This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and care related to the obstetrical client and the newborn. The comparison of present-day concepts, issues and trends related to maternal childcare as compared to those of the past are discussed. The holistic needs of the obstetrical client and newborn will be discussed during the Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum periods. Contraceptive methods and family planning will be presented as it relates to postpartum teaching. Characteristics and care of the newborn will focus on the nursing process. Rationales will be included in explanations.

This course is designed to provide the vocational nursing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience related to the performance of those skills necessary for patient care. Skills are taught in a progression of the simple to the complex. Time is provided for the student to practice and perform a return demonstration of most of the learned skills in the laboratory