doula

noun

dou·​la ˈdü-lə 

plural doulas

: a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth

Research shows that childbirth does go more smoothly with a doula: labor is 25 percent shorter, the need for epidural pain relief is 60 percent less and the Caesarean section rate is reduced by half.

—Susan Gilbert

Examples of doula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The allegations in the complaints match what eight Wisconsin women with knowledge of Baker’s practices told reporters, including midwives, doulas, health officials and mothers who trusted Baker to provide them with a natural home birth experience. —Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

Several templates and apps are available online; and your health care provider's office may also have examples. Consider labor/doula support. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024

Beginning with the same photo of herself sat on a birthing ball, the carousel also included a video of the maternity room decorated with candles as French, 42, and Tisdale's doula Lori Bregman stood close by. —Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024

Meg Bernhard attended certification training to become a death doula. —Krista Stevens, Longreads, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek, female helper, maidservant, from Greek doulē female slave

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

doula

noun

dou·​la ˈdü-lə 

: a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth