Welcome to practice: a guide for the first labour ward placement

Depending on the structure of their curriculum, some first-year midwifery students will already be preparing for their first clinical placements. Each clinical area has its particular demands; however, for many, it is the labour ward that causes the most trepidation as it is a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Theoretical training in the first year focuses on normal birth, but things do not always go to plan and sometimes student midwives are involved in obstetric emergencies that demand prompt, effective management. This guide provides basic information on two common obstetric emergencies: shoulder dystocia and postpartum haemorrhage.