MDWF 2050 Pediatrics, 4 cr.
(3 academic credits/1 clinical credit)
PREREQUISITE: MDWF 2030 or currently a CPM/RM
This course is specifically designed to explore the anatomy and physiology of the newborn from birth through eight weeks. Students will become understand normal and abnormal findings. Assessment, age-appropriate strategies, and cultural differences will be discussed. Current research will be reviewed by participants to enhance the midwife’s care of the neonate and case studies will be utilized.
Learning Objectives:
1. To achieve an in-depth knowledge of the Apgar Score
2. To define a detailed assessment of the anatomy and physiology of the newborn
3. To recognize the extrauterine transitions and physiologic responses of the newborn
4. To discuss the assessment and management of jaundice in the newborn
5. To meticulously scrutinize the care of the newborn immediately after birth in the normal labor, including bonding and
attachment and behavior.
6. To develop 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, genitalia, back, rectum,
extremities and neuromuscular (including reflexes and neurological exam).
7. Understand gestational age assessments
8. To select or create documents to record the newborn history and newborn examination from birth to 6 weeks of age
9. To synthesize the use of common tests in the newborn, including newborn screening
10. To design client handouts/informed consents for prophylactic procedures and immunizations in the newborn
11. To develop a plan for the management of the dehydrated infant
12. To review safety and prevention from birth to 12 months of age, including shaken baby syndrome, safe sleeps practices,
and health and community resources, including emergency numbers
13. To recognize emergency conditions in the newborn requiring referral, transport, or transfer of care
14. To identify alternative modalities and treatments for common newborn conditions
Course Catalog - Midwives College of Utah. (n.d.). Midwives College of Utah. Retrieved April 5, 2023, from https://www.midwifery.edu/course-catalog/