how does one “assess risk”?
i hate flying...My intrusive thoughts take over.
My heart starts pounding, I feel clammy and have to rely on comfort & grounding tools I’ve come up with over the years.
Yet the emergency pamphlet stares back at me, and the worry returns.
Logically, I know I’m safe and it’ll be over soon.
But my fight or flight mode has been activated, and it’s obvious my emotions are in control of how I am perceiving the journey ahead.
stats vs passengerStatistics say I am more likely to get in a car crash than I am to experience some sort of freak accident while flying in a plane.
But I know and understand how to drive, and I’m the driver, which gives me some sense of control.
Yet statistically, risk assessment of what would be the safer option suggests driving is, well, riskier!
Perhaps part of my fear of flying comes from the reality that I have no control, I’m simply a passenger.
If I allowed my fears of flying to be the determining factor on how I assessed its risk, I don’t think I’d ever fly…never travel…no, thank you.
I’ll drive.
risk = fearWhen you hear the word risk, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Does your physical body respond before a logical thought?
Are you inquisitive or afraid?
Do you feel grounded, or suddenly thrown off balance?
If you hadn’t been made aware, would your body and or mind be in the current state they now reside?
ready, set, fly!Risk assessment during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum is INCREDIBLY hard.
Why?
You’re the pilot.
Anyone else offering information, statistics, guidance and education are your extremely experienced co-pilots. All while you are expected to fly this plane without ever having done it before.
how the heck?How do you make a safe, wise and personal decision when risks are presented?
Just like plane crashes, most risks are rare and happen to a few.
But if you're anything like me, when I fly (plus a dash of pregnancy hormones), just absorbing the *potential* outcome can be scary!
I first want to validate that there is no right decision.
Trusting your copilot is a wise choice! That’s what they are there for.
safety pamphlet Here are some tips on how to absorb, process, and move forward once a risk has been identified….
STEP 1
Ask Curious Questions:
“Can you rate this situation on a scale of 1-10, 1 being not too concerning, 10 being extremely risky?”
“Do you have any educational information I could look at on this topic?”
“As my care provider, knowing my history, what is your perception of this risk in regards to my unique situation?”
“How much time do I have before a decision needs to be made?”
“I see the statistic here in percentages, could you break that down into actual numbers so I can have a more personal visual?”
“In your practice, what is your comfort zone? If I choose plan A or plan B would your particular care still best suit my desires?”
STEP 2
Slow Down
Almost always, Care Providers are introducing risk or the possibility of one when they have noticed “pink” flags. Meaning there is concern, but it is yet to even turn to a true red flag. There are some cases, of course, where things just happen rapidly, but envisioning this idea of a pink flag…
Remind yourself of what is true RIGHT NOW, as risks are often a potential future problem, as care providers are here to PREVENT emergencies.
Name your fears out loud. Place them before you and examine what is a feeling vs reality.
Determine if doing nothing, for now, is a safe option.
STEP 3
Decision Making
You are allowed to make a safe decision while also not wanting what is about to take place.
Your mental health, personal and emotional needs are allowed to be a deciding factor.
Comparing to others’ stories or choices does more harm than good, own your story…trust and honour your “gut” feeling.
Decision fatigue is REAL. Look to and rely on those around you for clarity on the situation.
Consider giving your care provider permission to share their opinion vs the way they present facts.
You can always change your mind.
Listen to your inner voice.
There is no “right” decision.
