doula

American  

[doo-luh] / ˈdu lə /

noun

1. a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.

2. a professional who provides support and assistance to individuals or families, especially during a medical or emotional crisis (used in combination).

   death doulas who offer comfort and companionship to dying patients.

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doula British  

/ ˈduːlə /

noun

1. a woman who is trained to provide support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of time following the birth

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Etymology

Origin of doula

First recorded in 1975–80; from Modern Greek: literally, “female servant”

Example Sentences

By now, Kim trusts Bower so deeply that she refers to her coach as her “trick doula.”

From The Wall Street Journal

She took an online home-birthing class, watched YouTube videos, reached out to midwife practices to assemble her care team and hired a doula.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also praised Guillermo as a great doula, telling his sidekick, “You were reassuring, you were calm, your hands were so soft.”

From Los Angeles Times

This figuring out through observation, I would later learn, is what death doulas often do.

From Los Angeles Times

The author is a writer, yoga teacher and doula in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times