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doula

/ˈdulə/
IPA guide

Other forms: doulas

A doula is someone who works as a companion or coach to a woman while she's giving birth. Most doulas provide support before or after childbirth as well.

Unlike a midwife, nurse, or doctor, a doula doesn't have a medical role in childbirth, but is there to give expectant parents whatever kind of support they need. A doula might answer questions and provide information before the birth, rub a woman's back while she's in labor, and give advice about parenting concerns. Death doulas provide a similar type of support to patients at the end of their lives.

Definitions of doula
  1. noun
    an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
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    type of:
    assistant, help, helper, supporter
    a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
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