doula

[ doo-luh ]

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.

doula

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of doula¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of doula¹

C20: from Greek doule female slave

Example Sentences

A doula is a non-medical professional who supports a pregnant person during pregnancy, delivery, and for a short period after birth.

From Quartz

Without the pandemic, Yost says she likely never would have become a doula.

From Time

The bill would provide $50 million in funding for expanded doula, or birth worker, support before and during labor and allocate $25 million in funds to help providers coordinate maternity care through what are known as maternal health homes.

From Essence.com

I was also fortunate to have doulas who checked in on me consistently and even performed a postpartum ceremony to counter any notion that I was now in a secondary role.

From Time

Her now-four-year-old daughter is healthy, and Chand has started working as a doula and enrolled in a four-year degree program at San Francisco State University in addition to her part-time work as a researcher at the Abundant Birth Project.

From Time

This got the other doula riled up, and a discussion of Lake commenced.

From The Daily Beast