Night-time on a postnatal ward: experiences of mothers, infants, and staff

Taylor, Catherine E.; Tully, Kristin P.; Ball, Helen L.

Abstract

This chapter illustrates an alternative approach to video ethnography, in which video case studies are described alongside semi-structured interview responses to detail night-time challenges of mothers, newborns, and hospital staff on a postnatal ward. Data from three original, inter-related research projects were combined. We uncovered five themes: maternal need for support, response to infant cues, negative experiences, bedsharing as a way of coping, and insufficient staffing. In detailing these issues, we draw attention to previously unknown or unacknowledged obstacles for new mothers and their infants, as well as the constraints on the staff involved in their care.

Citation

Taylor, C. E., Tully, K. P., & Ball, H. L. (2015). Night-time on a postnatal ward: experiences of mothers, infants, and staff. In F. C. Dykes, & R. Flacking (Eds.), Ethnographic research in maternal and child health (117-140). Routledge

• Online Publication Date: Oct 2, 2015
• Publication Date: Oct 2, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: May 10, 2017
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 117-140
• Book Title: Ethnographic research in maternal and child health.
• Chapter Number: 7
• ISBN: 9781138792227
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1645951
• Publisher URL: http://www.routledge.com/9781138792227
• Contract Date: May 13, 2015