The aim of this module is to provide students with opportunities to integrate practice in the care of women experiencing normal birth in the context of choice and risk.

Normal childbirth evidence and debate. Physiological and normal birth and application to midwifery practice in all settings. Birthing options and services available for women at local, national and international level. Midwife's role in homebirth and in midwife led units. Decision making and risk assessment skills required for autonomous contemporary practice. Risk and choice paradox such as vaginal birth after caesarean section. Legal requirements of the midwife. Midwifery theories for practice. Complementary and alternative medicines applied to maternity care. Principles of adult education and application to parent education. Childbirth education for specific social and cultural groups. This module will incorporate the equivalent of four weeks clinical placement. Clinical skills: Facilitating birth in the community setting Skills in facilitating physiological birth Consolidating skills for vaginal examination Indications and skills for episiotomy Introduction to perineal suturing Facilitation of childbirth education to specific groups.

Demonstrate midwifery knowledge that supports the woman in achieving her potential throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and the puerperium. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of adult learning in the context of childbirth education.

Evaluate the role of the midwife in physiological birth. Appreciate decision making and risk assessment skills required for autonomous contemporary practice.

Demonstrate and integrate midwifery skills that support the woman in achieving her potential throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and the puerperium.

The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular the use of case scenarios to explore specific and generic issues and the skills needed to facilitate childbirth education. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning. This module will integrate and connect theory with practice and provide an opportunity to engage in clinical practice. As a result of gaining a thorough understanding of the midwife's role the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable, responsible, proactive, creative and collaborative in their approach to meeting the needs of individual women experiencing normal and complex pregnancy and birth. The module will reflect the most recent developments and students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on normal birth. Reference to national and international strategies and reports will be incorporated.