Maternity Care Support Course Level 5 (Minor Award)

Program Overview

The course covers a wide range of topics, including pregnancy progression, labor practices, postnatal care, and infant feeding, and prepares learners for employment as Care Assistants in maternity care settings. Upon successful completion, graduates can combine this qualification with the Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies Level 5 Major Awards to enhance their career opportunities and earning potential.

Program Outline

Maternity Care Support Course Level 5 (Minor Award) Dorset College Dublin:

Degree Overview:

The Maternity Care Support Course is a 7-week intensive program that provides comprehensive training and expertise to support expectant mothers and their families throughout the childbirth journey. The course is designed to equip learners with the real-life knowledge, skills, and competence required to act as effective assistants to midwives in maternity care settings.

Objectives:

• Enhance career opportunities with new skills and specializations.
• Increase earning potential through acquiring new qualifications.
• Gain practical skills for employment in maternity care settings as a Care Assistant.
• Prepare for further and higher education studies in related fields.

Outline:

Content:

• Provides an introduction to the application, theory, and practice of maternity care support.
• Covers a wide range of topics including pregnancy progression, labor practices, postnatal care, infant feeding, and special needs of families.
• Addresses key issues like infection prevention and control, emergency situations, and security procedures in maternity care settings.
• Emphasizes the philosophy of maternity care and its impact on mothers, babies, and families.

Structure:

• Delivered over 7 weeks, with face-to-face classes held on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Program starts on October 18th, 2024, and concludes on November 22nd, 2024.
• Includes a combination of theoretical lectures, practical demonstrations, and skills practice sessions.
• Students receive demonstrations using real-life specialist equipment, including hospital beds, baby cots, drip stands, and more.

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Maternity Care:
• Overview of terminology and work environment.
• Philosophy of maternity care and its organization in Ireland.
• Discussion of UNICEF baby-friendly initiative.
• Admissions to Maternity Wards:
• Common admissions to ante natal, labor, postnatal, and SCBU wards.
• Understanding the National Maternity Strategy.
• Practicing proper referencing and presentation techniques.
• The Needs of Mothers and Infants:
• Mother and Infant Care Scheme and maternity leave policies.
• Impact of prematurity and congenital abnormalities on babies.
• Coping with pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
• Addressing breast and bottle-feeding options and the WHO regulations.
• Hospital Safety and Security:
• Implementing security measures and infection control in the hospital.
• Caring for isolated patients and handling infectious materials.
• Learning about blood and urine testing procedures and clinical incident reporting.
• Practical Skills Development:
• Demonstrations and practice sessions covering key skills.
• Self-evaluation based on assigned skill demonstrations.

Assessment:

• A combination of written assignments and practical skill demonstrations will be used to assess learning outcomes.
• Assignments will involve application of knowledge and critical analysis of key topics.
• Skill demonstrations will require students to perform various tasks relating to maternity care support under observation.
• Successful completion of both components is required for achieving the QQI Maternity Care Support Level 5 Minor Award.

Teaching:

• Program is facilitated by a professional Midwife with extensive experience in maternity care.
• Instructor provides individual support, mentorship, and guidance throughout the course.
• Learning environment prioritizes diversity and student-centered approaches.

Careers:

• Upon successful completion, graduates can combine this qualification with the Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies Level 5 Major Awards to seek employment in hospitals or as Healthcare Assistants in maternity care facilities.
• The program's acquired skills and knowledge open doors to promising career opportunities with improved earning potential.

Other:

• Program fee is €595, including the exam fee.
• A non-refundable deposit of €75 is required to secure a place on the course.
• Admission requirements beyond photo ID and English proficiency are not specified.

Full Course Fee: €595 (Inc Exam Fee) Payment Plan Deposit: €75 This secures your place on the course 1st Instalment: €260 14/03/24 2nd Instalment: €260 11/04/24