Using Your BRAIN - Amanda Skaggs

When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, you will be faced with many decisions regarding various medical interventions. Some of these may be absolutely necessary for the health and safety of you and your baby, and in medical emergencies please trust the wisdom of your care provider. However, in all of those other situations, how do you know you are making the right decision? What can you do when you feel pressure from your provider, partner, or family? Regardless of how you have been made to feel, you are in charge of your body and birth. Here is a tool to help you as you make informed decisions for you and your baby: remember the importance of using your BRAIN.

BRAIN

B: Benefits

What are the benefits to performing this procedure?

R: Risks

What are the risks involved?

A: Alternatives

Are there any alternatives?

I: Intuition

What is my gut telling me? Does this procedure make sense?

N: Nothing/Not Now

What would happen if I choose not to do this procedure? Can we wait?

One of the benefits of having a doula is that she can remind you to use your BRAIN in the midst of labor. Emotions are high, you are quite possibly exhausted, and are easily swayed towards certain decisions. A doula will never make a decision for you, but can offer a “time-out” for you to think things over or gather more information. Then, with this tool in your back pocket, you will be able to make the best choice for you and your baby.