Creating a Catholic Birth Plan: Faith Meets Preparation

A birth plan communicates your preferences to your medical team. A Catholic birth plan integrates faith with these practical preferences—ensuring your values are honored even when you cannot advocate for yourself.

"Pray as if everything depended on God. Work as if everything depended on you." — St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Catholic Framework

1. This Child Belongs to God

You are steward, not owner. Your baby's life is a gift entrusted to your care. This affects decisions—you choose what's safest and best, not what's most convenient.

2. Suffering Has Meaning

You need not seek suffering, but you need not fear it either. Pain relief is permissible (Pope Pius XII, 1956), but suffering can be offered up if you choose.