Maternal and Newborn Health (NURS 1358)

The focus of this course is on maternal nursing care. The content builds on knowledge from the Practical Nursing curriculum and on the accumulated knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. The course begins with an overview of family-centered care and family nursing theory and moves on to explore issues influencing women's health in contemporary society with an emphasis on the nurses' role in health promotion and risk reduction. Physiological changes and responses to pregnancy and birth, gynecological and reproductive complications, prenatal and antenatal risks, birthing interventions and postpartum complications will be discussed. Microbiology, immunology and pharmacology content and nursing theory will be integrated throughout the course to reflect the interrelated and holistic nature of the body's response to illness and healing. The clinical component of the course will offer consolidation of theory to practice in the care of the family before, during and after childbirth.