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Birth as a Life Event

  • Module code: MW4001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module will introduce you to the social context of birth as a life and family event. It will also develop your understanding of the role of the midwife in supporting the woman and her family through childbearing.

Aims

  • Begin to understand the significance of birth for the woman and her family.
  • Explore the unique role of the midwife in supporting the woman and her family during childbearing.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Outline factors affecting birth as a social phenomenon.
  • Describe social, psychological and emotional issues experienced by women and their families during childbearing.
  • Recognise the importance of interpersonal skills in the development of the midwife-woman relationship.
  • Explore the influence of culture, race and ethnicity on childbearing.

Curriculum content

  • Factors that influence the choice of place of birth
  • Facilitating women's choices in childbearing
  • Strategies for facilitating and maintaining normality in childbearing
  • Concept of being "with woman" (being present)
  • Birth as a social phenomena
  • Portrayal of birth in the media and the impact on perception
  • Family centred approaches to care
  • Sociological and psychological theories and principles applied to childbearing
  • Psychology of pregnancy
  • Attachment theory
  • Philosophy of carers
  • The impact of the physical environment on childbearing
  • Adaptation to parenthood (role change and motherhood in different settings)
  • Fatherhood
  • The family unit in all its varieties, family dynamics and changing relationships
  • Cultural awareness (including spirituality and religion)
  • Grief and loss (to include childlessness)
  • The role of social support in childbearing
  • The role of voluntary agencies and women's voices eg. NCT, AIMS
  • Reflection and reflective models
  • The use of narratives and storytelling

Teaching and learning strategy

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be utilised within this module. The use of lead lectures, time for directed reading and reflection and group discussions will enable students to explore topics in depth. Canvas will be used to support the teaching and learning, relevant materials will be available within the module including power point presentations and on line links.

  • Lecture/discussion
  • Presentations
  • Group work
  • Use of study space/e-learning
  • Reflection
  • Tutorials
  • Clinical practice

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 96
Guided independent study 24
Clinical practice 180
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Formative assessment

Small group presentation of proposed reflection of an encounter in practice which is peer reviewed. This will enable the student to consider and get feedback on the appropriateness of chosen scenario.

Summative assessment

The assessment for this module is a 2500 word reflection based on care provided for a woman during childbirth. This should take into account the social, psychological and emotional issues experienced by women and their families during childbearing.

The assessment is split into two parts: part one is a 500 word description of the care scenario. Part two is a 2500 word submission completing the reflective account including a discussion of the chosen reflective model. The part one component will be integrated into this submission.

The work will follow an identified reflection format and be supported with appropriate evidence and referenced according to Kingston University guidelines using the Harvard referencing system. Please refer to guidance within the module in Canvas. 2500 words

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Outline factors affecting birth as a social phenomenon. Formative: Peer reviewed presentation Summative: Part 1: 500 word description of care Part 2: Reflection 2500 words (includes 500 word description)
2) Describe the social, psychological and emotional issues experienced by women and their families during childbearing. Formative: Peer reviewed presentation Summative: Part 1: 500 word description of care Part 2: Reflection 2500 words (includes 500 word description)
3) Recognise the importance of interpersonal skills in the development of the midwife-woman relationship Formative: Peer reviewed presentation Summative: Part 1: 500 word description of care Part 2: Reflection 2500 words (includes 500 word description)
4) Explore the influence of culture, race and ethnicity on childbearing. Formative: Peer reviewed presentation Summative: Part 1: 500 word description of care Part 2: Reflection 2500 words (includes 500 word description)

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Case description 20%
Reflection 2500 words 80%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It is a requirement that the elements of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Raynor, M. and England, C. (2010) Psychology for midwives: pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Squire, C. (2009) (ed) The social context of birth. Abingdon: Radcliffe Publishing.

Bibliography recommended reading

Barker, S. (2011) Midwives emotional care of women becoming mothers. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars.

Gross, R.D. (2007) Psychology for nurses and allied professions: applying theory to practice. London: Hodder Arnold.

Kenworthy D (2011) Midwives coping with loss and grief: stillbirth, professional and personal loss. London: Radcliffe Publishing.

Kingdon, C. (2009) Sociology for midwives. London: Quay Books.

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