Use your B.R.A.I.N.
When it comes to conversations with your care team about decisions affecting your pregnancy, labor or birth, make sure you remember the acronym BRAIN.
Benefits and Risks - it’s easy to assume we know the benefits and risks of a treatment plan or procedure, but more often than not we don’t. It’s not because we aren’t smart or are naive, it’s simply that in our culture, we aren’t taught the ins and outs of things like epidurals, pitocin, etc. We have heard about them and know people who have used them, but most moms can’t tell you the true benefits and risks of common interventions. So what can you do? Ask! Ask your provider what the benefits are. Ask what the risks are. When time allows, do your own research through other sources you trust. But always ask. Don’t assume.
Alternatives - There are often multiple ways to approach a single situation. Take for instance going past your due date. Some providers may want to talk with you about getting induced if this happens. Did you know there are multiple ways to induce a pregnant woman? Did you know there are multiple ways to induce labor naturally? Did you know you don’t have to try to induce labor naturally or medically? Make sure you know your options so you can choose what is best for you!
Intuition - Don’t minimize what your gut is telling you! Motherly intuition (or mom-gut) is a real thing and you need to start trusting it. If your care team suggestions something that you aren’t comfortable with, continue to have a conversation with them until you uncover why it is that you are hesitant to move forward.
Do Nothing or Wait - This option might seem counterintuitive, but it’s still an option you have. Take our original example of an induction - you do not have to have an induction at 39 weeks just because your provider suggests it as an option. You can choose to wait to allow labor to start naturally. (You of course have to follow your care provider’s policies though, so know what those are in advance.) Just like any other option, learn about what waiting would mean for the situation you are in and decide what is best for you.