Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Midwife and a Doula?
The primary difference lies in the clinical scope:
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Midwife (CPM/LM): A midwife is a clinical primary care provider who guides you through your prenatal health, orders and interprets screenings and diagnostic tests, attends your homebirth, monitors the health of you and your baby during and after birth, and handles all necessary paperwork such as the birth certificate.
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Doula: A doula provides non-clinical full-spectrum support, offering emotional, physical, and informational resources throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
What's the difference between a Midwife and an OB?
The main difference is their training focus and scope of practice.
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Midwives (CPM/LM): We are experts in normal, physiological birth. Our training focuses on holistic, non-interventional care for low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies. We support the client's autonomy and empowerment throughout the process.
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Obstetricians (OB-GYN): They are experts in managing complications, pathology, and high-risk pregnancies. OB-GYNs are trained surgeons who perform medical procedures, including Cesarean sections and complex repairs.
What is Homebirth and who is a good candidate for one?
Homebirth is a planned birth that takes place in your personal residence, attended by a Midwife, a midwifery assistant, and your chosen birth support team. Homebirth is medically appropriate and safe for people experiencing a low-risk, healthy pregnancy. Our practice carefully screens all clients to ensure they meet the clinical criteria for a physiological homebirth. If your risk profile changes during pregnancy, we will discuss collaboration with a physician to maintain your safety.
What Happens in an Emergency or If I Need to Transfer Care?
Safety is our highest priority. We are trained in emergency protocols, maintaining current certification in Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Basic Life Support (BLS). We maintain a clear, established protocol for hospital transfer should a complication arise. We have informed consent discussions with you throughout your prenatal care about our protocols, training, and your desires should an emergency or Transfer of Care become necessary.
What is Monitrice Care?
Monitrice Care is a unique hybrid service for clients who plan a hospital birth or who must transfer care due to a risk factor. It guarantees home-based prenatal care and home-based postpartum care with the midwife, and birth doula support during hospital labor, ensuring you retain the advocacy and personalized support of a midwife even in the hospital setting.