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

Snatch offers a range of specialists for moms to chat with, including a pelvic floor therapist, a sleep consultant and a postpartum doula, among others. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

In The Black Sea Post-pregnancy maternal health benefits may include bereavement leave for pregnancy loss, prenatal and postnatal care, paid parental leave, mental health resources, lactation support, and doula services. —Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

By offering a comprehensive and personalized model that integrates midwives, OB-GYNs, doulas, and technology, Millie is achieving significantly better outcomes for mothers and babies. —Geri Stengel, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Franciscan Health Crown Point hosting doula workshop Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop over two weekends in March. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for doula

• beulah
• chula
• gula
• hula
• kula
• ula
• betula
• blastula
• fistula
• radula
• regula
• scrofula

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