Use your B.R.A.I.N.
Being in labor la-la-land as it’s been come to known… you know, that place you drift off to between contractions that feels almost far away and helps to manage the pain. It’s a wonderful place. But sometimes that place gets interrupted a little bit and we come back to reality when it comes time to make a decision during labor (and before I go any further, this tool can be used in pregnancy and postpartum just the same). So, what do you do or can you do during labor and you need to make a decision — use your B.R.A.I.N. of course!
The B.RA.I.N. acronym is a tool to help you remember that with every decision, proposed intervention, proposed augmentation (help) of labor that is considered should be assessed and considered on all sides.
B: BENEFITS - What are the benefits of this procedure? How will this positively impact my labor, my baby, or myself?
R: RISKS - What are the risks of this procedure? How might this negatively impact my labor, my baby, or myself?
A: ALTERNATIVES - What other options are available? How do they compare?
I: INTUITION - Ask yourself, how do you feel about this path? Trust your gut.
N: NOTHING - What if we do nothing? What if we had just a little bit of time to wait to decide?
Even in the midst of labor, there will always be time to slow down and to ask questions. Yes! Ask questions of your birth support team. Whether that picture of your birth team looks like your partner, a doula, a medical provider, or something else entirely (just maybe not that mommy social media group) - your support team will help you balance each side of the decision that is being made. They are there to help you and support you and empower you to make the best decision.
Lastly, even if you feel like labor la-la-land has you unable to make a decision with your beautiful instincts - that powerful intuition… so even if you lose your B.R.A.I.N. don’t forget your B.R.A. You have the tools in your toolbox at every turn and as long as you remember to slow down - you have time to make the best decision for you, your baby, and your birth journey.