Labor and Birth Support

Birth Support

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
- John H. Kennell, MD

What is a Doula?

The Greek word doula means servant, or woman caregiver. We now use the term to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the mother and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth.

The Benefits Of Having A Doula/Monitrice At Your Birth
Recent studies demonstrate the presence of a doula can result in...
50% decrease in cesarean births
25% decrease in length of labor
40% decrease in use of Pitocin
60% decrease in use of Epidural
30% decrease in use of narcotic pain medications
30% decrease in the use of forceps

In addition, research indicates that women who receive doula support can have long term benefits such as...
- Feeling more secure and cared for
- Higher satisfaction with their birth experience
- More successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Higher regard for their babies and their ability to care for them
- Greater success with breastfeeding
- Greater self-confidence
- Less postpartum depression
- Lower incidence of abuse

I've been attending births for over 14 years now. I provide the birthing family with continuous physical, emotional and educational support during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Birth is one of the most important experiences in a mother's life, one she will remember forever. I understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. I will assist you and your partner in preparing for and carrying out your plans for the birth. I will stay by your side throughout the entire labor, provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance in getting you the information you need to make the decisions that are best for you and your family. I can also facilitate communication between you, your partner, and your clinical care providers.

I perceive my role as one who nurtures and protects a mother's memory of her birth experience, and the birth partners too! Dads/Birth Partners need just as much support as the mom does. As a Doula, my job is to help them help you! I increase their level of confidence and reduce their level of stress. I make sure they feel a great sense of participation in the birth. I also help alleviate any anxieties by answering questions and offering supportive encouragement. They won't have to worry about stepping out of the room for a bite to eat, bathroom break or a little rest because mama will always have someone to stay with her. The emotional relief that comes with knowing they are not alone in the supportive role is immeasurable.

A Birth Doula Does Not...
- Perform medical procedures (i.e. blood pressure, vaginal exams, fetal heart rate etc.)
- Make diagnoses, prescribe treatments or medications or give second opinions.
- Make decisions for or speak on your behalf. (I will however discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but it will be you
or your partner that will speak to the medical staff)

What is a Monitrice?

A monitrice is similar to a doula in that her primary role is that of continuous hands on labor support, but there are some added benefits. She's like a Doula Hybrid! She is able to perform clinical skills for you at home before going to the hospital, such as assessing cervical dilation. This may enable you to stay home as long as you would like without going to the hospital too early, (which may lead to unnecessary interventions), or being sent home to return later.

The primary difference between a Doula and a Monitrice is that the Monitrice has professional training in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care that gives her clinical skills she can use during birth, (holding a license in midwifery or nursing) in addition to providing the emotional support that a doula provides.

Monitrice Services

Complimentary Interview - to see if I am what you are looking for in a Doula. We will also discuss
what you have in mind in regards to birth support. It is really important that you find the right Doula
for you, one who fits your needs and makes you and your partner feel comfortable. It would be my
pleasure to meet with you to discuss what you envision for your special birthing day. If I happen to
be unavailable for your birthing time, I have several amazing Doulas I can refer to you.

Prenatal Visit - I want to have at least one prenatal visit in your home, with you and your birth
partner, where we can chat and get to know each other better. We will explore your desires and
fears/concerns for your upcoming birth.

Birth Preferences - I am happy to discuss with you what you would like to have in your preferences. I can provide samples
(upon your request) and will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Email & Telephone Support - from the time of hire.

Continuous Support - phone, emotional, physical and educational support during your labor.

Educational Resources - for your pregnancy, labor & delivery and postpartum period.

After the Birth - I will stay with you approximately 2 hours postpartum. I can assist with initiating breastfeeding, making sure the three of you are settled in, etc.

Postpartum Visit - for a reflection on your birth with the new family. I also want you to know that you are alway welcome to keep in touch, especially if you need help with breastfeeding or just have a new mommy question!

Your Investment in a Monitrice...

Remember, a Monitrice provides everything that a Birth Doula does, plus a bit more! As your Montrice (not your midwife), I will attend your birth as a professional support person and not a medical care provider. Because I am a Licensed Midwife, I can monitor your vitals, baby's heart tones, and progress of your labor (i.e. cervical exams) while at home, which ideally will allow you to labor at home longer before going to the hospital.

You lovely parents-to-be have 3 options!!

Birth Monitrice Investment:
~ $1850 (includes all Doula Monitrice Services above)
~ Placenta Encapsulation + Placenta Tincture (+$200 -
when signing up for Monitrice Services, a savings
   of $85)

Prenatal & Birth Monitrice Services:
Other benefits available to you when hiring a Midwife to be your Monitrice is that she can provide co-care with your Obstetrician. Ideal for the family who wishes to have a hospital birth AND midwifery care! These women plan to labor at home and birth in the hospital. Families who hire a Monitirce will receive the holistic, Midwifery Model of care along side their Obstetrical care.
This care includes:

3 Standard Midwifery Prenatal Visits
Labor Support at Home with monitoring of mother and baby
Birth Support in the Hospital
Immediate Postpartum Care
3 Postpartum Visits

~ $3,000

Concurrent Midwifery & Birth Monitrice Care:
This option is best for you if you will be having a hospital birth with an OB (or birth center) AND you also desire the individualized care from a Midwife. You will receive concurrent care with your OB.

Regular schedule of prenatal visits
Labor Support at Home with monitoring of mother and baby
Birth Support in the Hospital
Immediate Postpartum Care
3 Postpartum Visits

~ $4,000

Oceanside Doula Support / North County Doula Support / A Mother's Nature Doula Support by Rachel Flores services the following cities: Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Leucadia, La Costa, Cardiff, San Elijo Hills, Rancho Santa Fe, Olivenhain, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, University City, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, San Pasqual Valley, Valley Center, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Ramona, San Marcos and Vista.
Oceanside Doula Support / North County Doula Support / A Mother's Nature Doula Support by Rachel Flores services the following hospitals: Scripps Encinitas, Naval Camp Pendleton, Tri-City, Palomar, Pomerado, UCSD, Scripps La Jolla and Kaiser Zion.
Oceanside Doula Support / North County Doula Support / A Mother's Nature Doula Support by Rachel Flores services the following birth centers: Babies in Bloom, Tree of Life, Acorn Community Birth Center and Best Start