There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

During this module you will consider the philosophical underpinning of professional practice and evaluate models and approaches to midwifery care considering their sustainability and applicability to your future practice and employment as a midwife. You will study the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, immune system and lactation. Physiology will be applied to the childbirth continuum as you engage with the principles of universal and additional midwifery care during preconception, pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. The module will explore the aims of antenatal care and national screening programmes considering the role genetics in maintaining maternal and fetal health. Place of birth and the impact of local national and global policy on women's lives will be studies alongside consideration of midwifery care during labour. You will develop the range of skills and attributes needed by midwives to assess maternal and fetal wellbeing and make use of national online learning packages such as K2 . The principles of postnatal care will be studied and you will be introduced to initial examination and care of the newborn drawing on global UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards. Throughout the module you will engage in the critical review of legal, ethical and professional issues related to practice. You will also be supported to develop your academic skills in relation to accessing, critiquing and applying evidence and to actively and independently manage your learning in preparation for post graduate study.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Examine the role of the midwife in providing inclusive woman/person-centred care considering the philosophical base of midwifery practice as an art and science.

LO2: Examine and evaluate knowledge of psycho-social and life sciences to women’s health and midwifery care throughout the childbirth continuum .

LO3: Appraise the legal and ethical responsibilities of the midwife demonstrating the knowledge and skills required to work professionally as an individual and in collaboration with others.

LO4: Analyse the principles of assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of midwifery care with a focus on optimising wellbeing and women’s capabilities.

LO5: Review and critically reflect upon personal and professional identity as a learner and a student midwife within the context of postgraduate studies.

LO6: Identify the sources of evidence underpinning midwifery care considering the integration of research and practice as a means to improve health outcomes.