This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in supporting women during labour and birth. This course focuses on the principles of active birth, emphasising the importance of promoting freedom of movement and empowering women to actively participate in their birthing experience. The course covers evidence-based practices, communication techniques, and strategies for assisting women in adopting various positions. Last updated 2023.

Welcome to the Anatomy and Physiology of the Placenta quiz. The placenta, a remarkable and intricate organ, plays a vital role during pregnancy, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus. This quiz will test your knowledge of the structure, function, and significance of the placenta in the context of pregnancy. From its development to its hormonal influence, from gas exchange to immune protection, the placenta's role is multifaceted and fascinating. Whether you're a student, healthcare professional, or recapping your knowledge as a midwife this quiz will challenge and expand your understanding of the placenta's crucial role in supporting fetal development.

Mounting scientific evidence is clear: the timing of umbilical cord clamping holds immense significance for neonates, optimal cord clamping improves many short and long term outcomes. This course will help you practice in line with the evidence and support women and families make informed decisions about the care of their newborn. This course has been updated in 2023 with collaboration from Amanda Burleigh #waitforwhite, Hannah Tizard #bloodtobaby and resources from Heike Rabe.

It's vitally important that midwives understand the complex adaptations to the maternal body during the postnatal period. This course will assist you in supporting women through this transformative period, focusing on both physical recovery and mental well-being. Recap the physiological changes in the body and the spectrum of emotions, including the common "baby blues" and more severe postnatal depression. You'll learn about the hormonal fluctuations, musculoskeletal adjustments, and cardiovascular adaptations that occur after childbirth, as well as strategies for promoting self-care and fostering a supportive environment. This course will equip you with the knowledge to provide comprehensive care and holistic support of postpartum women. New Course 2024.

All women have a choice about where they choose to birth. The environment in which a woman labours and gives birth can have a dramatic effect on the physical and psychological outcomes for mother and baby (Nilsson 2014; Nilsson et al., 2020). The space that is used by birthing women can support the body’s natural ability to release the necessary hormones that create the dance of labour (Buckley 2009), or suppress it. Last updated 2023.

In this course you will develop knowledge about the importance and benefits of skin-to-skin contact for the newborn, parents and families as part of building close and loving relationships. This course will cover various birth scenarios and clinical practice considerations, including preparation during pregnancy and support following different types of births. The content will also explore the links between skin-to-skin contact, optimal breastfeeding and infant feeding, parent-infant attachment, and ongoing benefits for both mother, parents and newborn. Last updated 2023. 

Iron deficiency poses significant risks to pregnant women worldwide, impacting both maternal health and the wellbeing of newborns. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023, approximately 40% of children aged 6–59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15–49 years are affected by anaemia globally. Whether pre-existing or developing during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postnatal period, iron deficiency and anaemia require careful attention. This course, will help you to understand the physiological mechanisms of iron absorption, explore the challenges faced by women and families in adhering to routine iron supplementation, and discuss strategies to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, we will provide supportive practice considerations aligned with national and global recommendations, empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to promote maternal health and ensure the well-being of both mothers and newborns. New for 2024.