A "Monitrice" is a labor coach and consumer advocate, a labor support person who has special training, usually in nursing, midwifery or related field. (See below. As a Monitrice, I can provide services that are outside the scope of a doula. These services can begin anytime after the first trimester. In my private practice, I work with couples, or single moms, who prefer a labor support person with medical and more extensive educational background. I can also provide relaxation techniques, visualization and exercise programs, individually designed to fit the needs of the individual mom or couple. I will monitor blood pressure, but will not make clinical assessments or decisions for you. If you are planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), or have any medical or emotional concerns, this program may be what you are looking for. More than half of my current practice are VBAC clients.

What is a Monitrice?
A Monitrice is a woman trained to provide support not only during childbirth but also throughout the course of your pregnancy. A Monitrice is an experienced guide to offer support and assistance to birthing couples. The word "monitrice" is French for monitor; coach; instructor.

What does a Monitrice do?
She can help you choose the physician and facility that will permit you to have the type of birth experience you would like to have. She can make referrals for other services that she has researched for you? She can help you to write a birth plan to assure that your wishes for your birth and the care of your newborn are honored.

She can provide you with the information you need to make good decisions about nutrition, exercise, and activity during pregnancy.

She will support you in labor, monitoring both you and your baby at home to avoid arriving at the hospital too early.

She is an informed consumer advocate and labor coach who will work with you in the hospital to achieve your optimal birth experience.

She will do everything possible to support you in your personal choices, to present you with a "team" approach during your labor and birth.

Who needs a Monitrice?
Every pregnant woman can benefit from the experienced support of a Monitrice during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. A Monitrice is particularly useful for first-time mothers, women having a VBAC, and women who have strong negative associations with previous births. A Monitrice is also useful for couples who desire a natural, unmedicated birth.

Won't my doctor or midwife provide the same care as a Monitrice?
A Monitrice will provide comprehensive prenatal care designed to supplement the care by your physician. She will be able to meet with you on a regular basis, to answer questions and address concerns, between your doctor or midwife appointments. If there is an ongoing medical concern, she will make every attempt to accompany you at a doctors visit.