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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bill would establish presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, offer reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers and establish Medicaid coverage for remote ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring and glucose monitoring related to pregnancy. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Sonya becomes a sort of kink doula for Molly, easing her into new notions of eroticism. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 While some still confuse midwives with doulas, the role of a midwife is distinct—and far from new. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025 The organization supports pregnant women with cash payments for work leave, doula care, diapers and clothing. Alexandria Sands, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doula. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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