This module is under review and currently unavailable.

Early childhood has a profound influence on subsequent life chances and health. We are all shaped by our first months, before we are even born.

Midwives hold a unique position in influencing current and future maternal and infant health as they provide care at the most critical times throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

This module aims to:

• Raise your understanding of the impact of social determinants of health
• Help you understand how much potential your midwifery practice has to change lives for the better
• Explore the ways in which you can optimise your own public health practice, regardless of the maternity service context and area in which you work, to ensure optimal maternal and infant health for years to come.

At the end of this module you will have an understanding of:

• Working with individuals and communities to tackle the social determinants of health
• Working in partnership
• Advocacy for women and children

And to a lesser extent:

• The education and training of midwives
• The health sector as an employer

Study time: 30 minutes

Original content: July 2016
Review date: July 2019