What is a Monitrice?

A monitrice is someone who is professionally trained to provide clinical skills to a couple (fetal heart tones, blood pressure checks, and vaginal exams).

Monitrice work is very similar to doula work, with a broader range of support options. It means that Iwe have basic midwifery skills along with our doula skills wrapped up in one package. We still provide labor support, still provide guidance and reassurance during birth, we still use all the labor support tools of a doula....but it is a bit more.

A "Monitrice" is a labor coach and consumer advocate, a labor support person who has special training, usually in nursing, midwifery or related field as well as specific doula training. She provides physical, emotional and informational support to the expectant mother and her partner during labor, delivery and in the postpartum period. Studies prove that having a skilled birth attendent present at birth, a woman's labors are shorter, they have fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. Evidence also suggests that women are more satisfied with their birth experience when a doula/doula is present and fathers stay more involved with their partner and baby.

When you hire a monitrice you have the peace of mind of staying home longer before moving to your place of birth, while having the skills to know you and baby are doing well. A monitrice monitors fetal heart tones, blood pressure, and can check cervical dilation, effacement, and station. Add that to the emotional and physical support you already expect from an experienced doula, and you have a great tool for birth.

What you get with a Monitrice:

I will be on call 24 hours a day 3 weeks before your due date until your baby is born.
I will be available for you to call me with questions before and after the birth.
You will have availability to my library of pregnancy and childbirth books and articles.
I will complete prenatal visits as time permits.
I will complete one postpartum visit as you request.
Everything you get with a doula
I or my back-up will remain with you throughout labor and birth.

Limitations of a Monatrice:

As a monitrice, I do perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure checks, fetal heart tones, cervical exams and other such duties. I am limited in what I provide as a Monitrice and will inform you of this f the need arises.
As a monitrice, I do not deliver babies; we provide emotional and physical support as well as the services listed above for you during labor.
As a monitrice, I do not make decisions for you. I will help you get the information you need from your doctor/midwife and nurses so that you can make an informed decision. I will also remind you when you or others stray from your birthplan, but this too is your decision. I am here to support you.
I can in no way guarantee the outcome of your birth, variations in birth may occur, I am not responsible for these, but will do my best to help you with these variations.