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In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding, enabling you to provide women-centred care throughout the preconception, antenatal and postnatal periods.
The module content is divided into six key areas : professional midwifery practice,academic development,preconception, antenatal,postnatal and midwifery skills for practice You will explore in professional midwifery practice the current models of women centred maternity care, methods of communication and documentation with care planning and needs assessment.This is in relation to contemporary government policies for maternity care. Throughout all aspects of care you will explore how the rights of women are supported to promote choice, ensure confidentiality and maintain dignity. You will go on to discover how midwifery practice must be diversity sensitive and discrimination free.

Academic development will entail developing your skills in Information retrieval workshop (library).
Throughout the module you will build an awareness of the evidence base which underpins all midwifery care.

You will consider the necessary components of preconceptual care and the physical and emotional changes which will occur during pregnancy.

You will explore principles of antenatal care, initial consultation, information sharing, history taking, documentation, maternal mental health,building relationships and well-being, maternal nutrition, antenatal and newborn screening tests. You will have an opportunity to discuss infant feeding choices in relation to beliefs and social constructs and you will explore the anatomy and physiology relating to lactation. You will also be introduced to infant feeding and relationship building.


You will explore the theories of postnatal care, normal physiology of the puerperium and postnatal care and cervical cytology. Assessment of ongoing mental health needs and any signs of distress which would require intervention. In addition you will gain experience in midwifery skills for clinical practice Including efficient moving and handling, CALM training, midwifery skills for assessing maternal well-being – adult resuscitation, venepuncture, infection control .

LO 1: Outline the accountability and autonomy of the midwife as the lead professional for midwifery care and support of women and newborn infants throughout the continuum of care.
LO 2: Develop awareness of different ways of organising midwifery and maternity care and the potential positive and negative impact of these on safety and effectiveness on women, their newborn infants, partners and families.
LO 3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of normal changes to anatomy, physiology and epigenetics of the adolescent girl/ woman during the postpartum period.
LO 4: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of changes to psychological, behavioural and cognitive factors during infant feeding and relationship building and the transition to parenthood and positive family attachment.
LO 5: Demonstrate the clinical skills involved in antenatal and postnatal examinations, recognising the relevance of the information obtained.
LO6: Outline national screening and diagnostic tests for women and newborn infants, and associated ethical dilemmas.