The word Monitrice comes from the French term for “one who monitors."

A Monitrice is a trained birth professional who offers doula-style emotional and physical support, along with additional clinical observation skills—such as listening to fetal heart tones, monitoring blood pressure, and assessing labor progress. 

Unlike medical providers, a Monitrice does not diagnose or intervene medically. Instead, she offers non-clinical reassurance through skilled observation and shares information that can help the birthing person make better-informed decisions, especially if something outside the norm arises.

For example, while a mother may be able to take their own blood pressure, listen to fetal heart tones, or even check their own cervical dilation, having a Monitrice by their side provides a level of confidence, reassurance, and informed interpretation that enhances self-awareness and supports empowered choices. This can be especially valuable when families are trying to decide when to go to the hospital, when to call their provider, or how to navigate changes during labor.