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 For people without the assistance of friends or family nearby, joining a local parenting group, building community within your neighborhood, finding online support resources, or hiring a postpartum doula can lift some of the new baby stress. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 5 Aug. 2024 Helton has seen partners or doulas talk the patient out of epidurals or attempt to decide on their behalf, and stresses the importance of informed decision-making and autonomy. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2024 The role of the miscarriage doula (Cartrette is a leader in the field) mirrors that of a birth doula, but works in the shadow side of motherhood. Olivia Jordan Cornelius, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 The allegations in the complaints match what eight Wisconsin women with knowledge of Baker’s practices told reporters, including midwives, doulas, health officials and mothers who trusted Baker to provide them with a natural home birth experience. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doula 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'doula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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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