Hey there, parents-to-be! Sabine here, your friendly doula, childbirth educator, and all-around cheerleader for empowered births. Today, I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart—shared decision-making. It’s not just a fancy term; it’s a superpower that helps you feel in control, informed, and confident as you prepare to meet your baby.
So, grab a cozy spot (maybe even a cup of tea—my personal favorite), and let’s dive into how shared decision-making can transform your birth experience from “OMG, what’s happening?!” to “We’ve got this!”
What Is Shared Decision-Making, Anyway?
Shared decision-making is exactly what it sounds like—a partnership between you, your birth team (midwives, doctors, doulas—hi, that’s me!), and anyone else you’ve chosen to support you. It’s about open communication, understanding your options, and making choices that align with your values, preferences, and needs.
It’s not about someone telling you what to do or you having to figure it all out on your own. It’s a beautiful dance where everyone has a voice, and the spotlight is on you.
Why Does It Matter?
Here’s the deal: childbirth is unpredictable. Even if you’ve memorized every page of your birth plan (which is amazing, by the way), things might not go exactly as you envisioned. That’s where shared decision-making shines.
When you’re part of the decision-making process, you:
🌟 Feel more confident because you’re informed and involved.
🌟 Reduce stress and fear because you’re not left in the dark.
🌟 Have a more positive birth experience, regardless of how things unfold.
And let’s not forget—research shows that shared decision-making leads to better outcomes for both you and your baby. Win-win, right?
How Does It Work?
Shared decision-making isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of prep. Here are some simple steps to make it work like magic:
- Know Your Preferences
Before labor begins, think about what’s important to you. Do you want to labor in the tub? Use specific comfort measures? Avoid certain interventions? Write it down, and share it with your birth team. - Understand Your Options
In childbirth, there are rarely one-size-fits-all solutions. Ask questions, do some research, and lean on your care team (including your fabulous doula 😉) to break things down for you. - Ask for the BRAIN Framework
When faced with a decision, use this handy acronym:- B: What are the Benefits?
- R: What are the Risks?
- A: What are the Alternatives?
- I: What does your Intuition say?
- N: What if we do Nothing for now?
- Communicate Openly
Don’t be shy about speaking up. This is your birth, your body, and your baby. Your voice matters! - Flexibility Is Key
Shared decision-making isn’t about sticking rigidly to a plan; it’s about making the best choice in the moment with the information you have.
Real Talk: A Shared Decision-Making Story
One of my amazing clients, Alejandra, had two very different birth experiences—one in a hospital and one at home. During her hospital birth, shared decision-making helped her navigate the need for interventions in a way that felt right for her. For her home birth, it meant leaning on her midwife’s expertise while honoring her instincts for how she wanted to birth her baby.
Both births were unique, but what made them empowering was that Alejandra felt heard, respected, and actively involved every step of the way. That’s the power of shared decision-making!
You’ve Got This!
At the end of the day, shared decision-making isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about feeling confident in the choices you make. Whether it’s deciding on pain relief, monitoring options, or how you want to welcome your baby into the world, you deserve to feel supported and in control.
So, let’s make a pact: no matter what comes your way, you’ll remember that you’re the captain of this incredible journey. And guess what? I’m here to help you navigate it with all the love, knowledge, and laughter we can muster.
Want to learn more? Join me in one of my Lamaze childbirth Workshops or Comfort Measures Classes. Let’s turn “What if?” into “We’ve got this!”
With love and confidence,
Sabine Hankiewicz
Indigo Doula Services
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