drafting our birth plan

Birth Plan for Maleen Mayuga-Cruz

ESTIMATED Due Date: 26 February 2007
Patient of Dr. Nicholas Dikio
Scheduled to deliver at Los Alamitos Medical Center
Drafted on 27 January 2007

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Dear ________________

Following is a statement of our birth plan and childbirth choices. We have educated ourselves prior to making these decisions and hope to carry them out, but we realize that complications do arise and in such instances trust our caretakers to make necessary decisions on our behalf.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and helping us realize our birth plan.

Sincerely,
Alejandro & Maleen Cruz
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Labor
I prefer to go through the first stage of labor at home.
I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
I would like to use a birthing ball if possible.
I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated.
I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.

Monitoring
I wish to have continuous, external fetal monitoring that would keep me mobile.
I do not want an internal monitor unless my baby has shown some sign of distress.

Labor Augmentation/Induction
I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication
I realize that many pain medications exist I'll ask for them if I need them.
I would like to have a standard epidural offered to & be made available to me.

Caesarean
Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.
If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to my husband, Ale, immediately after birth.

Episiotomy
I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

Delivery
I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
I would like to try to deliver in a squatting position, using my husband or a squatting bar for support.
I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery
I would like to have my husband cut the cord.
I would like to hold my baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband and my mom will accompany my baby at all times.
I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.
I would like my baby to be handed over to my husband and my parents as soon as possible.
I would like my intimate area to be thoroughly cleaned after I deliver.

Postpartum
I would like to have my baby 'room in' after I have had some time to recover.

Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed my baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
Unless medically necessary, NO bottles should given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).
I DO NOT want my baby to be given a pacifier.
I would like to meet with a Lactation Consultant.

Circumcision
I would like my baby to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.

Photo/Video
I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth but not from a graphic angle.
I would like to make a video-recording of labor and/or the birth but not from a graphic angle.

Other
I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.
I would prefer to check out of the hospital as soon as possible.