The aim of this module is to enable the student to critically consider the factors that promote and support maternal and infant nutritional wellbeing.

Physiology of digestion, metabolism and utilisation of nutrient components for the promotion and maintenance of health and prevention of disease. Nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation. Impact of nutritional status on the woman, fetus and infant. Nutrition and selected conditions. Healthy weight management before, during and after pregnancy. Nutritional requirements of the neonate; social - cultural context of infant feeding; informed choice; national and international breastfeeding policies. Anatomy and physiology of lactation. Biochemistry of human milk. Health care practices that support breastfeeding and formula feeding including signs of effective feeding. Breastfeeding management under difficult circumstances: breastfeeding management when the mother is ill; drug therapy and breastfeeding. Principles of safe formula preparation and feeding. Hospital and community promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding. Clinical skills: Brief interventions for nutrition for the perinatal period Brief interventions for weight management Counselling skills to support breastfeeding including correct positioning for skin to skin Key principles for positioning and attachment Hand expression, pump expression, cup feeding/finger feeding, breast milk storage Key principles for safe formula feeding.

Discuss appropriate maternal nutrition and lifestyle before and during pregnancy and its significance for favorable pregnancy outcomes. Develop knowledge and skills for promoting, supporting and protecting breast-feeding across cultures.

Explore personal and societal attitudes towards maternal and infant nutrition. Analyse the physical, emotional, political and social aspects of maternal and infant nutrition in various social settings and cultures.

Demonstrate engagement strategies for discussing nutrition in perinatal period. Demonstrate and support the mother in breastfeeding skills.

The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular demonstrate OSCE's and brief interventions for weight management 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 maternal and infant nutrition and the role and responsibilities of the midwife in supporting women in healthy weight management and infant feeding choices the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable, responsible and collaborative in their approach to maternal and infant nutrition. The students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on maternal and infant nutrition. Reference to relevant national and international strategies will be incorporated.