Empowering You: Advocating for Your Birth Plan and Preferences with Confidence

Regardless of your birth plan preferences, it is important to know how to advocate for yourself. Every individual is different and will have different goals. Some may want to go all natural, some may want a water birth, some may have a cesarean section. Being able to advocate for yourself is a great skill to have in your back pocket during your labor and delivery. We’re going to break down how to use your BRAIN to do this!

B - Benefits

When faced with anything in labor, think about the benefits. Do you know of any? Can you ask your provider what the benefits are? If something is being suggested it is important to know the benefits and all aspects of it. 

R - Risks

This is a big consideration for interventions during labor. What risks do you know of? Can you ask your provider to be fully informed of all risks associated? Some interventions can increase the risk of further interventions so it is important to be fully informed of ALL risks.

A - Alternatives

If this is something you do not desire, what are the alternatives? This is one that can sometimes be forgotten. Think about what you can do instead of this? Is there something else you can try first? Ask you provider for other options before agreeing to this.

I - Intuition

What is your gut feeling? Your mothers intuition starts in pregnancy. What do you feel is best for you and your baby? If something does not feel right, ask and see what you can do to follow that intuition.

N - Next/Nothing

We really could use two N’s. What happens next? What if we do nothing? Think about the future first, what will happen next? If you agree to this, what will happen in the future? Then you can ask also, what happens if you do nothing? This will give you some insight on how urgent the situation is. 

Informed Consent

Asking these questions can help keep you properly informed. Before agreeing to anything, ensure you have been properly informed of all aspects. Here are some other questions to consider asking.

-Is this an emergency or do we have time to talk?

-If we agree to this intervention, what else might be needed?

-What if we wait an hour or two?

At the end of the day, follow your intuition and what is best for you, your baby, and your family! If you are unable to advocate for yourself, ensure your partner is able to do so also and ask the questions for you.