B.R.A.I.N.S. stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing, Space.
There are many decisions you have to make when you're a parent. Many of them don’t have an easy or obvious answer. Having a way to break down the steps needed to help you in your decision-making process can be invaluable.
This is that. Use the acronym B.R.A.I.N.S. This tool is often used in connection with labour and birth, however it can be applied to almost any decision you’re trying to make.
B = What are the BENEFITS of the proposed course of action?
R = What are the RISKS of the proposed course of action? Are there flow on effects or known
consequences?
A = What are the ALTERNATIVES? Can we get the same outcome via a different course of action? Is it worth seeking a second opinion?
I = What is your INTUITION saying? Our intuition is strong & worth listening to. Trust yourself.
N = What happens if you do NOTHING? Does a decision have to be made right now? What are the likely outcomes of not making one, are they problematic?
S = Ask for SPACE. Most decisions don’t need immediate answers. Having the breathing space to consider your options, even for only 5 minutes, can make all the difference.
“Evidence-based” or “research-backed” is sometimes used as a rubber stamp to tell people they must do. That isn't how science works. All that research is designed to do is ask questions, run experiments & summarise what's observed.
Research isn't prescriptive, it describes what happened not what SHOULD happen. Sure, the results from various studies can be used to make inferences or help inform decisions, but what we choose to do with the information is up to us.
EVERYONE is different & that’s why it’s so important that you to make decisions that are right for YOU.
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