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doula

doula

9 7.2
A person who gives emotional and practical support to a woman during childbirth
  • noun
  • /ˈduːlə/
translation icon : doula
  • A doula provides emotional support and guidance to a woman during her labor and delivery.
  • midwives and doulas
  • doulas and childbirth
  • labor support doula

When I met you, you, you were a doula and you're, you're now a midwife, correct?

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Examples

  • Childbirth 101 is a day-long class led by a doula with a fondness for making chalk lists on a portable blackboard.

    Academic text (2009)
  • I'm Shelly, the labor doula and chief assistant midwife.

  • As a doula, it is very hard to walk that line.

    Blog text (9)
  • So should I even consider getting a doula?

  • So, have you chosen a doula?

  • I am a birth doula and that is kind of what sparked the idea because a lot of people are so interested.

  • I think you should get a doula because we have no childcare.

  • The majority of women (88%) who use a doula rate their support as "excellent."

    Blog text (9)
  • Gena Kirby is a mother, doula, childbirth educator, La Leche League International breastfeeding peer counselor, and radio host.

    Blog text (26)
  • Many expectant mothers find that having a doula helps them feel more prepared for childbirth.

Synonyms

birthing coach
vsdoula
1 5.4

Person who gives comfort and practical help to a woman during childbirth but not medical treatment

gives broader continuous emotional and practical support beyond just guiding techniques
labor coach
vsdoula
  • US
1 3.8

A person who stays with a woman during childbirth and helps her breathe and relax

gives emotional and practical support more broadly than technique help
monitrice
vsdoula
  • Archaic
9.9

A person who supports a woman during childbirth by guiding breathing and relaxation

focuses on emotional and practical support rather than only encouraging techniques

How Trained

obstetrician
  • Specialized
26 5.7
midwife
  • Specialized
46 3.5
doula
9 7.2
observer
305 2.8
birther
1 7.1

Surface Forms

doula singular
doulas plural

Etymology

Doula comes from an old Greek word doulē, which meant 'female servant' or 'woman who serves'. So a doula is a helper who gives comfort and practical support to a woman during childbirth.