Special Women: The Role of the Professional Labor Assistant
Paulina Perez' own work as a monitrice spawned the idea for this book that was written for women who work as labor support professionals. The author also address women who have the potential and the enthusiasm to become one of these "special Women".   The author has wisely included reminders to the labor assistant of her difficult role of patient advocate:"Advocacy does not mean taking over for the woman or couple and making decisions for them or controlling them; it means helping women or couples help themselves vy provididng them with information and advice. She makes sure they are aware of their options so they can make informed choices."   Special Women is a good introduction to the new profession of doula and monitrice for women considering or already in this work and for mothers-to-be planning labor support.  --GenesisThis guidebook to the potential for wonder in birth grew out of the author's 25 years of pioneering experience (e.g., hospital consultant, perinatal nurse, childbith educator, montrice). To her own experience she has added the cumulative wisdom of 75 families who chose to hire professional labor support, whose descriptions of their experiences enliven and enrich the discussions.   The book  identifies two primary types of professional labor assistant: the doula and the monitrice. Doulas provide physical and emotional support during birth, but do no assessment of fetal or maternal well-being, whereas the monitrice combines nurturing with clinical skills.     For women who desire loving and empowering bith experiences, and for those who would like to devote their professional lives to helping others acheive those goals, this delightful and well-written book is an invaluable resource.  --Birth- Robbie E Davis-Floyd Ph.D.