Book excerpt: "The six modules aim to help skilled practitioners think critically and make effective decisions on the basis of solid knowledge and understanding of these complications. When using the modules for basic midwifery programmes, it is understood that students should already be competent in most of the basic skills such as measuring blood pressure, performing a vaginal examination, conducting a normal delivery and prevention of infection. The modules were released in 1996 and have now been updated in line with recent evidence and the WHO clinical guidelines. Each module can be taught independently of the other modules. It is however advisable to work through all of them."--World Health Organization website.