Use Your BRAIN!

A short and sweet post, but the info is very much worth sharing.  

DID YOU KNOW.....
A woman's satisfaction levels have less to do with how much pain she felt in labor & birth, but whether or not she felt like she was listened to?  Being a part of the decision making process is crucial for the mother, baby, and family unit as a whole.  Giving informed consent or informed refusal plays a big part in how happy you feel with your birth experience.  When asked to go through with a procedure or consider an intervention, always use your BRAIN.

The power of knowledge is an incredible thing.  It enabled me to be in control of my experience instead of just participating in it.  It was very freeing." (Listening to Mothers II Survey and Report, 2006). 

You can buy these brains on Etsy. Pretty cool, huh?

Ask yourself...

B-- What are the benefits?

R-- What are the risks?

A-- Are there any alternatives?

I-- What does my intuition tell me?  

N-- What happens if I do nothing or say "no?"

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My doctors were truly concerned with the outcome of my pregnancy and allowed me to make decisions.  Even though they didn't always agree with me, they included my input and didn't brush aside my concerns." (Listening to Mothers II Survey and Report, 2006). 

Often times, women have more options than they think.  There are many interventions out there that are routine, or used regularly with patients, but that does not mean the intervention is right for you or that you do not have other choices.  Always use your BRAIN when considering the next step.  Collaborate with your care provider.  Find your voice.  After all, you hired him, right?  He is working for YOU!