This course is offered in small classes, aiming to cultivate a research-oriented perspective for problem-solving and to enable students to apply the knowledge that provides the evidence base for perinatal care (the period before and after childbirth).
Research Area Keywords
Maternity Nursing and Midwifery, Genetic Nursing
Supporting the Process of Finding Authentic Questions from a Broad Perspective
Maternity nursing and midwifery primarily focus on women and their families during the period of welcoming a new life. Pregnancy and childbirth bring dynamic changes to a woman's body and mind, and this journey involves numerous decision-making processes.
I am in charge of the fourth-year project (undergraduate seminar) and the Midwifery Elective Course (a course to qualify for the national midwifery examination). In the undergraduate seminar, we primarily explore the experiences of people in the perinatal period to gain a deep understanding, and we investigate identified issues and better care methods from a research perspective. Student interests and awareness of issues are diverse, covering topics that have become social concerns in recent years, such as parenting anxiety, postpartum depression, family care for low-birth-weight infants, the experiences of people living with and being empowered by congenital diseases, and issues related to infertility.
While I value students' free thinking, I emphasize the importance of not narrowing down a theme too early, but rather flexibly exploring related fields from a broad perspective. I support the process of nurturing these explorations into the students' own authentic questions and articulating them. We begin by critically reading the literature with respect for the knowledge built by our predecessors. My heart fills with anticipation when students translate their own questions into words that can be shared with others, vividly express their own ideas, and, despite the difficulties, complete their theses and articulate their sense of accomplishment.
On the other hand, in the Midwifery Elective Course, students explore the evidence base for the perinatal care they provide in the field, drawing from foundational theories and existing research. While the goal is to cultivate the ability to utilize knowledge with a research perspective and to master evidence-based midwifery care, joint exercises with seminar students and course participants create a stimulating environment for individuals with different strengths.
Although their future workplaces will vary, after graduation, they will become our colleagues, collaborating toward the same goals. When I witness their passionate demeanor, I believe it is they who will bring about social change from the perspective of maternity nursing and midwifery.
An Environment for Intensive Learning
Sachiyo Tomita Faculty of Nursing and Medical CareFourth-year student (at the time of writing)
In the Tsuji seminar, you can explore subjects you want to learn and themes that interest you in the field of maternity nursing. I am currently studying support for fathers during the child-rearing period, and this is a place where I can develop the ability to logically explain to others important questions, such as why I think the way I do and why this research is necessary. Because I can proactively share my thoughts and questions and receive feedback, the learning experience is very intensive. I can also participate in joint exercises with the Midwifery Elective Course, which is taught by Professor Tsuji. I will be advancing to graduate school next spring to study midwifery, and through these experiences, I am gaining important perspectives and a multifaceted viewpoint that will be crucial for my future work as a midwife.