This course focuses mainly on the child bearing family and specifically on healthy mothers and well neonates. It engages the student in critical thinking and application of evidence-based practice in parent and child health.  It prepares students to demonstrate caring in delivering appropriate and effective nursing care to the parents during the pre-pregnancy period, parental and foetal health during pregnancy, labour, delivery and the puerperium. Emphasis is placed on foetal and neonatal transitions and neonatal life. Social, cultural, traditional and contemporary influences, sexuality, parenting and family life, gender issues, ethical and legal issues are explored as are health education, health promotion and family planning.