doula
doula Lexical Profile
doula Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A trained non-medical companion who supports a pregnant person before, during, and shortly after childbirth by providing continuous emotional encouragement, physical comfort measures, and informational guidance.
"The couple hired a certified doula to help them navigate their birth plan and manage labor pains through breathing techniques."
A trained non-medical caregiver who provides emotional, practical, and informational support to individuals and their families during other major health or life transitions, such as terminal illness or the end of life.
"An end-of-life doula worked closely with the hospice team to ensure the patient's final days were peaceful and dignified."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike a midwife or obstetrician, a doula is not a medical professional and does not perform clinical tasks or deliver babies, focusing instead on emotional, physical, and informational support.
• Rhymes for doula
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 1970s from Modern Greek 'doula' (female helper or maidservant), from Ancient Greek 'doulē' (female slave). The term was popularized in English by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael to describe a woman who assists a new mother.