Creating a Christ-Centered Birth Plan
Jesus, I trust in you. Take care of everything.
From the Surrender Novena
Labor is about entrusting the whole experience to God, honoring the dignity of mother and child, and making space for prayer, peace, and surrender. Here are some thinking prompts for creating a Christ-centered birth plan:
1. Spiritual Foundations
How do I want to invite God’s presence into my labor and birth?
What Scripture verses bring me peace, courage, or trust?
Which saints do I want to ask for intercession during labor?
Do I want prayer aloud during labor—or quiet interior prayer?
Would I like a rosary, medal, crucifix, scapular, or holy card with me?
Optional intentions:
“I offer this labor for…”
“Lord, help me surrender control and trust You.”
Idea:
Ask friends and family for their prayer requests. Use the prayer requests to fill in the blank in “I offer this labor for…”
2. Prayer & Sacramental Life
Would I like a priest visit or blessing if available?
Do I want the Anointing of the Sick if complications arise?
Who should advocate for spiritual needs if I cannot speak?
What prayers do I want prayed:
At the start of labor
During intense contractions
Immediately after birth
3. Atmosphere & Peace
What helps me feel safe, calm, and prayerful?
Do I want sacred music, silence, or instrumental hymns?
Are there visual reminders (icons, Scripture cards, Mary’s image) that ground me?
What kind of lighting helps me relax?
Who is allowed in the room—and who is not?
4. Role of My Support Person(s)
How can my spouse/support person help me spiritually?
Should they:
Pray aloud or silently?
Remind me to breathe or relax my body?
Advocate for my wishes with staff?
How do we want to stay united as a couple during labor?
5. Understanding Suffering & Pain
How do I spiritually understand pain in labor?
Do I see labor as something to:
Offer?
Work with?
Relieve when needed?
What words help me stay grounded if labor becomes intense?
How do I want to balance trust in God with medical prudence?
6. Medical Care & Moral Considerations
What interventions am I comfortable with, if needed?
What helps me feel informed rather than rushed?
Who makes decisions if I’m unable?
How can we ensure decisions respect:
The dignity of mother and child
Catholic moral teaching
Informed consent
Which of these do I want encouraged before medical pain relief?
Movement & positioning (walking, squatting, hands-and-knees)
Birth ball
Hydrotherapy (shower / tub)
Heat or cold packs
Counter-pressure or massage
Breathing techniques
Verbal encouragement or prayer
Visualization or Scripture meditation
Medical Pain Relief Options
Do I want pain relief framed as a tool rather than a failure?
Who helps me decide if I’m overwhelmed or exhausted?
For each, discern:
Under what conditions would I accept it?
What are my concerns or boundaries?
Options to consider:
IV narcotics
Nitrous oxide
Epidural or spinal anesthesia
Local anesthesia for repair
Induction or Augmentation
Under what circumstances am I open to:
Membrane sweep
Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)
Pitocin or other medications
Do I want time for prayer or discussion before induction if non-emergent?
What alternatives do I want discussed first?
Monitoring
Preference for:
Intermittent fetal monitoring
Continuous monitoring
Under what circumstances would continuous monitoring be required?
How can mobility be preserved if monitoring is needed?
IVs & Access
Do I consent to:
Saline lock only?
Continuous IV fluids?
Under what conditions is this necessary?
Pushing & Second Stage of Labor
Preferred pushing positions:
Upright
Side-lying
Hands-and-knees
Preference for:
Spontaneous pushing
Coached pushing
Use of mirror or hands-on guidance?
Assisted Vaginal Birth
Under what circumstances would I consent to:
Vacuum extraction
Forceps
What explanations do I want before these are attempted?
Cesarean Birth (Planned or Emergency)
Under what conditions would I consent to a cesarean?
Who should explain the necessity clearly and calmly?
Do I want time for prayer if circumstances allow?
Options to consider:
Gentle or family-centered cesarean if available
Clear drape or lowered drape
Immediate skin-to-skin if stable
Support person present throughout
Music or prayer during surgery
7. Baby’s Birth & First Moments
Do I want immediate skin-to-skin if possible?
Who announces the baby’s name?
Would I like a prayer spoken over the baby?
Do I want the Sign of the Cross made on the baby’s forehead?
What atmosphere do I want for baby’s first moments (quiet, prayer, joy)?
Options to consider:
Delayed cord clamping (if safe)
Immediate skin-to-skin
Vitamin K injection (timing preference)
Eye ointment (timing or consent)
First bath delayed
Breastfeeding initiation
Lactation support
Donor milk or formula if medically necessary
8. In Case of Emergency or Loss
Who should request emergency baptism if needed?
Do I know the hospital’s policy on baptism?
Who can advocate for pastoral care?
How do I want to be supported spiritually if plans change?
Who makes decisions if I am unconscious?
Do I want ethics consult or pastoral care involved if time allows?
9. Postpartum & Thanksgiving
How do I want to thank God after birth?
What prayers do I want to pray?
Who will help protect rest and bonding time?
How can I guard my heart during emotional ups and downs?
10. Personal Prayer Prompts
“Lord, the grace I ask for during labor is…”
“Mary, teach me how to say yes in this moment.”
“Jesus, I trust You with my body and my baby.”
“St. Joseph, guard our family.”
Once you’ve determined the details of your birth plan, write them down. Print extra copies for your spouse, doula, midwife, and care providers.
Pack it in your hospital bag and be brave in being vocal about what you want.
Even if someone presents a situation as if you don’t have options or rights, you always do. Advocate for them and make sure your support team is willing to advocate for them, too.
A Closing Birth Plan Prayer
Lord God,
I place this birth into Your hands.
Guide my body, calm my heart,
protect my child,
and help me surrender to Your will with trust and courage.
May this birth glorify You.Amen.
