What is a Doula?

A doula is woman trained and experienced in childbirth.  A doula 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 doula 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 is present and fathers stay more involved with their partner and baby.

Services I provide as a Doula

1. •I will accompany you to at least one prenatal appointment with your doctor or midwife.
   

2. •As part of my services I offer Childbirth Education Classes, helping you identify your birthing choices and help you set up your Birth Plan.
   

3. •I am  available 24 hours by phone for questions re. prenatal care, labor signs, postpartum care etc...
   

4. •I help you in labor with pain management and coping methods ie: the birth ball, Yoga Birthing, walking, changing positions for back labor and pain relief, hot and cold compresses, accupressure, reflexology, massage, water therapy, soothing and encouraging words, soothing music of your choice, and maintaining a calm and peaceful birthing atmosphere. 
   

5. •I act as  your advocate in a hospital birth, ensuring that your Birth Plan and physical and philosophical choices are met with respect and implemented compassionately. 
   

6. •I am  with you continually throughout your labor and  for two hours after the birth of your baby.
   

7. •I will  visit you, at least once, postpartum.
   

8. •I provide information and support anyone that you consider part of your "birth team".
   

What is a Monitrice?

During the third trimester of pregnancy, a monitrice educates you and your partner about preparing for labor and delivery, teaches you exercises to help stretch and strengthen your key muscles, explains what should be on hand for a more comfortable labor and informs you of possible early signs of labor. You call your monitrice when you think labor is probably beginning.

As your monitrice:

1. •I come to your home.
   

2. •I check maternal vital signs.
   

3. •I check fetal heart rate with a fetascope or ultrasonic doppler.
   

4. •I will perform a vaginal exam for fetal position, presentation, station, effacement, dilation and possible membrane rupture.
   

5. •I will observe the progress of your labor.
   

6. •I will discuss the need for my presence with you and your partner as your monitrice (professional labor support). If I determine that early labor will probably continue for many hours, you might prefer to get as much rest as you can by yourselves, in which case the I will leave and check on things periodically.
   

7. •I will remain present during the more active phases of labor and through delivery.
   

8. •I will recommend measures which can help alleviate pain in specific situations.
   

9. •I will periodically throughout labor make further fetal and maternal assessments.
   

I will teach you how to determine when it's time to leave for the hospital. You're much less likely to leave prematurely, either to be sent back home or to extend your hospital stay and thereby increase the probability of medical intervention.

The monitrice remains in the labor and delivery room through the early postpartum period.

Monitrice support provides important continuity of care which starts at your home. Most expectant mothers, not just those with a special need, would be better off laboring longer at home.