In this module you will develop knowledge and understanding, enabling you to provide women-centred care throughout the preconception, antenatal and postnatal periods.
The module content is divided into six key areas and you will be encouraged and supported to consider the following:

Professional Midwifery Practice:
Models of women centred compassionate midwifery care, methods of communication and documentation with care planning and needs assessment: in relation to contemporary government policies for maternity care e.g. Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), The Code and Midwives Rules. Throughout all aspects of care you will explore how the rights of women are supported to promote choice, ensure confidentiality and maintain dignity. You will go on to discover how midwifery practice must be diversity sensitive and discrimination free.

Academic development: Information retrieval workshop (library).
You will have an opportunity to explore your personal development through the use of a Personal Development Profile (PDP) and Revalidation. Throughout the module you will build an awareness of the evidence base which underpins all midwifery care.

Preconception:
You will consider the necessary components of preconceptual care and the physical and emotional changes which will occur during pregnancy.

Antenatal:
You will explore principles of antenatal care, initial consultation, information sharing, history taking, documentation, maternal mental health and well-being, maternal nutrition, antenatal and newborn screening tests. You will have an opportunity to discuss infant feeding choices in relation to beliefs and social constructs and you will explore the anatomy and physiology relating to lactation. You will also be introduced to The Baby Friendly Initiative 10 successful steps to breastfeeding.

Postnatal:
You will explore the theories of postnatal care, normal physiology of the puerperium and postnatal care and cervical cytology. Assessment of ongoing mental health needs and any signs of distress which would require intervention.

Midwifery Skills for Practice:
You will gain experience in efficient moving and handling, CALM training, midwifery skills for assessing maternal well-being – adult resuscitation, venepuncture, infection control - completion of cleanliness champions’ package

Further information

Throughout this module you will critically engage with knowledge of the psychosocial dimensions of childbearing and midwifery practice and explore the role of the midwife in the provision of public health and social care for the family unit from both a national and international perspective. In doing this you will consider how the midwife works in partnership with other professionals, agencies, users and carers.
In this module the content is divided into the following key areas:
The role of the midwife as a member of the multi-professional team, including voluntary agencies in public health and social inclusion will be examined in relation to public health and social theories.
Public Health Agenda
Knowledge will be developed in the principles of health promotion and prevention of illness in childbearing women from diverse backgrounds. You will critically explore current issues related to social and healthcare agendas, Perinatal mental health, Scottish Government, Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). National and International policy perspectives in Childbearing (World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Baby Friendly Initiatives (BFI)


Epidemiology
You will develop critical analytical skills as you have the opportunity to explore epidemiology related to current maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity and the factors that influence this.
You will critically analyse social data from local, national and international perspective examining inequalities of health that impact on the health of vulnerable women and their families. Critically explore the relevance of antenatal and newborn screening.
Health Promotion Knowledge will be developed in the principles of health promotion and prevention of illness in childbearing women from diverse backgrounds. You will critically explore current issues related to social and healthcare agendas (GIRFEC).
Academic Development – information retrieval, report writing and research skills

Further information

In this module you will learn about
In this module you will critically assess the importance of providing evidence based and physiologically appropriate care and management to the mother, baby and family unit. You will learn how to integrate partnership working into midwifery practice.
Description of Module Content
The module content is divided into five key areas and you will be encouraged and supported to consider the following:
Newborn:
You will critically explore the physiology, assessment and care of the newborn, newborn examinations, blood spot screening test and newborn hearing test
Infant and maternal nutrition:
You will consider the anatomy and physiology of the immune system and immunity.
Constituents of colostrum and breastmilk encouraging the application of theory to practice – Responsive feeding (Baby Friendly Initiative) and recognition of effective breastfeeding.
You will develop a critical awareness of infant brain development and the importance of love and nurture to ensure optimal outcomes.
Mother:
The importance of informed consent will be highlighted throughout the module. You will consider maternal physical and mental health and well-being before and after birth, cervical pathology, common minor disorders of the puerperium, pre/post-operative care following caesarean section, working as per The Code and an introduction to first aid. You will critically discuss the importance of sharing information with women which is clear and accurate. The rights of women will be explored and respected with care offered in a warm, sensitive and compassionate manner. Medicine management will be outlined and you will gain an appreciation of the role of the midwife in supporting women to make safe and informed choices regarding medicines throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Family:
Environmental – Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) here you will recognise and discuss factors which may influence the well-being of the mother; newborn and family, teaching and learning a skill, emotional transition to parenting, family planning, parent and child interaction.
Professional:
You will explore and critique the process of reflection and reflective models.
Evidence based practice and professional roles within the multidisciplinary team will be evaluated.
Guidance with regards to documentation/ record keeping as per The Code.
Infection Control and continued support for completion of the Cleanliness Champions package.

Further information

During this module you will critically explore your knowledge and caring skills in relation to labour and birth. You will develop knowledge of the anatomical, physiological and psychological adaptations of both the mother and baby during labour and birth. You will learn to identify evidence based informed care appropriate to the individual needs of each woman and her baby working within the multidisciplinary team .This module is divided into key areas:
Anatomy and physiology
Applied to all stages of labour and birth
1st stage of labour
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Introduction to fetal heart rate monitoring
Pain relief in labour/ Complementary therapies
Positions in labour
Fetal circulation/physiological adaptation of the newborn
2nd stage of labour
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Administration of intravenous therapy
Injection technique
Vaginal examinations
Procedures and practical skills in midwifery – episiotomy, suturing and care of the perineum
Introduction to pre-operative and post-operative care
Introduction to the operating theatre environment


3rd stage of labour
Examination of the placenta
Care of a woman and her family/midwives role
Neonatal care
Care of the neonate at birth and in the initial postnatal period/midwives role
Neonatal resuscitation
Programme strands:
Also included in this module:
Critical appraisal of the research evidence and ethics around labour and birth
Examination preparation workshop (academic development)
Working within a multidisciplinary team
Clinical skills for midwives for labour and birth
Patient safety agenda
Pharmacology and medicine management

Further information

The aim of this module is to enable you to critically apply the necessary knowledge and skills in the management of complications that occur in both mother and baby during the childbearing period. During this module you will learn to critically assess evidence based care and apply principles of good practice to the care of women with complex needs. You will learn to appreciate the importance of partnership working with women and the multidisciplinary team .The module content is divided into key areas:
Antenatal
Polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, bleeding in pregnancy including early pregnancy loss, TOP and fetal malformations,
Intranatal
Malpresentation, malpositioning, multiple pregnancy, interpretation of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring, pre- term labour
Postpartum
Retained placenta, thromboembolism, amniotic fluid embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, haemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets syndrome, shock
Obstetric Emergencies
Shoulder dystocia, post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and secondary PPH, cord prolapse, adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Sick baby
Respiratory depression & neonatal resuscitation, oxygen therapy, neonatal respiratory problems, neonatal neurological problems, developmental care, temperature regulation problems, working with parents, infant nutrition including breast feeding and how to manage challenges.
Problem solving including the use of women’s stories
Research and evidence including how to source relevant information and understand some of the professional issues for midwives
Efficient moving and handling
Patient safety – implementation of appropriate risk management strategies, communication skills – SBAR, SEWS documentation, multidisciplinary team working

You will also study within this module the principles of medicine administration and the midwives role, including policies and guidelines around emergencies. You will also critically examine the research and evidence around the management of such emergencies and how to source relevant information such as national guidelines.

Further information

The aim of this module is to enable you to critically examine the elements of the pathophysiology of midwifery complications affecting both mother and baby during the childbearing period. During this module you will develop knowledge and understanding which will enable you to critically analyse and apply the principles of current research and evidence base in the provision of care to both mother and baby where complications arise. You will develop communication and transferable skills to enable you to work in partnership with women and other health and social care professionals.

In this module you will develop your knowledge in the following 7 key areas:
Medical Conditions which Impact on Maternal & Neonatal Health
You will develop your knowledge of midwifery care in relation to the following:
Examine the pathophysiology of significant medical conditions in childbearing
Pre conceptual and Antenatal Care
Principles and theories of pre conceptual and antenatal care in relation to complex care.
You will also have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the causes of infertility and the impact this has on women’s health
The importance of history taking, antenatal and newborn screening and referral pathways.
Effective communication and working within a Multidisciplinary team
Intrapartum Complications
Principles and theories of intrapartum care with women with complex needs.
Postpartum Complications
Postpartum Infections and complications
Neonatal Complications
Principles of caring for sick neonate. Establishing effective infant nutrition and supporting the initiation of lactation( Baby Friendly Initiative)
Midwifery Practice
Effective Communication and problem solving within Multidisciplinary Teams. Utilisation of Situation, Background, Assessment Review (SBAR) approach when assessing maternal well-being in complex care
Understanding the principles of Medicines Management
Fetal monitoring- K2, Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Further information

You will learn under the direct supervision of a midwife to care for healthy childbearing women and gain competence in the performance of core midwifery skills for women and the newborn.
This practice module introduces you to midwifery practice, with placements in maternity care settings. You will be working under the direct supervision of a named mentor in each placement. The focus of the experience will be to enable you develop the necessary skills required in caring for the healthy childbearing woman and her family (LOs 1- 6). You will have the opportunity to perform basic clinical and interpersonal skills in maternity care settings (LOs 1, 2, 5, 6). Initially the practice will be observational, with gradual progression to hands-on practice in accordance with the mentor’s professional judgement of your level of experience, the clinical situation and the nature of the clinical skill.

You will begin to record births and clinical examination of childbearing women and their babies as required by the European Midwifery Directives (2005) and the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC 2009).

You will also complete Cleanliness Champion Programme (HAI units 1 – 6).

Further information

You will learn to care for childbearing women under the direct supervision and instruction of the midwife and continue to develop competence and confidence in the performance of core midwifery skills for women and babies during the intrapartum period.

You will also develop the knowledge and skills required to care for women with pathological gynaecological conditions under the supervision of an appropriate practitioner. You will build on your learning about the importance of partnership working for the benefit of women and babies as detailed in the Competency Assessment Book.

This module continues to develop your experience in midwifery practice with placements in the birthing environments focussing on the intrapartum care of childbearing women (LOs 1-6). You will also gain gynaecological nursing experience and care for women with pathological gynaecological conditions (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4). You will have a named mentor in each area.

The focus of the gynaecological experience will be on caring for childbearing women and their families and women with gynaecological issues in partnership with a variety of health and social care professionals and service users themselves. You will have the opportunity to further develop clinical and interpersonal skills in women’s health care settings (LOs 1 – 6).

The practice will continue with gradual progression to increasing hands-on practice in accordance with a particular skill, situation, your own experience and mentor’s professional judgement. This will include learning from experience, reflection on and in practice and feedback from mentor and appropriate health professionals.

You will continue to complete Cleanliness Champion units

You will continue to undertake and record births and clinical examination of women and new-born as required by the European Midwifery Directives (2005) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2009).

Further information

On this module you will learn to care for childbearing women and continue to develop competence and confidence in the performance of core midwifery skills for women with complex obstetric needs and their babies under the instruction and direct supervision of a midwife. You will build on your learning about the importance of partnership working and the positive outcomes to be gained from working with a variety of health and social care professionals and service users, for the benefit of women and babies.
This module continues to provide experience in midwifery practice in maternity care settings. You will have a named sign –off mentor in each area. The focus of the experience will be on learning to care with compassion for the child bearing woman with complex needs ( LOs1-5 ). You will have the opportunity to further develop midwifery and interpersonal skills in partnership with a variety of health and social care professionals and service users themselves. You will continue to complete cleanliness champion units. You will continue to undertake and record births and clinical examinations of childbearing women and their babies as required by the European Midwifery Directives and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2009).

Further information

You will learn, under the supervision of the midwife, to further develop practice skills. This will be achieved by focusing on the care of women with complex obstetric needs and their infants during the intrapartum period and community placements. The content relates to the competencies detailed in the Competency Assessment Book.
This module continues to provide experience in midwifery practice in maternity care settings. You will have a named sign –off mentor in each area. The focus of the experience will be on learning to care with compassion for the child bearing woman with complex needs. You will have the opportunity to further develop midwifery and interpersonal skills (LOs1-5).

You will continue to record births and clinical examination of childbearing women and their babies as required by the European Midwifery Directives (2005) and the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC 2009).

Further information

In this module you will explore the professional knowledge and behaviours which underpin midwifery practice. You will examine core academic skills which will facilitate personal and professional development. You will be introduced to the frameworks that will guide your practice as a midwife, including the professional, legal and ethical codes of practice. You will learn the key principles of values based and women-centred care (Scottish Government 2012) all of which will be presented in the context of ‘The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives.’ (NMC, 2015).
The module content is divided into six key areas:
Prioritising people:
Principles of responsive, woman-centred communication will be introduced with concepts related to reflexive, inclusive, ethical and legal frameworks. The module will provide you with an opportunity to consider relevant health and social policies that inform midwifery practice, for example national policies such as ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’ and international policy such as the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. Alongside this, you will explore issues relating to the health equality, public protection and the wellbeing of children and adults (including policies such as the dementia framework), mental health and the support of third sector agencies will be considered.
Practising effectively:
You will explore strategies to support learning for professional practice will be explored in the context of the topics covered within the module. Particular focus will be on the construction and quality of relevant knowledge and ways in which you can use evidence appropriately to inform midwifery practice. You will consider communication, therapeutic skills and record keeping relevant to this will be considered in the light of relevant theory and applied to midwifery care. Information retrieval and writing workshops will support your learning in respect of this.

Preserving safety:
You will examine the role of the midwife as part of a multidisciplinary team giving care to women and their families in relation to: sphere of practise; referral, candour; acting in emergency situations; managing risk and escalating concerns; midwifery and medicines administration; and harm reduction.

Promoting professionalism and trust:
Through the recognition and development of appropriate professional values and behaviours, you will apply your understanding of their significance in respect of relationships in midwifery care and practice. This will involve understanding professional roles and responsibilities in respect of not only your own practice, but that of others too.

Academic development – Writing workshop

Programme Strands
Throughout the programme you will find ‘strands’ or ‘themes’ that follow particular topics. In this module Baby Friendly Initiative standards will be considered in respect of health and wellbeing, infant feeding culture in the UK, communication of infant feeding and Public Health strategies related to infant feeding. You will explore research in the context of evidence-based practice and understanding and accessing sources of midwifery evidence and knowledge. Medicines management will address managing professional practice in respect of the law, consent confidentiality, ethics, accountability and documentation. You will consider communication strategies such as sharing information, being attentive, confidentiality, enabling choice, consent, treating women with dignity and respect, partnership working, non-discriminatory practice and compassionate care. You will consider emotional wellbeing related to your knowledge of mental health during the perinatal period, women’s rights and treatment options, preconception advice, risk associated with history, signs and symptoms of distress, psycho-social risk factors in pregnancy, risks of self-harm, referral pathways, support, risk management strategies, all of which will reflect working within relevant policies and guidelines.

Further information

During this module you will apply basic scientific principles of anatomy and physiology to maternal and infant health. This will provide you with the information that you require in order to undertake practice and will allow you to build on the knowledge gained in further theory modules.

In this module you will learn about five key areas including:

Basic Body structures:
You will examine in detail the cell and genetics, the nervous system, cardio-vascular system, respiratory system, renal system, gastro-intestinal system, reproductive and endocrine systems, microbiology and immunity.

Fertility: You will also examine in relation to female fertility, cell division, the ovarian cycle, menstrual cycle, fertilisation and conception. This module will also include maternal adaptation to her pregnancy, maternal nutrition and the anatomy of the female pelvis and fetal Skull

The Fetus: This module will also include basic embryology, fetal growth and development and fetal circulation.

Programme strand Breast Feeding: This module will commence with the Baby Friendly Initiative Theme (BFI) that is stranded throughout your programme. This includes the anatomy of the breast and physiology of lactation, the role of the feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL) and instinctive mothering behaviour.
You will also study the prevention of Infection- principles of infection control, immunity

Further information