Maternal-Newborn Nursing

NR.540 4 credits Semester 3

Course Overview

Maternal-Newborn Nursing covers the physical, emotional, and social needs of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, along with care of newborns. Students learn prenatal assessment and education, labor support and pain management, fetal monitoring, complications of pregnancy (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental disorders), cesarean delivery, normal and high-risk newborn care, and breastfeeding support. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice, family-centered care, and recognition of complications requiring emergency intervention. Students develop competency in caring for low-risk and complicated pregnancies and newborns.

Learning Objectives

  • Provide comprehensive prenatal assessment and care for pregnant women
  • Support labor, manage pain, and monitor fetal well-being during delivery
  • Recognize and manage complications of pregnancy and labor
  • Perform initial newborn assessment including APGAR scoring
  • Provide postpartum care including infection prevention and emotional support
  • Promote healthy breastfeeding and newborn nutrition

Lecture Topics

  • Week 1: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Review
  • Week 1: Normal Pregnancy - First, Second, and Third Trimesters
  • Week 2: Prenatal Care and Assessment Across Pregnancy
  • Week 2: Common Discomforts of Pregnancy and Management
  • Week 3: High-Risk Pregnancies - Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia
  • Week 3: Placental Disorders and Bleeding in Pregnancy
  • Week 4: Labor - Stages, Normal Progression, and Support
  • Week 5: Fetal Monitoring and Interpretation of Tracings
  • Week 5: Pain Management in Labor - Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological
  • Week 6: Cesarean Delivery and Operative Delivery
  • Week 7: Postpartum Assessment and Care of the Mother
  • Week 8: Newborn Assessment - APGAR, Physical Exam, and Screening Tests

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Resources

Maternal and Newborn Nursing (Lowdermilk, Perry, Cashion)

Comprehensive textbook covering normal and high-risk pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care.

Required

Fetal Monitoring Interpretation Tutorials

Interactive modules teaching CTG interpretation with practice strips and clinical case studies.

Required

AWHONN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, Neonatal Nurses) Resources

Evidence-based guidelines and practice standards for maternal-newborn nursing.

Free

La Leche League International Breastfeeding Resources

Comprehensive materials on breastfeeding support and common challenges with solutions.

Free