B.R.A.I.N. is an acronym tool to help you process, reason, and rationalize difficult decisions that may present themselves during pregnancy, labor, and even postpartum. Using tools such as B.R.A.I.N. can help you create confident answers to problems that otherwise could cause some anxiety, unrest, and a lack of confidence.
So, what is B.R.A.I.N.?
How can we use it to talk to care providers? How can we use it to make the best choice when many are presented - or none.
Benefits: "What are the benefits?" "How can this be helpful in this situation?"
E.g. your doctor is recommending an epidural because you are exhausted, things have slowed down and you have been awake for 24 hours. Ask yourself and your provider, "how would this be beneficial to the outcome I want?"
Risks: "What are the risks?" This can be a straight forward question.
E.g. what are the risks with receiving this epidural procedure?
Alternatives: "What are my other options?" This is one of my favorites. It is simple but lets you and your provider have open communication.
E.g. "Beside an epidural, what are other alternatives or options available to me right now?"
Intuition: Ask yourself, "What is my intuition saying?" This is a great time to take a few moments to gather thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It's okay to ask the care team to step aside or even step out of the room, in order to weigh your options and/or discuss it with your partner.
Nothing: "What happens if we do nothing?" This is simple, yet sometimes the hardest because it involves waiting…. and maybe more waiting. Besides emergent situations, sometimes your care team may allow time to make decisions. Waiting an hour or two to let your body progress on its own may make for some easier decisions later on.