare equity
Taught by instructors with expertise in maternal and child health, providing learners with access to specialized knowledge
Suitable for professionals and practitioners working in maternal and child health who seek to enhance their knowledge and advocacy skills
Examines developmental, demographic, epidemiological, economic, and social factors influencing maternal and child health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field
Emphasizes leadership and advocacy in maternal and child health, equipping learners with the skills to drive change and improve outcomes
Assumes prior knowledge in maternal and child health, making it more suitable for individuals with a background in the field

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Reviews summary

Foundations in maternal & child health

According to students, "Maternal and Child Health Foundations" offers a comprehensive and solid foundation in the field, praised for its unique multidisciplinary social justice perspective. Learners highlight the course's strong emphasis on leadership and advocacy, providing relevant and actionable insights for public health professionals. While many find the extensive readings valuable, some note the delivery can sometimes be dry or that the course leans more theoretical than practical in certain areas. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile investment for a broad understanding.
Features valuable, yet substantial, reading materials.
"The readings were extensive but valuable, providing great depth to the topics."
"The readings were extensive, and it required significant time commitment, but the payoff was worth it."
"The amount of reading was substantial, but I found them to be very insightful and well-curated."
Some found it too theoretical; others, practical.
"I appreciated the practical application of concepts and the emphasis on advocacy within the course."
"It felt very theoretical and less practical than I hoped. I struggled to see how to apply the information directly."
"The course provided a good overview but I felt it lacked depth in certain epidemiological aspects I was hoping for."
Emphasizes leadership and advocacy skills for professionals.
"I appreciated the practical application of concepts and the emphasis on advocacy. Very relevant for my public health career."
"The focus on leadership and advocacy was great, providing actionable insights."
"I learned a lot about advocacy and how it connects policy with health outcomes in this course."
Provides a strong, multidisciplinary overview of MCH.
"Excellent course covering a broad range of MCH topics from a social justice lens."
"Solid foundation in MCH. The multidisciplinary approach was a strength, although some areas felt a bit rushed."
"A very comprehensive introduction to MCH; it truly broadened my understanding."
Delivery can be less engaging and somewhat dry.
"The content is important, but the delivery could be more engaging. Sometimes the lectures felt a bit dry."
"The course has valuable information, but some of the videos seemed a bit dated."
"While the core concepts are relevant, the presentation could use a refresh for better engagement."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Maternal and Child Health Foundations with these activities:
Review Demographics and Epidemiology
Reviewing and refreshing your knowledge in demographics, epidemiology and statistics can help you better comprehend MCH concepts and research methods.
Browse courses on Epidemiology
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes or textbooks from previous coursework.
  • Complete practice problems on statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Discuss Case Studies on Health Disparities in MCH
Engaging in peer discussions on case studies will allow you to share insights, learn from others' perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of health disparities in MCH.
Show steps
  • Prepare for the discussion by reading the case studies and gathering data.
  • Participate actively in the discussion, sharing your insights and listening to others'.
  • Reflect on the discussion and identify key takeaways.
Develop a Social Justice Advocacy Plan for MCH
Creating an advocacy plan will help you develop a deeper understanding of the social justice issues affecting MCH populations and how to advocate for change.
Show steps
  • Research social justice issues impacting MCH populations.
  • Identify target audience and stakeholders.
  • Develop specific advocacy goals and objectives.
  • Outline strategies and tactics for advocacy.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Volunteer at a Local MCH Organization
Volunteering provides practical experience and exposure to real-world MCH issues, enhancing your understanding and empathy.
Show steps
  • Research local MCH organizations and identify opportunities that align with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
  • Participate in volunteer activities and engage with MCH professionals and clients.

Career center

Learners who complete Maternal and Child Health Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
An Obstetrician and Gynecologist works with women throughout their reproductive lives. They provide care during pregnancy and childbirth, and they also offer preventive care and treatment for women's reproductive health issues. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides insights into the unique needs and strengths of women and their reproductive health. The course covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Pediatrician
A Pediatrician provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and they also offer preventive care and counseling on child health and development. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course helps Pediatricians to understand the developmental, demographic, epidemiological, economic, political, behavioral, and social characteristics unique to the health and well-being of children. This knowledge is essential for Pediatricians, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pediatrician
Family Physician
A Family Physician provides comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and they also offer preventive care and counseling on health and wellness. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Family Physicians with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Family Physicians, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Family Physician
Public Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse works to improve the health of communities by providing a variety of services, including health education, disease prevention, and immunization. They also work with at-risk populations, such as low-income families and the elderly. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Public Health Nurses with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Public Health Nurses, as it helps them to develop and implement effective public health programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people to cope with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, therapy, and other support services to individuals, families, and groups. Social Workers often work with at-risk populations, such as low-income families and the elderly. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Social Workers with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Social Workers, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst researches and analyzes health policy issues. They make recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders on how to improve the health of the population. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Health Policy Analysts with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Health Policy Analysts, as it helps them to develop and implement effective health policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Health Educator
A Health Educator teaches people about health and healthy behaviors. They develop and implement health education programs and materials, and they also work with individuals and groups to improve their health. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Health Educators with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Health Educators, as it helps them to develop and implement effective health education programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Midwife
A Midwife provides care to women during pregnancy, labor, and birth. They also provide postpartum care and counseling on breastfeeding and newborn care. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Midwives with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women and their reproductive health. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Midwives, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Midwife
Doula
A Doula provides physical and emotional support to women during pregnancy, labor, and birth. They also provide postpartum care and counseling on breastfeeding and newborn care. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Doulas with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women and their reproductive health. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Doulas, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Doula
Lactation Consultant
A Lactation Consultant helps women to breastfeed their babies. They provide education, support, and counseling on breastfeeding. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Lactation Consultants with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women and their reproductive health. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Lactation Consultants, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lactation Consultant
Childbirth Educator
A Childbirth Educator teaches women about pregnancy, labor, and birth. They also provide support and counseling to women during pregnancy and childbirth. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Childbirth Educators with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women and their reproductive health. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Childbirth Educators, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Childbirth Educator
Maternal and Child Health Researcher
A Maternal and Child Health Researcher conducts research on the health of women, children, and families. They investigate a wide range of topics, including the causes and prevention of maternal and child mortality, the development of new treatments for childhood diseases, and the impact of social and economic factors on child health. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Maternal and Child Health Researchers with a strong foundation in the principles and methods of maternal and child health research. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Maternal and Child Health Researchers, as it helps them to design and conduct research that can improve the health of women, children, and families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Maternal and Child Health Researcher
Community Health Worker
A Community Health Worker provides health education and support to individuals and families in their community. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Community Health Workers with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Community Health Workers, as it helps them to provide the best possible care for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker
Healthcare Administrator
A Healthcare Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the delivery of health services. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Healthcare Administrators with insights into the unique needs and strengths of women, children, and families. This knowledge is essential for Healthcare Administrators, as it helps them to develop and implement policies and procedures that can improve the health of women, children, and families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Maternal and Child Health Advocate
A Maternal and Child Health Advocate works to improve the health of women, children, and families. They advocate for policies and programs that can improve the health of women, children, and families. The Maternal and Child Health Foundations course provides Maternal and Child Health Advocates with a strong foundation in the principles and methods of maternal and child health advocacy. The course also covers topics such as reproductive choice, justice, and health. This knowledge is essential for Maternal and Child Health Advocates, as it helps them to advocate for policies and programs that can improve the health of women, children, and families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Maternal and Child Health Advocate

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Maternal and Child Health Foundations.
Cover image
Growing Up with a Single Parent
Save
This journal provides a forum for the dissemination of high-quality research on children and families. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of child development.
Growing Up With a Single Parent: What Hurts, What...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Psychopathology and Mental Distress
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of women's health from a clinical perspective. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of women's health.
Psychopathology and Mental Distress
Paperback
Check
Psychopathology and Mental Distress
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
WHO guideline on school health services
Save
This manual provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of severe acute malnutrition. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in developing countries.
WHO guideline on school health services
Paperback
Check
WHO guideline on school health services
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Small and medium enterprises and nutrition:...
Save
This series of articles provides a comprehensive overview of the state of child survival in the world. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of child health.
Small and medium enterprises and nutrition:...
Paperback
Check
Small and medium enterprises and nutrition:...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Save
This report provides an annual overview of the state of the world's children. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of child development.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Paperback
Check
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Report on the WHO health workforce support and...
Save
This report provides an annual overview of the state of the world's health. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of public health.
Report on the WHO health workforce support and...
Paperback
Check
Report on the WHO health workforce support and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex...
Save
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the health of women and children in the United States. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of maternal and child health.
Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
George Washington University
Instructor
Karen McDonnell
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores maternal and child health from a social justice lens, catering to those interested in social justice and healthcare equity
Taught by instructors with expertise in maternal and child health, providing learners with access to specialized knowledge
Suitable for professionals and practitioners working in maternal and child health who seek to enhance their knowledge and advocacy skills
Examines developmental, demographic, epidemiological, economic, and social factors influencing maternal and child health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field
Emphasizes leadership and advocacy in maternal and child health, equipping learners with the skills to drive change and improve outcomes
Assumes prior knowledge in maternal and child health, making it more suitable for individuals with a background in the field
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