Course Purpose and Overview
A firm knowledge of pediatrics is an indispensable component of the training of a health provider. The purpose of this course is to give student midwives a firm foundational knowledge of the care of newborns to 8 weeks old.
1. An in-depth review of the Apgar Score
2. A detailed assessment of the anatomy and physiology of the newborn
3. A comprehensive analysis of extrauterine transitions and physiologic responses of the newborn
4. A study of the assessment and management of jaundice in the newborn
5. Expanded knowledge of the care of the newborn immediately after birth in the normal labor, including bonding and attachment and behavior and temperament
6. A thorough physical examination of the newborn, including: expected findings, common variations, signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings and recognition of situations needing referral/transport. The following systems are reviewed: skin, head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, neck, chest, abdomen, female genitalia, male genitalia, ambiguous genitalia, back, rectum, extremities and neuromuscular (including reflexes and neurological exam)
7. Tools to assess gestational age
8. The Newborn History and Newborn Examination from birth to 2 months of age including growth and development
9. Common tests in the newborn, including newborn screening
10. Prophylactic procedures and immunizations
11. Dehydration and fluid therapy
12. Safety and prevention from birth to 2 months of age, including shaken baby syndrome, safe sleeps practices and health and community resources, including emergency numbers
13. Neonatal drug withdrawal and the effects of tobacco, drugs and alcohol use during pregnancy
14. Principles of infant nutrition and infant feeding options for babies (including those born to HIV positive mothers)
Midwives College of Utah. (2023). MDWF 2050: Pediatrics: Birth to Two Months. Midwives College of Utah Midwifing Midwives, p. 3-4. https://midwifery.instructure.com/courses/3749/files/1053443?wrap=1