doula

noun

dou·​la ˈdü-lə How to pronounce doula (audio)
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
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The 58-year-old Oscar and Emmy winner opened up at an April 18 History semiquincentennial event in Philadelphia about her recent training to become a death doula. Lisa De Los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 Kimble, the death doula, said that not knowing exactly what topic will come up at a Death Cafe is what makes the experience beautiful. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026 Noel Almario, family health care consultant Almario describes herself as a nontraditional political candidate with a background as a birth doula who works as a private consultant helping families navigate the healthcare system. Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Folks can read more about end-of-life doula training and practices, and search a directory, on the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance website. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doula

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doula was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Doula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doula. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

doula

noun
dou·​la ˈdü-lə How to pronounce doula (audio)
: a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth
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