Evidence-based Care for Normal Birth (Level 6, 20 credits)

Program Overview

The University of Salford's "Evidence-based Care for Normal Birth" course explores the physiology, importance, and models of normal birth. It emphasizes the role of the midwife, pain management, and factors optimizing a woman's chances of a normal birth. The course aims to increase students' confidence in practicing autonomously and challenging the medicalization of birth.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Topic Areas: The module explores various aspects of normal birth, including:
• Physiology of birth
• Autonomy and the midwife
• Historical and contemporary influences on birth practices
• Importance of normal birth
• Psychological aspects (experiences of women and families)
• Sociological aspects (impact on society, cultural issues)
• Midwifery aspects (role of the midwife)
• Public health aspects (long-term outcomes)
• Different models of birth
• Social model
• Biomedical model
• Holistic model
• Factors optimizing a woman's chances of normal birth
• Midwifery skills to support difficult births
• Pain in labor
• Physiology and psychology
• Pain relief options
• Pharmacological (not covered in detail)
• Non-pharmacological (aromatherapy, reflexology, hypnotherapy)
• Please note:
The specific modules offered may vary depending on student enrollment and other factors.

Assessment:

• 15-minute seminar (40%)
• Supporting paper (2,000 words) (60%)

Teaching:

• Delivery methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Videos
• Discussion groups
• Case scenarios

Other:

• Continuing professional development: This module can be taken as a standalone option for continuing professional development.
• Confidence building: The course aims to increase students' confidence in practicing autonomously.
• Challenging medicalization of birth: Students will develop skills to promote normal birth and challenge the medicalization of birth.
• Degree Overview