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”

Explanation

A doula is someone who works as a companion or coach to a woman while she's giving birth. Most doulas provide support before or after childbirth as well. Unlike a midwife, nurse, or doctor, a doula doesn't have a medical role in childbirth, but is there to give expectant parents whatever kind of support they need. A doula might answer questions and provide information before the birth, rub a woman's back while she's in labor, and give advice about parenting concerns. Death doulas provide a similar type of support to patients at the end of their lives.

Example Sentences

While home births were once the province of counterculture hippies, Los Angeles doula Rebecca Richter said she’d been hearing from women of all walks of life “who desire more than the system is giving them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

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 • Feb. 3, 2026

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 • May 21, 2025

Every doula arrives with a set of skills, and mine in this moment with B was to listen, record and write her book.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025

She also works as a death doula, which involves supporting people who are dying, as well as their loved ones, to make informed funeral care choices.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024