The Use of Ethnography in Maternity Care

Coates, Dominiek; Catling, Christine

doi:10.1177/23333936211028187

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 74 publications

(491 reference statements)

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“…Quantitative measurements can potentially overlook the context-specific, individual, cultural, sociopolitical, economic and environmental factors that influence health and well-being throughout the life-course [ 11 ]. Qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews, conversations and observations allow for a nuanced understanding of the contextual and cultural factors that shape healthcare practices through the use of multiple qualitative methods over an extended time period [ 26 ]. For this study, the data was collected using multiple in-depth interviews and observations of care.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding women’s decision-making process for birth location in Tanzania based on individual women’s reproductive pathways: a life-course perspective

Miltenburg

Pelt

Lindskog

et al. 2022

Global Health Action

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Background Determinants for women’s care seeking for birth in low-income setting are multifactorial and remain poorly understood. A life course approach can assist to structure the interplay of the different factors that lead to women seeking care or not. Objective In this study we aimed to explore individual women’s reproductive pathways, and increase understanding of how important life events including previous pregnancy and birth experiences can help us to understand individual choices made for care seeking during childbirth. Methods The study took place in Tanzania between 2015 and 2017. 14 women were followed throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period through participant observation and in-depth interviews. In total 94 in-depth interviews were held (between 5–7 interviews per woman). Analysis occurred continuous throughout the data collection period resulting in detailed narratives of crucial events across women’s life course, with specific attention to their current pregnancy. Results Of the 14 women, seven had a facility birth, six a home birth and one woman gave birth at the home of a local birth attendant. Four different story plots were identified: expected home birth, expected facility birth, unexpected facility birth and unexpected home birth. Birth narratives of four women representative of the different story plots are presented. Narratives illustrate women’s individual reproductive pathways including the various factors influencing women’s expectations and justifications for their actions during their pregnancy and birth. Conclusion Women’s agency, including women’s perception of self, the self in relation to the social environment and reflection on risks associated with the range of options, influences the final decision made for birth. Women’s narratives suggest that quality of care can function as a primary pull factor for facility birth. As long as home birth is by some perceived to be a better alternative, achieving skilled care for all will be difficult to achieve.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding women’s decision-making process for birth location in Tanzania based on individual women’s reproductive pathways: a life-course perspective

Miltenburg

Pelt

Lindskog

et al. 2022

Global Health Action

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The risk of not valuing qualitative expertise, or of perceiving qualitative research as easy, or an adjunct to the more important quantitative data (especially now that policymakers and research bodies are interested in participant experience), is poorly conducted qualitative research design and analysis (see, eg, Coates & Catling's 18 discussion on this issue in the use of ethnography in maternity research). It is as risky to midwifery—to research, practice, and praxis—as understanding childbirth only in terms of measurable “outputs.”…”

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confidence: 99%

The quantification of midwifery research: Limiting midwifery knowledge

Newnham

Rothman

2022

Birth

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As two academics researching in the area of maternal health, we are increasingly concerned with what we see as a positivist turn in midwifery research. In this paper, we examine this idea of the quantification of midwifery research, using as an example the current esteem given to the systematic literature review, and its creep into other methodologies. We argue that the current favor toward quantitative research and expertise in midwifery academia risks the future of midwifery research by the lack of equal development of qualitative experts, diluting quali-How to cite this article: Newnham E, Rothman BK. The quantification of midwifery research:

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The Use of Ethnography in Maternity Care

Cited by 2 publications

References 74 publications

Understanding women’s decision-making process for birth location in Tanzania based on individual women’s reproductive pathways: a life-course perspective

Understanding women’s decision-making process for birth location in Tanzania based on individual women’s reproductive pathways: a life-course perspective

The quantification of midwifery research: Limiting midwifery knowledge

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