Top tip for feeling in control during birth - be sure to share this one with your birth partner

I want to share a simple but really powerful birth tip with you, something that can make a genuine difference to how you feel during labour and the decisions you make along the way.

But don't dismiss it after birth - it could be really handy when looking after your baby especially if they become unwell or you have to consider childcare options etc.

It’s called the BRAIN decision-making tool.

It’s especially helpful when you’re offered choices during labour (which can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming in the moment). Equally helpful during antenatal appointments as you approach your due date or go over it and may be offered intervention.

The idea is that when making a decision you follow the BRAIN tool to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. It also encourages you to reflect on which conclusion feels right for you.

Ultimately you avoid making a decision based on fear and take back control in the process.

Using the BRAIN tool helps you take back control during birth

BRAIN stands for:

• Benefits – What are the benefits to you and/or your baby of this option?

• Risks – Are there any risks or repercussions I should know about? Key: be sure you know how it could alter your birth choices.

• Alternatives – Are there other options available? Including reviewing again later.

• Intuition – What feels right for me?

• Nothing – What happens if we wait or do nothing for now?

It’s a really simple way to pause, gather clear information, and make decisions that feel right for you.

Be sure to share it with your birth partner!

This is where birth partners can play such an important role. In the middle of labour, it’s not always easy to process information or ask questions, so having someone by your side who knows about BRAIN and can gently prompt these questions can be incredibly grounding and empowering.

Using BRAIN doesn’t mean saying yes or no to anything in particular, it simply helps you stay informed, feel more in control, and make decisions that align with your preferences and your baby’s needs.

It’s a small tool, but it can have a big impact on your overall birth experience.

Why not write it on an affirmation card you can pop in your birth bag. Or birth partners can create an image and save it to a photo album on their phones alongside photos of your birth plan - making it easy to reference in the moment.

I share lots more tips like this one in my Pregnancy Yoga classes in Dorking, Surrey or in my online 1:1 Antenatal classes.