Intrapartum and Postnatal Midwifery Practice

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify, justify and apply a sound knowledge base to the midwifery skills required to perform care for women, their fetus, and neonates within the context of the universal care for all women and newborns
• Describe the biological, psychological and sociological adaptations that occur to the human body systems during labour and the puerperium and how these adaptations impact upon the woman, fetus, neonate and family.
• Explain the role of the midwife in relation to safe and effective infant feeding and relationship building.
• Discuss the role of the midwife in relation to the holistic assessment and monitoring of women, fetus and neonate and the provision of intrapartum, and postpartum care.
• Describe the research evidence and national guidance underpinning intrapartum and postnatal midwifery practice and care

Physiology of the puerperium Nervous system – including the physiology of pain and implication to midwifery practice Fetal skull and maternal pelvis Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance Fetal circulation and adaptation to extra-uterine life Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics The assessment and delivery of intrapartum postnatal and neonatal care accounting for physiological adaptations, psychosocial factors and mental health Place of birth The physiology of the first, second and third stage of labour Care in the latent phase of labour Care in the first, second and third stage of labour The impact of the birth environment on the physiological process of labour and birth Mobility Fetal monitoring including Cardiotocograph (CTG) and [Intelligent] Intermittent Auscultation (IA) and pinard Pain management during labour Optimising the management of the umbilical cord at birth Perineal care – minimising trauma Fundamentals of postnatal care (pain, bladder care, hydration, skin care, general well-being) Perineal care and wound assessment Care of the healthy neonate Postnatal screening Physiological jaundice Physiology of lactation Infant feeding (Baby Friendly Initiative) The microbiome and epigenetics related to infant feeding Safe sleeping Bonding and attachment Skin to skin Family planning, spacing and sexual health 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 Professional communication Informed choice, individual rights and ethical issues Advocating for women Technological support in maternity care Individualised care planning Social, cultural and spiritual considerations Skills Intrapartum care skills- including vaginal examination, labour progress, maternal wellbeing, fetal monitoring, labour and birth support including the third stage management Postnatal examination Initial examination of the newborn Facilitating safe and effective infant feeding - positioning and attachment, hand expressing, formula feeding and sterilisation Aseptic technique and female catheterisation Wound care Assessment of vaginal loss Placental examination Newborn Life Support Programme threads are linked throughout and include: - Infant feeding principles - Medicines management - Reflection - Mental health and well-being - Values Based Enquiry Journey - Leadership - Coaching

Blended learning of on-line and face to face teaching Technology enhanced learning activities Self-directed study Scenarios and role play Pair and group discussion Practical sessions in the simulated skills lab e-learning for health learning packages.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Literature and data search

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Feedback from the module lead or another midwifery academic.
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.