Essential antenatal, perinatal and postpartum care : training modules

Abstract

Much has changed in antenatal, perinatal and postpartum care in recent decades, and many of the changes have arisen from a questioning - and in some cases discarding - of many of the interventions which had previously been considered appropriate or even essential. The course described in this manual is designed to encourage health professionals and policy-makers to join that questioning process. The specific goals of this workshop are to enhance the understanding, knowledge and skills of health professionals in maternity care and modern principles and practices of sound care in pregnancy, labour and birth and the postpartum period, through better case management and appropriate interventions, while maintaining safety. The course is designed to be evidence-based, family-centred and multidisciplinary in approach. It is also sensitive to a holistic approach to care, acknowledging the significance of caring for psychological and social as well as biological concerns