Curriculum Information

This module will introduce normal midwifery practice and explore the knowledge, skills and evidence-based best practice approaches to work effectively in partnership with childbearing persons and newborn infants across the childbirth continuum, that optimises normal processes and anticipates complications.
The module will explore how to support the childbearing individual with initiating skin to skin contact and responsively feeding their newborn infant. Recognising their additional care needs and those of the newborn infant, in regard to infant feeding and the implications of feeding for very early child development.

In this module students will be introduced to basic midwifery skills including but not limited to: Blood pressure and other basic observations, urinalysis, abdominal palpation, newborn bloodspot screening, antenatal examination, neonatal observations, postnatal examination of the newborn, postnatal examination of the childbearing individual, breastfeeding support and hand expressing.

This module will also include an introduction to pharmacological principles and medication administration (excluding intravenous medication).

Prior to the first placement, students will need to demonstrate that they have completed mandatory pre-practice skills including but not limited to: Manual handling passport, Breakaway Training/ Modules A and B, Basic Life Support, Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (hand washing / infection control/ universal precautions), Health & Safety Induction and Medicines Management.

The development of digital, technological, IT literacy, general literacy and numeracy skills for safe midwifery practice will be explored in detail as part of this module. Students will also be supported to develop their literature searching, reading skills and academic writing skills as part of this module.