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

“This is what affordability looks like,” Newsom said at a livestreamed press conference alongside other public officials, a pregnant woman, a doula and the heads of a celebrity-studded nonprofit chosen to procure the diapers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

For three years, Ball has worked as a trained "death doula" in London, and as a non-medical end-of-life companion she supports individual families and volunteers in care homes for the NHS.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

The doula encouraged Behrens to broach difficult questions with her dying husband - including where he wanted to be buried and what he wanted his funeral to be like.

From BBC • May 2, 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

What I couldn’t have known is that working with B would guide me to becoming a death doula, work where you are guaranteed to be the one who stays behind.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025