obstetric cirriculum

Obstetrics: Day 1 & 2 Curriculum
an emphasis on understanding the physio/pathologies of pregnancy, Chinese and Western

An over view of pregnancy and gestation as presented in the Chinese classical texts, as discussed by Elizabeth Rochat de la Vallee.

Month by month discourse of the developmental stages according to Chinese theory.

Understanding Western Obstetric Protocols and Treatment

The GP, Midwife, and/or Consultant’s role

Western physio/pathologies, understanding maternal adaptation and response to pregnancy:

- circulatory adaptations
- changes in the respiratory system
- musculoskeletal changes
- gastrointestinal changes
- renal changes
- skin changes
- changes in the vagina

What is normal, what is pathology? Red Flags and when to refer:

- morning sickness
- bleeding in pregnancy
- urinary symptoms
- constipation and piles
- varices
- back pain
- abdominal pain
- symphyis pubis disorder (SPD)
- cholestasis
- depression

Ectopic and molar pregnancy.

Understanding Pre-Eclampsia, the dangers, when and how to refer

Midwifery practice: woman-centred vs biomedical

The medicalisation of birth: politics and opinions, Western and Chinese.

Western intervention treatments:

- Ultrasound
- cervical examination
- ECV
- medical induction
- foetal heart monitoring
- ARM
- Epidural
- forceps and Ventouse
- pharmaceutical pain relief
- caesarean section
- suturing

Intra-partum physiology

The midwife’s role: facilitating a positive maternal adaptation to the stress of labour.
The role of the acupuncturist in Labour.

Birth environment/atmosphere/care culture

Labour:

- Assessing progress
- Food and fluids
- Pain relief: risk vs benefit analysis
- Second stage of labour
- Third stage of labour
- Skin to skin

Retained placenta
Grazes and Tears, assessing degrees
Suture methods

The physiology of breastfeeding
Problems of breastfeeding

Understanding Obstetric Acupuncture Protocols and Treatment

Considerations in the treatment room: what is different about treating pregnant women with acupuncture, the safety issues.

Acupuncture treatment for conditions in pregnancy:

- nausea, sickness and hyperemesis
- heartburn
- constipation
- varicose veins, vulval varices and haemorrhoids
- musculo-skeletal conditions including backache and pelvic pain
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- anxiety and depression
- itching, including cholestasis
- breech presentation
- induction of labour
- analgesia in labour
- retained placenta

Pre birth preparation: treatment from 36 weeks gestation

Acupressure and acupuncture in labour:

- Induction
- pain relief
- problems in labour
- post natal

Forbidden points
Miscarriage
Fatigue
Anaemia
Vaginal discharge
Intra Uterine Death (IUD)
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Postnatal conditions, including breastfeeding
Post natal depression

Using research in medical journals
Working with Orthodox colleagues
Being an effective part of the referral system
Working within NHS facilities

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Obstetrics: Day 3 & 4 Curriculum
an emphasis on practical work: case history, building an obstetric practice, utilizing and developing research

The primary content for Days 3 & 4 will be Case Studies relevant to the conditions covered in Days 1 & 2

In-depth consideration of labour and post-partum – preserving and nurturing the Qi and Blood
Further discussion of the scope of practice in labour – harmonizing acupuncture practice with obstetric protocols
Further discussion of diet: pre-conception, antenatal and particularly post-partum
Diet and acupuncture for breastfeeding issues

Further discussion of post-partum blues and post-natal depression: the importance of treating the Shen

Further discussion of foetal, infant and maternal death
Supporting grief processes with acupuncture treatment
Considerations of the acupuncturist’s roll in a case involving death
Note-taking and its importance in obstetric treatment

Point location
Needling techniques
Treatment room considerations

Further investigation of research as a tool for integrative approach

Further discussion on working with orthodox colleagues
Contracts and permissions to practice
Becoming part of your local maternity services; NHS, private and holistic

Setting up an obstetric team – working with rotas