University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to explore the knowledge required by midwives to provide compassionate, woman-centred and individualised care that promotes normality in pregnancy, labour, birth and in the postnatal period; and the knowledge to provide holistic safe, competent, kind and respectful care for women experiencing a normal pregnancy, labour and birth and postnatal period. Students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills for clinical practice as this module will contain theoretical and clinical skills elements. A holistic approach will be used to enable students to integrate theory with practice and to plan care accordingly. Students will develop their knowledge of the process in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating midwifery care which has a central focus on the provision of safe, quality women-centred care. The module will also provide students with an overview of pharmacology and medicines management, including skills of drug calculation and the safe and effective administration of drugs. The philosophy underpinning this module recognises that midwives work in equal partnership with women and their families. All midwifery care explored within this module will protect and promote the safety and autonomy of women in the context of respecting women‟s experiences, choices, priorities, beliefs and values.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss, with reference to anatomical, physiological and psychological adaptations, the evidence-based midwifery knowledge and skills required to assess and promote fetal and maternal wellbeing and promote normality during the continuum of pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postnatally
  2. Identify, with reference to anatomical, physiological and psychological adaptations, the evidence-based midwifery knowledge, skills and supports required to assess, plan, implement and evaluate midwifery care during the continuum of pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postnatally
  3. Discuss the role of midwife in relation to fertility awareness, fertility regulation and pre-pregnancy care
  4. Highlight an understanding of midwifery care that is cognisant of the safety and autonomy of women in the context of respecting women‟s experiences, choices, priorities, beliefs and values in the context of shared decision making.
  5. Identify the normal adaptations that occur during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postnatally and so recognise when escalation of care is required
  6. Discuss the Scope of Midwifery Practice and articulate the importance of working collaboratively with women and with other health care professionals
  7. Demonstrate understanding of medicine management as applied to midwifery practice. Including the use and effects of medicinal products on women before pregnancy, during pregnancy, labour, birth, in the postnatal period and during lactation; on neonates; and for the control of fertility.
  8. Demonstrate understanding of drug calculation skills and routes of administration.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (50%)
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (50%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Skills for Midwifery Practice" by Johnson, R. & Taylor W.
    Publisher: Elsevier
  2. "Pharmacology for midwives; the evidence base for safe practice." by Jordon, S.
    Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan,
  3. "Mayes' Midwifery, A Textbook for Midwives" by Macdonald, S. & Johnson, G.
    Publisher: Elsevier
  4. "Myles Textbook for Midwives" by Marshall, J. & Raynor, M.
    Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
  5. "Code of Professional Conduct & Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives" by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
    Publisher: NMBI
  6. "Practice Standards for Midwives" by Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
    Publisher: NMBI
  7. "Standards for Nurses and Midwives on Medication Administration" by Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
    Publisher: NMBI
The above information outlines module NU6554: "Normal Midwifery Care 1" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.