B.R.A.I.N.

What does it mean and how can it help in decision making around pregnancy and birth?

B.R.A.I.N is an acronym standing for:

B - Benefits

R- Risks

A- Alternatives

I- Intuition

N- Nothing

At one time or another, we’ve ALL likely had a provider that just talks at us, rather than talks to us. That’s unfortunate, but it is a shared experience for many. When it comes to pregnancy and birth, it is really important that we feel in control and we feel that our wishes are both heard and respected. Feeling in control of what happens to us, our bodies, and our babies, really goes a long way towards preventing birth trauma.

When it comes to pregnancy and birth, so often we don’t know what we don’t know, and that’s true for both seasoned moms and first-timers. We rely on our birth team to fill the information gaps, but so often providers aren’t doing that. That’s where B.R.A.I.N. comes in. B.R.A.I.N. helps when we aren’t sure what questions we should ask.

Benefits - What are the benefits of this plan? Does this benefit me, my baby, or both of us?

Risks - What are the risks involved? What are the risks to taking this course of action? What are the risks in not taking this course of action?

Alternatives - What are the alternatives? Do the alternatives have risks or benefits?

Intuition - What is your heart telling you to do? How does your partner feel? Which actions match up with you and your partner’s goals?

Nothing - WHAT IF... you just do nothing? Can this be reevaluated in a couple days?

Informed consent can only occur if you have all the information needed to make a decision.

TL;DR - B.R.A.I.N. is an acronym standing for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing. You can use this acronym to speak to your provider so that you can make informed decisions for you and your baby.