Using your BRAIN

Repeat it with me…. I have autonomy in my birth location! When laboring in a location like a hospital or birthing center it can feel like choice is being ripped away you. A phrase like “Okay mama, I’m just going to (Fill in the blank)” can make it feel like things just “Happen” to you and you have to deal with it. The truth is that you have complete control over what happens to you and your baby. When presented with a choice use your BRAIN. Its a simple acronym that can help you or your partner make a decision. As a doula, my prayer is for all my clients to feel in control of their body, and their decisions, not just for “better birth outcomes” but for my clients to walk away treasuring their birth experience. I will never make a decision for a client (unless complete emergency) but rather implement the tools taught in birthprep visits.

The BRAIN acronym is a tool to help individuals make informed decisions about medical interventions during labor and birth. It encourages asking key questions before agreeing to or declining any procedure. It is highly encouraged that partners know the BRAIN acyronym to best serve the birthing mother.
B – Benefits
"What are the benefits of this intervention?"

How will this help me or my baby?

What problem is this addressing?

R – Risks

"What are the risks associated with this intervention?"
Are there any short-term or long-term risks for me or my baby? How might this affect my labor or recovery?

A – Alternatives

"Are there any alternatives to this intervention?"
Can we try something less invasive first?
Are there natural or movement-based approaches that could help?

I – Intuition

"What does my intuition tell me?"
Do I feel comfortable with this decision?
Is my body giving me any signals that I should consider?

N – Nothing (or Need More Time)

"What happens if we do nothing for now?"
Can we wait and reassess later?
Is this an emergency, or do I have time to decide?