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Aims and objectives To describe the challenges of, and steps taken to successfully collect video ethnographic data during and after caesarean sections. Background Video ethnographic research uses real-time video footage to study a cultural group or phenomenon in the natural environment. It allows researchers to discover previously undocumented practices, which in-turn provides insight into strengths and weaknesses in practice. This knowledge can be used to translate evidence-based interventions into practice. Design Video ethnographic design. Methods A video ethnographic approach was used to observe the contact between mothers and babies immediately after elective caesarean sections in a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Women, their support people and staff participated in the study. Data were collected via video footage and field notes in the operating theatre, recovery and the postnatal ward. Conclusions Challenges faced whilst conducting video ethnographic research included attaining ethics approval, recruiting vast numbers of staff members and 'vulnerable' pregnant women, and endeavouring to be a 'fly on the wall' and a 'complete observer'. There were disadvantages being an 'insider' whilst conducting the research because occasionally staff members requested help with clinical tasks whilst collecting data; however, it was an advantage as it enabled ease of access to the environment and staff members that were to be recruited. Despite the challenges, video ethnographic research enabled the provision of unique data that could not be attained by any other means. Relevance to clinical practice Video ethnographic data are beneficial as it provides exceptionally rich data for in-depth analysis of interactions between the environment, equipment and people in the hospital environment. The analysis of this type of data can then be used to inform improvements for future care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore women's experience of skin-to-skin contact and what women want in the first two hours after a caesarean., Design: Audio recorded interviews were conducted with women as a part of a larger video ethnographic research study where video recordings, observations, field notes, focus groups and further in-depth interviews were conducted., Setting: A metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia., Participants: Twenty-one women who had a caesarean section were involved in interviews around six weeks postpartum., Analysis: The transcribed interviews were thematically analysed., Findings: Women wanted their baby to stay with them and have skin-to-skin contact, even if they felt apprehensive about providing this care. An overarching theme was, 'I want our baby'. Several subthemes also emerged: 'I felt disconnected when I was separated from my baby', 'I want to explore my naked baby', 'I want my partner involved', and 'It felt right'., Key Conclusions: Despite the challenges of providing skin-to-skin contact in the operating theatre and recovery, health professionals and institutions should recognise the importance of advocating for what women want including keeping women, their partners and babies together and encouraging continuous maternal and infant contact and skin-to-skin contact., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)