Making Confident Birth Choices – Part Two

Instincts, Boundaries, and Holding Space

If you missed Part One of this series, where we broke down the Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives in the BRAINS acronym, go read it right here.

Now let’s wrap this up with the final three letters in the acronym—and these ones are all about you. Your gut. Your voice. Your space.

Because while the clinical side of decision-making is important, so is what feels right to you.

I – Instinct (a.k.a. Intuition)

Listen, your instincts are not fluff.
They're part of your biology and your lived experience. So ask yourself:

“What does my gut say about this suggestion or intervention?”
Your head, your heart, and your body are all part of the decision-making team.

Also? Listen to your partner or support team. Sometimes they notice things you’re too overwhelmed to catch.

N – Nothing

Yes, doing nothing is an option.

“Can we just wait and see?”
This is a valid, often overlooked choice. And sometimes it’s the best one. You can always reassess at the next appointment—or five minutes later if things change.

S – Space

You are allowed to take a breather.

“Can you step out for a minute while I think?”
“I’ll message you later with my decision.”
“I need to talk this over with my partner.”
Whether it’s five minutes, five hours, or a full week until your next visit, space gives you clarity.

Want to keep these questions handy?

👉 Click here to get my free BRAINS PDF – it's the perfect tool for staying grounded in conversations about your care.

🎥 Want to see exactly how I teach this inside my course? Here you go! Access this lesson for free and start practicing this skill before you even pack your hospital bag.

BRAINS isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset shift. One that puts you at the center of your care, where you belong.

🧠 Missed Part One? Catch up on it here – and see how Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives lay the foundation for confident birth decisions.