Often times in life, we are only given the information the other party wants us to have. Pregnancy and labor should never be one of those times. Something I strive to instill in each client I work with is the need for informed consent. When making choices in labor, the staff will likely hand you a copy of a consent form and you to sign it. I don't know about anyone else, but when I was in labor and being handed forms to sign to get what I wanted, they probably could have gotten me to sign away my soul without even noticing. Even though I wasn't planning on an epidural, I signed a consent form for one, just in case, without reading it. Looking back, I have no idea what I was thinking (spoiler alert, I wasn't) because I didn't read one word on that page, nor did anyone take the time to explain what it said. Here's where informed consent comes into play and here is how I help facilitate it.
Informed consent is the process of understanding the risks and benefits of treatment in order for you to decide whether or not you wish to undergo such treatment or test.
How can you help yourself to ensure informed consent? The BRAND acronym is great way to get a clear understanding of the choice at hand. Don't ever be afraid to ask, “Can you say that again?”
B- Benefits
R- Risks
A- Alternatives
N- (what happens if we do) Nothing
D- Discuss privately & decide
By using the BRAND acronym, everyone in the room is able to form an educated opinion on the choice at hand. By taking the time to discuss the issue at hand privately, there is less chance of feeling pressured to do what someone else may feel is the right thing. It is always important to remember that your birth team should always be on your side working towards the goal of achieving your birth, your way.
Alecia Miller, CD
Breaking Birth Barriers
Informed consent is the process of understanding the risks and benefits of treatment in order for you to decide whether or not you wish to undergo such treatment or test.
- You must have the ability to make the decision.
- The medical provider must disclose information on the treatment, test, or procedure in question, including the expected benefits and risks, and the likelihood that the benefits and risks will occur.
- You must comprehend the relevant information.
- You must voluntarily grant consent, without coercion or duress.
How can you help yourself to ensure informed consent? The BRAND acronym is great way to get a clear understanding of the choice at hand. Don't ever be afraid to ask, “Can you say that again?”
B- Benefits
R- Risks
A- Alternatives
N- (what happens if we do) Nothing
D- Discuss privately & decide
By using the BRAND acronym, everyone in the room is able to form an educated opinion on the choice at hand. By taking the time to discuss the issue at hand privately, there is less chance of feeling pressured to do what someone else may feel is the right thing. It is always important to remember that your birth team should always be on your side working towards the goal of achieving your birth, your way.
Alecia Miller, CD
Breaking Birth Barriers