doula
/ˈduːlə/
noun
- A trained person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and after childbirth.
- Many families hire a doula to assist with the birth experience.
- She decided to become a doula after the birth of her own child.
- The doula helped the mother stay calm during labor.
- A person who provides similar support for other major life events, such as death or illness.
- She worked as a doula for people facing serious medical treatments.
- Some hospitals now offer doula services for patients with chronic illnesses.
- An end-of-life doula can offer comfort to a dying person and their family.