Definition

Noun: 1. A labor support person: A monitrice is a trained assistant, often a partner or family member like the expectant father, who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during childbirth. This role involves using specific techniques, often learned in prenatal classes, to help manage labor.

Usage

The term "monitrice" is a specialized term used primarily in the context of childbirth, labor support, and doula practices. It describes a specific supportive role that blends coaching with companionship. * As a subject: The monitrice helped her breathe through the contractions. * As an object: She wanted her partner to act as her monitrice during the birth.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The role of a monitrice is similar to that of a birth doula or labor coach. While "doula" is a more common modern term, "monitrice" can emphasize the preparatory training aspect.
• The concept highlights a shift towards more participatory and prepared childbirth, where a support person is actively trained for the role.

Variants and Related Words

• Doula (n): A professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth. This is a more widely used contemporary term.
• Labor coach (n): A general term for a person who supports a woman during childbirth.
• Birth partner (n): A neutral term for anyone accompanying and supporting the mother.

Synonyms

• Labor support person
• Birth companion
• Childbirth assistant (in a non-medical sense)

Notes on Meaning

• Specific Context: This word is almost exclusively used within discussions of childbirth, parenting classes, and midwifery. It is not a common general English term.
• Historical/Technical Use: "Monitrice" may be encountered in older or more technical texts on childbirth education. In everyday modern English, "doula" or "support person" is more frequent.

Noun

1. an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes