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Proficiency and Challenges in Practical Training to Support Postpartum Women
and Newborns among Nursing Students before Enrollment in Midwifery Training
Programs

1
R. Nohara and A. Waki 2

1 Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, Kagawa University, Japan, and School of Nursing, Osaka
2
Metropolitan University, Japan

Background: In Japan, graduation from nursing school is required before enrollment in midwifery
training, Previously, clinical practice in nursing school included training with postpartum women
and newborns. However, the declining birthrate has led to difficulties in securing facilities for such
training, leading to the allowance of clinical practice without the involvement of postpartum women
and newborns. Consequently, achievement levels in clinical practice involving postpartum women
and newborns in nursing schools have decreased.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical practice achievements of students in
obstetric and neonatal care during their training at nursing schools to facilitate a smooth transition
into the midwifery education program.

Methods: Experienced instructors from both nursing and midwifery training programs collaboratively
developed 15 items that nursing students should learn in practical training to support postpartum
women and newborns. They were asked to rate each item on a four-point Likert scale, with responses
ranging from 1: Not difficult at all to 4: Very difficult. The average score for each item was calculated.

Results: Of the 228 responses collected (response rate: 69.7%), 208 with no missing values for any item
were included in the analysis. The average score for all 15 items was 2.71. Items that students found to be
more difficult than average included the following: “I was able to predict future changes in conditions
based on the situation of postpartum women and their newborns” (a score of 2.86; SD .648) and “I was able
to identify what type of nursing intervention was needed to enable breastfeeding” (a score of 2.85; SD .573).

Conclusion: To acquire skills in postpartum and neonatal midwifery care in the midwifery education
program, comprehensively assessing and predicting information about postpartum women
and newborns is essential, Understanding their individuality and providing specific guidance for
breastfeeding are also necessary.

Keywords: practical training for postpartum women and newborns, training achievement level

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Poster Presentation Abstracts
Correspondence: Rumi Nohara, Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, Kagawa University, Japan
E-mail: nohara.rumi@kagawa-u.ac.jp

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