INFORMED DECISIONS: B.R.A.I.N.S.TOOL

I always encourage expecting parents to have a birth plan and think about their preferred options at birth. But also not to forget that unexpected might happen where a need for decision making may pop out📍

B.R.A.I.N.S. is a wonderful tool when deciding if a procedure/ intervention/ treatment is right for you or your baby. This acronym has some great questions to ask to make sure you have all of the information necessary to make an informed choice.

B – BENEFITS. What are the benefits of this procedure to me or my baby? What are the possible positive outcomes?
R – RISKS. What are the risks of this procedure to me or my baby? What can be the negative side effects or unexpected negative outcome?
A – ALTERNATIVES. Which other options are there to come to a similar (beneficial) outcome?
I – INTUITION. What do you think about the situation? What would you like/ wish to do most?
N – NOTHING. What would happen if we do not do anything – for a moment, or not at all?
S – ‘SCUSE ME. I would like a moment for myself in private. Are there any other questions you would like to ask before giving your consent? Do you have all the information you need to take a decision? Would you like to take some time to think and feel and maybe to talk to your partner before you take a decision? Would you like to have some time alone (together with your partner) before the intervention / treatment/ procedure is being performed?

Do you find this helpful?

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