Science for Midwifery Practice

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Articulate the principles of pharmacology and the implications of this to human development, the pregnancy –childbirth- puerperium continuum and medicines management.
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body systems, their interaction to achieve homeostasis and the adaptations that occur throughout the pregnancy –childbirth- puerperium continuum
• Explain the anatomy and physiology of the breast and lactation, and the bio mechanical for breast feeding for the woman and neonate.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the biological processes that occur to enable development from gamete formation to early childhood, the factors that might affect these process and the implications for midwifery practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of the biological process of pregnancy, labour and the puerperium and describe how this impacts upon the provision of care.

Biological and Bio chemistry underpins for Midwifery practice

• Molecules, cells and tissue structure and functions
• Microbiology (particular focus on those relevant to infection)

Body systems, their organisation and interdependence for homeostasis, and parameters defining normality /abnormality to midwifery assessments

• Integumentary system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Nervous system
• Special senses
• Endocrine system
• Cardiovascular system
• Immune system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Urinary system, fluids and electrolytes

The reproductive system

• Female and male reproductive anatomy and physiology
• Genetics and genomics and application to reproduction and maternity care
• Principles of embryology including errors of embryology/development and implications for maternity care and wider public health role of the midwife
• Placental anatomy, physiology and implication of midwifery practice
• Physiology of

o Pregnancy

o Labour ( all 3 stages)

o Puerperium

o Neonate

o Lactation

• Physiology and psychology of pain and implication to midwifery practice

Medicines and pharmacology

• Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
• Introduction to drug calculations and metric conversions
• Principles of medicines management

Programme threads are linked throughout and include:

• Baby Friendly principles
• Medicines management
• Mental health and well-being
• Values Based Journey

Teaching and learning methods

Technology enhanced learning activities

Self-directed study

Lectures

Seminar activity

Demonstration of anatomical parts

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

General Resources. Provision of online anatomy and physiology learning resources, eg Anatomy TV, Marieb learning resources, Elsevier skill package Access to local Maternity Unit/Hospital sites for some seminar/skills activity

Textbooks

Walsh, D. (2011). Evidence and skills for normal labour and birth : a guide for midwives. London: Routledge.

Tucker-Blackburn, S (2013). Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology; A clinical perspective. Saunders.

Johnson MH (2013). Essential reproduction. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.

Marshall JE and Raynor M D (Eds) (2014). Myles textbook for midwives. Edinburg: Elsevier.

Coad, J and Dunstal, M. (2011). Anatomy and physiology for midwives. Scotland: Elsevier.

Wambach K and Riordan J (2016). Breastfeeding and human lactation. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Wlaker, M. (2017). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Burlington: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Lewis L (2015). Fundamentals of midwifery : a textbook for students. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Formative

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

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External