Making Intuitive Decisions During the Perinatal Period
Let’s dive into a topic close to your heart—making intuitive decisions throughout the perinatal period: pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting a newborn. This will likely transform your view of these experiences.
When my newborn was in the NICU, I vividly remember sitting by his bedside, feeling completely overwhelmed by the choices and decisions I had to make. I was overloaded with information and opinions from every direction and was so scared he wouldn’t be okay. The doctors would come in, tell me what they were going to do with his treatment plan, and then leave. There was no explanation or discussion. I didn’t know my options or rights, and I just went along with whatever they told me to do because I was terrified and didn’t know what else to do. Looking back, there were many interventions that I wouldn’t have consented to if I had understood what was happening and been part of the discussion. This experience made me realize the importance of a decision-making system that empowers parents to participate actively in pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care.
Before we dive into the RAINBOW method, let’s reflect on how you’ve made decisions in the past. Are you like me and super type A, gathering all the information beforehand and knowing exactly what you’ll do in every situation? Or do you lean more towards type B, knowing there’s no way you can ever fully control things, so you don’t even think about the situations that could pop up? Or maybe you fall somewhere in the middle?
Do you typically look to someone else to make big decisions for you? Do you feel comfortable asking questions and being involved in the decision-making process? Or maybe you fully trust yourself to make decisions without relying on other people’s input at all.
However you’ve made decisions in the past, I want you to almost forget all that and start fresh with what I’m about to teach you today. The perinatal period—pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—is different. This time is extra special. An empowering perinatal experience will improve your life, and it starts with how you make decisions.
The RAINBOW Method is a gentle yet powerful way to approach decisions during this time:
Risks and Research: Start by considering the risks associated with any proposed intervention. Examine scientific research and ask your provider for detailed information. Understanding the risks helps you make an informed choice. Question to ask: What are the possible risks of this intervention?
Alternatives: Explore all alternatives to the recommended intervention. This might involve asking about different approaches or solutions. Question to ask: Is there anything else I could do instead to address this issue?
Intuition: Trust your gut feelings. Intuition is a powerful tool that guides you towards decisions that feel right for you and your baby. Question to ask: What does my intuition say about this?
Nothing: Consider the option of doing nothing. Sometimes, waiting and seeing is the best choice. Question to ask: What happens if I do nothing right now?
Benefits: Clearly understand the benefits of the proposed intervention. This helps you weigh the pros and cons effectively. Question to ask: What are the benefits of this intervention?
Obligation: Assess any external pressures or legal obligations that might influence your decision. It’s essential to know your rights and decide based on what’s best for you and your baby. Question to ask: Am I doing this because I truly want to or because I feel pressured?
What: Finally, pull everything together and make your decision. Remember, you can always change your mind if needed. Question to ask: What am I going to do?
Imagine you’re 37 weeks pregnant, and you receive a high blood pressure reading. Your provider recommends an induction. Here’s how you might use the RAINBOW method:
Risks and Research: Investigate the side effects of inducing labor at 37 weeks and understand the potential risks involved.
Alternatives: Consider waiting, requesting a second test, or exploring other non-medical options.
Intuition: Listen to what your intuition tells you about the induction.
Nothing: Weigh the consequences of doing nothing against the potential risks.
Benefits: Understand why your provider recommends the induction and the expected benefits.
Obligation: Ensure your decision is free from external pressures and aligns with your values.
What: Make your decision and remember, you can change it if circumstances change.
Making decisions during pregnancy and birth can be challenging, but with the RAINBOW method, you can feel confident and empowered. You hold the key to your and your baby’s experience, and it’s your journey, your way. Don’t forget that!
Warmly,
Doula Deb
