Bring your BRAIN to your decision making
We’ve all heard the stories. Someone is in the hospital in labor, and suddenly the provider says, “We need to do XYZ.” Then they proceed to do it without discussing the benefits or risks, and sometimes don’t even give a good reason.
While not trying to undermine the authority of the medical provider, they do have the responsibility to make sure they are giving you all of the information and options they are presenting you with. They are exactly that… options (except in the event of a true emergency, of course.). A good provider should give a recommended treatment, then explain why, what it is for, and what would happen without it. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
In the example above, what are your options as a birthing person? What rights do you have in the hospital or birth center to consent or not consent to any recommended treatment?
As a Doula, one of my primary responsibilities is to make sure YOU are informed for any choices and decisions you are making before, during, and after labor. When a provider gives a recommended treatment, you absolutely have the right to ask questions and make sure this decision is right for you. As your doula, it is my job to hold that space for you and ask for more time to make an informed choice. I like to rely to the acronym B.R.A.I.N. for how to ask the right questions, how to make sure you truly have INFORMED CHOICE, and to know feel like you have the ability to say NO if that is the best option for you. Let’s go over what each letter means and how it can help you.
B - What are the Benefits?
Each treatment options has one or more benefits for their use in your labor. Something like Pitocin would have the benefit of possibly speeding up your labor and making contractions stronger.
R - What are the Risks?
Almost every intervention comes with some risk, and it is important to know those before you make your choice! Sticking with the Pitocin example, it can possibly increase the risk of fetal distress, if the uterus is contracting too hard and too fast.
A - What are the Alternatives?
Are there any other options other than what the provider is recommending? Instead of Pitocin, can we try walking around, changing positions, or nipple stimulation?
I - What is my Intuition?
What is your gut telling you about this decision? When you think about starting Pitocin, does it give you an uneasy feeling? Or are you feeling just fine about it, and you want your labor to pick up faster?
N - What if I do Nothing? Or what about Not Yet?
Ask your provider what would happen if you did nothing at this time. Is there an option to wait for an hour before moving forward with this treatment? In the Pitocin example, you could ask about trying other options for an hour, then re-evaluating.
Informed choice and bringing your BRAIN can make a huge difference in how your labor progresses, and how empowered you feel about making the best decisions for your baby. It is important to remember that there are true emergencies when treatment plans are not optional, even if that’s not what you had in mind.
On another note, having a Doula in the room with you when you’re giving birth can help you make these decisions! When you are in the throes of labor, you aren’t always able to go through this list in your brain to make sure your questions are all answered. That’s where your Doula comes in and helps you ask the right questions and consider all of your options so YOU can make the best decision for yourself and for your baby.
I’d love for you to consider adding me to your team, fill out our contact form for a free consultation here!