The Two Key Factors That Shape Your Childbirth Experience
What do you think has the most significant impact on a woman’s experience of childbirth? Perhaps you’re thinking of having access to a birth pool or a partner who knows how to give a soothing back massage. While these are undoubtedly wonderful, studies show that the two factors women value most during labour and birth are:
A supportive relationship with caregivers.
A sense of control over decisions made during childbirth.
Surprised? Probably not. Childbirth is a monumental life event, comparable to moving house or getting married. Would you play a passive role in planning your wedding, or would you want your opinions on the flowers, venue, and cake to be heard and acknowledged?
Empower Yourself with BRAIN
Let me introduce you to BRAIN, a smart decision-making tool that ensures you know all your options and have all the facts to make informed decisions about your birth experience.
BRAIN stands for:
Benefits: What are the benefits of the proposed intervention or option?
Risks: What are the risks involved?
Alternatives: Are there any alternatives available?
Instinct: What is your gut feeling? What matters most to you?
Nothing: What happens if you choose to do nothing? Do you have to act now?
Thanks to the efforts of the Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) in NHS Lothian, BRAIN is now advocated by local maternity units. Posters and BRAIN stickers on maternity notes encourage mums-to-be to ask questions and feel confident in making choices about their labour and birth.
Informed Decisions Making is at the heart of The Complete Birth Prep Package
Your Birth, Your Choices
NHS Lothian aims to place you at the center of all decisions about your maternity care. It’s crucial to have meaningful conversations with your midwife or doctor about your options and what matters to you.
It’s rare that decisions in labour need to be made so quickly that you can’t discuss them with your care team. It’s okay to ask for explanations of terminology and procedures. It’s okay to be treated as a unique individual with unique needs rather than fitting into a generic expectation.
Induction of Labour
One intervention that often prompts many questions is the induction of labour. It’s essential to gather all the facts before deciding if it’s the right choice for you and your baby.
Using BRAIN in Action for Induction of Labour
Benefits: What are the benefits of induction?
Risks: What are the risks of induction?
Alternatives: What are the alternatives to induction?
Instinct: What are your gut feelings? What matters to you?
Nothing: Do you have to act now, or can you wait?
You’re not being awkward or pushy by wanting to play an active role in decision-making around your birth. Being part of the decision-making process can:
Give you a sense of control on a potentially unpredictable journey.
Provide a better understanding of why things are happening.
Increase your ownership of your experience.
There has never been a better time to use your BRAIN, as your birth experience will likely be a memory you carry forever. Wouldn't it be wonderful if those memories were great?
In person Antenatal Courses, Linlithgow, West Lothian
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