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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of doula1

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

Origin of doula1

C20: from Greek doule female slave
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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.

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.

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