YOUR CHOICE: A Decision-Making Tool for Induction of Labor

Induction of labor for gestational timing (going beyond 39, 40, or 41 weeks) is a common intervention and one that pregnant and birthing people often feel pressured to have. As doulas, you have a unique role in supporting your client to learn more about induction, and the evidence behind different timing options. Doulas are also in a unique position to support clients in making the choice that is right for them.

In this session, Dr. Ann Peralta (DrPH, MPH) will share a decision aid she created with a team of providers (midwives, obstetricians, family medicine physicians, and nurse practitioners), listening deeply to a very diverse group of pregnant people (the majority people of color, majority people with Medicaid insurance, majority people born outside the US) through interviews.

We will discuss how the decision aid was made, what steps were taken to ensure an equitable improvement in shared decision-making, and how you can use the tool in your doula practice to support people facing the decision of whether or when to have an induction of labor. The decision aid is available in three languages, is written at a grade 6 reading level, and features inclusive language and images.