The aim of this module is to explore the provision of midwifery care in the postnatal period for the mother, baby and family.

Physiology of the puerperium, monitoring postnatal progress including postnatal examination and assessment, care required post- operative birth, urinary bladder management. Transition to extrauterine life, thermoregulation. Initial steps of neonatal resuscitation. Monitoring progress of the neonate including examination. Meeting the safety needs of mother and baby. Registration of birth. Physiological jaundice. Newborn screening. Vaccinations and immunisations. Parenting and attachment. Promoting a healthy psychological adaptation to motherhood and fatherhood. Discharge planning for the woman and infant. Care of women and families experiencing a perinatal loss. Clinical skills: Postnatal examination of the mother Examinations of the baby Neonatal vital signs including pulse oximetry Skin care and hygiene of the baby Newborn bloodspot screening technique Documentation and administration of medication to the mother and baby Perinatal mental health assessment tools Parenting skills Discharge planning for mother and baby Initial steps of resuscitation of newborn Bereavement and perinatal loss workshop.

Understand the roles and responsibilities of the midwife in the assessing, monitoring and evaluating the care of the mother and baby in the postnatal period. Explain the links between the physiological process in the early days of life and the wellbeing of the mother and the newborn.

Support parents in the transition to parenthood and the development of the parent-infant relationship. Explore the concepts of bereavement and loss in childbirth.

Demonstrate skills required for the safe care of the baby. Demonstrate skills of postnatal examination of the woman.

The student will participate in the learning experience through a variety of teaching and learning strategies: in particular the completion of OSCEs demonstrating the care of the postnatal mother and baby. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning. As a result of gaining a thorough understanding of midwifery care in the postnatal period for the mother and baby the module aims to develop UL graduate attributes. Students will become more knowledgeable, responsible and collaborative in their approach to the care of women and babies in the postnatal period and begin to develop confidence in their ability to be responsive and proactive in the provision of care. Students will be expected to demonstrate an awareness of how research findings impact on the provision of care for mothers and babies and incorporate relevant national and international health policy.