Midwives must have adequate competence and confidence in disease prevention and health promotion. Postgraduate midwifery courses typically include instruction in pharmacology, psychological symptom recognition and management, and advanced health assessment. Midwives are also instructed in matters of prenatal and postpartum nutrition and health risks.
Midwives must have excellent knowledge of gynecological issues. Courses in this subject include women's reproductive health care, contraception and family planning, and gynecological complications. Instruction is provided on prenatal gynecological health, postpartum health matters and complications that can arise from pregnancy and childbirth.
Though some midwives practice in hospitals, most make house calls and help deliver newborns in the mother's home. Therefore, midwives must know how to handle newborns properly and competently. Most postgraduate degrees in midwifery include a component on newborn management, with instructions on how to handle the infant in the crucial moments after birth, especially in unusual cases.
To get a degree in midwifery, students must have clinical experience in the field. This experience is typically gained in conjunction with theoretical coursework. Practical experience is usually attained through regular attendance at clinics and participation in clinical rotations, as well as attendance at clinical seminars.