Module overview
This module introduces the core principles and scope of midwifery practice in order for you to contribute to the provision of safe, competent and evidence-based care throughout the childbearing continuum.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology in relation to universal midwifery practice
- Explain the role of the midwife in the achievement of good nutrition in the woman and neonate
- Articulate the role of the midwife in assessing and monitoring women holistically from pre-conception through antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods using a range of assessment methods
- Discuss the organisation and models of maternity care for the provision of antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care
- Identify, justify and apply a sound knowledge base to the midwifery skills required to perform care for women, the newborn and the family within the context of the universal care for all women and newborns
Syllabus
Philosophical foundations and theoretical perspectives underpinning midwifery care
Role and scope of the midwife in different settings
Organisation of midwifery care including continuity of carer
Regulation and monitoring of care including clinical governance
Pre-conception and diagnosis of pregnancy
The assessment and delivery of antenatal, intrapartum postnatal and neonatal care accounting for physiological adaptations, psychosocial factors and mental health
Professional communication - including using digital technology for communication
Partnership working and referring to the interdisciplinary team
Technological support in maternity care
Infant feeding (Baby Friendly Initiative)
Maternal Nutrition and health in pregnancy
Family planning, spacing and sexual health
Antenatal and postnatal screening
Informed choice, individual rights and ethical issues
Minor disorders of pregnancy
Midwifery care of the neonate
Fundamentals of postnatal care (pain, bladder care, hydration, skin care, general well-being)
Perineal care and wound assessment
Parent education to include the family and the role of fathers/partner
Legal aspects – birth registration, birth notification
Benefits - as relevant for maternity
Return to work
Fetal monitoring including Cardiotocograph (CTG) and [Intelligent] Intermittent Auscultation (IA)
Pain management
Individualised care planning
Skills
Observation of temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, level of consciousness and urinalysis
Injection technique
Antenatal examination
Intrapartum care skills- including vaginal examination, labour progress, maternal well being, labour and birth support including the third stage management
Postnatal examination
Venepuncture
Initial examination of the newborn
Facilitating safe and effective infant feeding
Aseptic technique and catheterisation
Placenta checking
Wound care
Programme threads are linked throughout and include:
- Infant feeding principles
- Medicines management
- Mental health and well-being
- Values Based Enquiry Journey
- Making every contact count
- Continuity of carer
- Leadership
- Coaching
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Quizzes
Presentation
Scenarios and role play
Enquiry based learning
Pair and group discussion
Structured reflection
Online education using both synchronous and asynchronous sessions
Practical sessions in the simulated skills lab
Elsevier clinical skills learning package
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Completion of assessment task | 50 |
Lecture | 24 |
Practical | 11 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 50 |
Wider reading or practice | 52.5 |
Total study time | 187.5 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Birthplace in England Research Programme.
Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies.
Textbooks
Pollard M (2017). Evidence-based care for breastfeeding mothers: a resource for midwives and allied healthcare professionals. London: Routledge.
Blackburn S., (ed.) (2018). Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology; a clinical perspective. London: W B Saunders Ltd.
Walker M (2016). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Lewis L (Ed) (2015). Fundamentals of midwifery : a textbook for students. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Wambach K and Riordan J (2019). Breastfeeding and human lactation. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Coad J, Pedley K and Dunstall M (2019). Anatomy and Physiology for Midwives. Elsevier.
Ellen Kitson-Reynolds and Kate Ashforth (2021). A Concise Guide to Continuity of Care in Midwifery. Routledge.
Marshall JE and Raynor M D (Eds) (2020). Myles textbook for midwives. Edinburgh: Elsevier.
Johnson R and Taylor W (2022). Skills for midwifery practice. Edinburgh: Elsevier.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Peer & tutor facilitated feedback
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: External