Learning Outcomes:
● Perform a holistic evaluation of the neonate’s physical, psychological, and social well-being.
● Apply knowledge of neonatal physiology to communicate and provide evidence-based advice, support, and education regarding infant feeding and routine infant care to caregivers.
● Apply knowledge and understanding of transition to extrauterine life to the midwifery care required by the newly born infant. Skills related to this knowledge will be demonstrated in a 'Initial Steps of Resuscitation' workshop.
● Apply knowledge & understanding of normal neonatal physiology to the prevention, identification, and management of the common/minor disorders of the neonate.
● Perform & document appropriately the necessary observations, tests, procedures, and care activities required by the neonate in the maintenance & assurance of their well-being.
● Identify robust sources of midwifery knowledge regarding neonatal health and well-being.
● Describe the research process and various methodologies underpinning published investigations of neonatal health and well-being.
Indicative Module Content:
Legislation and Scope of Midwifery Practice Regarding Neonatal Care and Assessment;
Fetal Growth and Development;
Physiology of the Term Neonate;
Transition to Extrauterine Life;
The Initial Steps of Resuscitation - THEORY;
Initial Care and Assessment at Birth incl. Apgar scoring and VKDB prophylaxis;
Maintaining a Thermal Neutral Environment;
Midwife’s Detailed Examination of the Newborn Within an Hour of Birth;
Newborn Feeding Support & Assessment;
Midwife’s Daily Examination & Assessment of Neonatal Wellbeing;
Minor and Common Disorders of the Neonate;
National Newborn Screening Procedures (Bloodspot, Hearing, Eyes, Heart, Hips, Testes, Neuro/Reflexes);
Educating Caregivers re: newborn care and wellbeing (incl. the 'Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule', and Infant Mental Health);
Research Theory (Year 2 of 4, 4-hours of learning activities): Recap of Year 1; Meaning Studies, Efficacy Studies, Association Studies - link with maternity and neonatal research.
Related clinical skills (delivered face-to-face in the simulation lab):
The initial steps of newborn resuscitation - Practice + OSCE;
Midwife's Detailed Examination of the Neonate Shortly After Birth;
Midwife's Daily Examination of the Neonate (incl. vital signs);
Anthropometric measurement (Body length and OFC);
Examination of the Oral Cavity;
Preparation & administration of IM injections;
POCTs: the Newborn Bloodspot Screening, Blood Glucose Monitoring;