February 11, 2020
When planning a hospital birth, it is super important that you are informed and confident in your decisions, or your birth plan may quickly change, in an unnecessary fashion. To avoid this, use the BRAIN method of educating yourself, and making decisions.
BRAIN is a simple acronym that stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing. It's a reminder to always ask yourself in every choice, what are the benefits, risks, alternatives, and what does my intuition say? As well as keeping in mind, that you could also do absolutely nothing different than what you are doing in that moment, then decide what that would look like.
Below are some examples of when you might use BRAIN to your advantage.
Induction Methods:
Pitocin
Cytotec/Misoprostol
Cervadil
Foley Bulb/Cook Catheter
Cervical Stretch & Sweep
Artificial Rupture of Membranes
Nipple Stimulation
Pain Relief Options:
Epidural
Spinal Tap
Nitrous Oxide
Sterile Water Injections
TENS Unit/Acupressure
Belly Sifting
Counter Pressure
Monitoring:
Electronic Fetal External Monitors
Internal Fetal Monitors
Uterine Activity Monitor
Checking Vital Signs Routinely
Setting:
Lights off
Music
Aromatherapy
Support People
Talking/No Talking
Cervical Checks
Students/No Students
Hydration/Food
Mobile/Position Change/Walking Hallways
IV/Hep Lock
Mirror/No Mirror
Emergencies
Decide when and if you want to consent to:
Episiotomy
Vacuum
Forceps
Postpartum Pitocin for Hemorrhage
Active Management of Placenta
Cesarean
Newborn
Vitamin K
Erythromycin
Hepatitis B Vaccine
PKU
Blood Sugar Test
Hearing Test