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.
My midwife, Angelina, is a frickin rock star, and my doula, Janicia, they were just heaven sent. Brande Victorian, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 This can include local doulas, midwives, nurses who work on labor and delivery wards, and reproductive health organizations. Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 19 Dec. 2024 Death doulas, a widening field of counselors and hospice/social workers, act similarly to labor doulas — professionals who support and ease life transitions, in this case, out instead of in. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Like three doulas, Jason, Brett, and Maya work together to help Nicole painfully deliver a long-overdue apology to Chrishell, who accepts it with a hug. Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near doula

Cite this Entry

“Doula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doula. Accessed 21 Jan. 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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