HOW TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR BIRTH

Photo Credit: Unsplash Stock Images/ @jonathanborba

During The Intuitive Journey hypnobirthing sessions, I provide families with lots of information about what to expect when approaching labour and the various options available for your care. This makes it easier for you to create a detailed list of birth preferences with your partner that prepare you for every eventuality. The more research you do and conversations you have about your options, the less scary they seem and the more likely you are to achieve the birth you envisioned.

It is very important that when you look back on your children’s births, you felt in control, listened to and made the decisions that felt right for your individual situation. Being assertive about what you want is a skill that doesn’t always come easily to people, but use your pregnancy to practice as much as you can, and have someone in your birth team who isn’t afraid to speak up on your behalf if need be.

In this article, I’m going to discuss an acronym known as BRAINS, which will give you a framework to make clarifying medical decisions much easier. Practice using this method in your midwife and doctor appointments before the birth to get all your questions answered, so that on the big day you can stay present in your body and not have to worry about making decisions that require a lot of your valuable energy.

BENEFITS

The B in BRAINS is about the perks of the option being presented to you.

RISKS

The R refers to the downsides of this option.

ALTERNATIVES

The A is concerned with the other possibilities that you could choose instead in that moment for the same or a better outcome.

INSTINCT OR INTUITION

The I describes that gut feeling you have about the situation. Take a moment to get still and figure out what you really want to do.

DO NOTHING

The N requires a little more digging. “If I do nothing for the next hour what would happen?” or “can we revisit this option in 30mins if there is still no change?” Be specific with the time frame and get clear on how much time it is safe to wait for. In a true emergency, the emergency cord will be pulled to sound the alarm for assistance. Otherwise you have time to mull over your decision.

STAY POSITIVE

The S is a bonus point. Having a positive mindset is more likely to keep you in a relaxed state and get you the results you want. No problem is worth your peace. If anyone in your birth team seems uncooperative and unwilling to listen to you and what you need, then your partner can have a word with them outside or you can request someone else. This is your experience, your body, your baby and your choice.

For more information on how my hypnobirthing courses can help you with the birth of your baby or babies, please book in a free clarity call.

Love, Megan