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.
Stacey was joined during the birth by Nathan and her doula, Emily Lal. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 The legislation would grow and diversify the workforce of doctors, midwives, and doulas. — John Boozman, Time, 23 June 2026 Death doulas provide holistic, emotional and sometimes spiritual support to people and their families during the dying process. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026 His chief antagonist is his caustic first wife, Queen Marguerite (Joy DeMichelle), who operates as a kind of a martinet death doula. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 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

Rhymes for doula

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Browse Nearby Words

Doukhobor
doula
doum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doula. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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