Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Discuss the principles of evidence-based midwifery care for women, their babies and their families during the puerperium, utilising core concepts of compassion, caring and shared-decision-making.
Make use of the literature/ evidence provided and develop a capacity for synthesis of evidence–based midwifery practice during the puerperium.
Demonstrate evidence and knowledge application throughout the module and in the formative, end of semester assessment.
Develop a capacity for engaging in on-going critical discussion based on an in-depth understanding of evidence- based midwifery practice in the puerperium.
Educate and support women who chose to breastfeed, supporting the establishment and maintenance of lactation, providing care which is based on best available evidence as per BFHI course.
Critically evaluate women’s health and wellbeing following childbirth, sharing appropriate information and advice regarding strategies to optimise health and wellbeing after childbirth.
Skilfully assess the new-born infant at birth and during early neonatal life, with reference to knowledge of new-born anatomy, and common disorders of the new-born.
Recognise and understand the need to report deviations from normal that require medical intervention, and intervene appropriately.
Indicative Module Content:
Maternal Health Content:
Physical examination and assessment of the woman in the immediate postnatal period
Subsequent care of the woman in postnatal period
Medication Management- Drug Calculations
Principles of infection control - breaking the chain of infection, donning/doffing of PPE
Role of partner in supporting the woman in the postnatal period
Family planning and contraception
Postnatal examination at end of puerperium
Postnatal support groups in the community
Role of the Public Health Nurse
Postnatal mental health: assessment of mental health
Clinical Skills:
Physical examination of the postnatal woman
Newborn Content:
Children's First Programme
Evidence based care of the infant / infant care practices
Physical examination of the baby and care of the baby in the immediate postnatal period
Initial Steps of Neonatal Resuscitation
Subsequent care of the new-born
Hygiene Practices
Security and the new-born infant-identification practices
Preventing infection in the new-born
Common disorders in the new-born
Physiological jaundice
Inborn metabolic disorders and metabolic screening
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
Prevention of hypoglycaemia in the new-born
Safe Sleep Programme
National Healthy Childhood Training Programme
Immunisation/vaccination;
Skin to skin contact and its importance in care of the new-born
Clinical Skills:
Physical examination of the baby
Initial Steps of Neonatal Resuscitation
IM injections neonates
Heel prick (metabolic screening)
Content of UNICEF/WHO Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in a Baby-Friendly Hospital
(BFHI– 20 hour Course):
Composition of breastmilk
Supporting women to breastfeed - promoting skin to skin contact
Talking to mothers about breastfeeding and supporting women to breastfeed
Supporting women to breastfeed-positioning and attachment
Assessment of breastfeeding
Strategies to promote successful breastfeeding
Early breastfeeding challenges and management of common problems
Hand expression / pumps, cup feeding and storing EBM
Breastfeeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Pharmacology in pregnancy and lactation
Discharge planning and community support for breastfeeding mothers
Nutritional needs of the new-born: composition of formula milks, preparation and feeding, follow-on milks and weaning.
Clinical Skills:
Breastfeeding clinical skills