Doula-Monitrice Services
A monitrice is a trained birth professional who provides additional medical support in the labor process, within the scope of a Licensed Midwife’s care in California. A monitrice offers a blend of medical monitoring and emotional support, acting as a bridge between the birthing person and the primary birth team. Their services typically include:
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Monitoring Vital Signs: Checking the birthing person’s blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and fetal heart rate.
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Labor Monitoring: Tracking the progress of labor, including monitoring contractions and cervical dilation.
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Comfort Measures: Providing physical and emotional support similar to that of a doula, including helping with relaxation techniques and positioning.
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Assisting with Decision Making: Helping the birthing person and their family navigate the labor process and communicate with the primary birth team.
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Birth Support: Once the birthing person is at the planned place of birth, the monitrice’s primary medical responsibility is transferred to the primary provider (OB, CNM, LM), with the monitrice transitioning to a doula role. The monitrice stays for the entire birth and continues to provide non-medical care until at least 2 hours after birth to ensure the well-being of both the birthing person and the baby.
Following birth, postpartum care at home is provided, which includes:
- Monitoring vital signs of the birthing person
- Baby’s weight checks and jaundice management
- Breastfeeding support to ensure successful early bonding and nutrition
- Nutrition counseling
- Mental health screening
- Guidance and counseling on needs of postpartum parent/family.
