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During this module you will develop your knowledge and caring skills in relation to labour and birth. You will learn about the anatomical, physiological and psychological adaptations of both the mother and baby during labour and birth. You will also learn to identify evidence based informed care appropriate to the individual needs of each woman and her baby working within the multidisciplinary team .The module is divided into key areas:

Anatomy and physiology
Applied to all stages of labour and birth

1st stage of labour
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Introduction to fetal heart rate monitoring
Pain relief in labour/ Complementary therapies
Positions in labour
Fetal circulation/physiological adaptation of the neonate
Emotional care offering appropriate support and intervention as required for the individual

2nd stage of labour
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Emotional care offering appropriate support and intervention as required for the individual
Administration of intravenous therapy
Injection technique
Vaginal examinations
Procedures and practical skills in midwifery – episiotomy, suturing and care of the perineum
Introduction to pre-operative and post-operative care
Introduction to the operating theatre environment

3rd stage of labour
Examination of the placenta
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Emotional care offering appropriate support and intervention as required for the individual

Neonatal care
Care of the neonate at birth and in the initial postnatal period/midwives role
Neonatal resuscitation
Infant nutrition - introducing the principles and practices immediately after birth that ensure knowledge and practice of the Baby Friendly Initiative enabling women to breastfeed.

Programme strands :
Also included in this module:
Introduction for research evidence and ethics around labour and birth
Examination preparation workshop (academic development)
Working within a multidisciplinary team
Clinical skills for midwives for labour and birth
Patient safety agenda
An introduction into pharmacology and medicine management

Upon completion of this module you will be able to;
LO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the maternal anatomical and physiological changes that occur during normal labour and birth.
LO2: Outline the key elements of evidence based woman-centred midwifery care during labour and birth.
LO3: State the physiological adaptations made by the baby in the perinatal period.
LO4: Outline the midwifery practices that enhance physiological birth.