Health Promotion, Counselling, and Community Midwifery
Health Promotion, Counselling, and Community Midwifery
This domain tests behaviour-change counselling, health education, community assessment, home visiting, and referral linkages. The exam favours practical communication skills and cultural safety over one-way lecturing.
Core rules
- Use a structured counselling sequence: greet, ask, listen, explain, check understanding, agree a plan, and arrange follow-up.
- Explore beliefs and barriers before correcting misinformation; use plain language, teach-back, and visual aids.
- Focus on priority messages: birth preparedness, danger signs, nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, and postpartum family planning.
- In the community, map referral pathways, involve men and decision-makers where appropriate, and link with community health workers.
- Respect culture and autonomy; avoid victim-blaming and false reassurance. Document the agreed plan and follow-up date so the next midwife can continue care.
Worked example
A mother refuses exclusive breastfeeding because she believes the baby needs water. Reasoning: ask open questions about her belief and experience, acknowledge her concern, explain that breast milk is sufficient and water increases infection risk, check her understanding, and offer practical support with positioning and supply. Respect her decision and follow up.
Traps
Lecturing instead of listening; ignoring family influence; shaming a mother; giving unsafe advice about herbs or water; and failing to document a referral.