This i-learn module has been written to enhance understanding of midwifery units (MUs) and deepen knowledge and information about MUs, so that more women are supported to access MU care. It will enable midwives and other maternity care providers to feel more confident and informed when supporting women to choose care within a midwifery led setting.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• describe recent changes in maternity services configuration in the UK and begin to explore aspects of midwifery continuity of carer (MCoC)
• describe what a midwifery unit is and the terminology used in different UK countries
• illustrate the key clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of MUs (both alongside maternity units (AMU) and freestanding (FMU)
• describe the philosophy, knowledge and skills required to work in an MU
• discuss some of the key features of a well-functioning midwifery unit
• articulate some of the challenges that midwives working in MUs face
• be more confident in describing the benefits of MUs to both women and midwives

Study time: 30 minutes

Original content: 2019