The aim of this module is to explore the provision of midwifery care within the parameters of normal childbirth.

Normal labour and birth and the role and responsibilities of the midwife in providing woman-centred care and promoting normal birth. Anatomy and physiology and how they inform care provision in the first, second, third stage of labour and in the early puerperium. Onset, process and progress of labour. Monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing in labour supporting women and their partners in the birth of their babies. The physiology of pain; working with pain in labour. Immediate care of the newborn including skin to skin contact. Documentation specific to birth. Clinical skills: Skills to promote normal birth Mechanism of labour Principles of intrapartum skills; first, second and third stage including assessment of progress Principles of drug administration in childbirth Management of the third stage of labour Examination of the placenta and membranes Assessment and care of a woman and her baby in the immediate postnatal period Female urinary catheterisation Introduction to fetal monitoring and Cardiotocography (K2 Medical Systems Fetal Monitoring Training Systems) Documentation to include partograph.

Apply evidence based knowledge to maximise the safety of women, babies and their families throughout the normal childbearing process. Understand the physiology of childbirth and relate it to the care of the woman in childbirth.

Appreciate the role of the midwife in promoting the normality of childbirth.

Demonstrate skills to provide safe care in labour and birth. Demonstrate the mechanism of labour.

The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular the completion of a workbook and OSCE's and the use of the virtual learning environment. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning. As a result of gaining a thorough understanding of normal labour and birth and the role and responsibilities of the midwife in providing woman-centred care the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable, responsible and collaborative in their approach to the care of women in childbirth. The module will reflect the most recent developments in intrapartum care and students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on the provision of care in labour and birth.