James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

NS5133 - Healthy Labour, Birth and the Puerperium

Subject Description

This subject is underpinned by the primary health care principles of woman centred and value base care. The focus is to develop knowledge and skills that enable safe and appropriate care to labouring and birthing women. Content includes, supporting physiological and pharmacological knowledge and midwifery skills related to women and their families in normal labour, birth and the puerperium. The role of the midwife in establishing and supporting breastfeeding will be developed. Students will explore the physiological adaptation of the well neonate to extra uterine life. Examination of the well newborn will be introduced.

Learning Outcomes

• critically analyse the concept of value based care for midwifery practice in accordance with NMBA Midwifery Standards for Practice (2018) when caring for well women and their families during labour and birth
• describe the physiology of normal labour, birth and the puerperium, including initiation of lactation
• explain the physiological adaptations required by the healthy mother and fetus during labour, birth and the puerperium to develop a midwifery care plan, including pharmacological and non- pharmacological support, for the mother and her family
• describe the World Health Organization's (WHO) 10 steps to successful breastfeeding and the 7 point plan for supporting breastfeeding in the community

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Complete 5 previously recruited CCEs; recruit 5 more women for Continuity of Care Experiences; must pass hurdle assessment - Individual
• Written > Workbook - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Clinical assessment 1 - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Professional placement performance - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: complete and submit all assessment items; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties; achieve a satisfactory grade for the clinical competencies, K2 modules and professional experience placement; achieve at least 70% for the online quizzes; achieve at least 50% for the examination. Examinations may be scheduled outside regular university examination period.

Availabilities