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

It would also alert Californians to doula services and other programs intended to support people before, during and after birth.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a typically busy afternoon for Luna, a doula and reproductive care activist in a state with some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation.

From Seattle Times

Luna is a full-spectrum doula, aiding in births as well as abortions.

From Seattle Times

Penny Simkin, a childbirth educator and author who was often described as the “mother of the doula movement,” died on April 11 at her home in Seattle.

From New York Times

Penny Simkin, 85, a Seattle doula who co-founded Doulas of North America and educated thousands about childbirth, died April 11 from pancreatic cancer.

From Seattle Times