Rapid Midwifery is part of a series of revision guides that has the fundamental aim

of supporting student learning. This book is primarily aimed at pre-registration and

post-experience midwifery students who are in the first or second year of their programme.

Both years are challenging, especially when the realities of a midwifery course become

apparent and students are adapting to the inherent professional, academic and social

demands of their programme. During the first year, the relentless approach of the first

assessment can instil great stress in students and may be a pivotal decision point in their

continuing forwards on the programme. This book is aimed at alleviating some of that

stress. By offering bite-sized information that is thoroughly supported by current best

evidence, this book will be a helpful revision tool in preparing for looming OSCEs and

written examinations.

Rapid Midwifery has two distinct features. First, it is written in sections that closely

mimic assessment criteria used in midwifery examinations. Although each university sets its

own criteria, examinations are set to test broadly a student’s knowledge of key physiology;

principles of safe and effective midwifery care; relevant underpinning evidence and professional

accountability. Second, each topic has been mapped against the 6Cs, using care as

the base point. Although each aspect of midwifery that is addressed within this book can

be mapped against a number of the 6Cs, we have decided to identify what we consider to

be the most predominant and therefore most relevant ‘C’. We hope that this map will stimulate

the reader to consider further their practice within the framework of compassionate

midwifery care.