The BRAIN Decision-Making Model

Have you heard about using your BRAIN? It's a very important tool to use! This awesome acronym can help doulas, parents, care providers, and anyone when making any decision - even those not related to labor or pregnancy! You may find yourself using the BRAIN model throughout your life, not just during your pregnancy and birth. I personally have found this decision making model to be invaluable when it comes to putting decisions into perspective.

B- Benefits --

What are the benefits of the proposed option? How may making this decision benefit you or your baby?

R- Risks --

What are the risks of the proposed option? How may this decision negatively impact you or your baby?

A- Alternatives --

What are your other options? Are there any alternatives available that may be more desirable?

I- Intuition --

What is your intuition telling you? Do you have a gut feeling about the decision either way?

N- Nothing --

What will happen if you choose to do nothing and leave the situation as it is?

Use your brain! It just makes sense.