A monitrice is similar to a doula, but there are some added benefits. A monitrice does clinical skills for you at home before going to the hospital. She is able to listen to fetal heart tones, check your dilation, and take your blood pressure.

This enables you, the mom -to-be, to stay home as long as you would like without going to the hospital only to have them send you home telling you to come back at a later time.

As a monitrice I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and as needed facilitate communication between you and the birthing staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor.

I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, positioning and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your monitrice, I work for you, and not your caregiver or hospital.

Meeting the Monitrice:

I prefer to meet with you and your partner once or twice before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and plan how we might best work together.

This first meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you select me, then I will want to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding pain management options and the use of medications.

I also want to know your own best way of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together and with me. I will also inform you of times when we are unavailable for labor support.

I will want to remain in contact by phone as to how your pregnancy is progressing and any pertinent updates.

• 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.
• I or my back-up will remain with you throughout labor and birth.

After the birth:

I usually remain with you for an hour after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with breastfeeding, if necessary.

I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby. Remember, for medical advice contact your doctor or midwife.

Limitations of a Monitrice:

• 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.

Birthing Your Way offers a Deluxe Monitrice Package that includes the following:

Deluxe Monitrice Package $800

• One prenatal
• One postpartum visit
• Special gift pack for mom and baby
• Join you once you are in active labor
• Monitoring of fetal heart tones, vaginal exams, blood pressure checks
• Use of our library of books and videos
• Discount on childbirth classes
• Childbirth Book