Where Does the Term Doula Come from?

The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves." Today, "doula" refers to a professional trained to provide emotional, physical and informational support to women throughout their pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period.

Where does doula originate from?

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman's servant.” Throughout history and in much of the world today, a cadre of women support a woman through labor and birth, giving back rubs and providing continuous emotional support.

Who coined the term doula?

The results were impressive. What was this magic that labor support professionals seemed to bring to improve outcomes for moms and babies? After connecting in the 1980s with co-founders Phyllis Klaus, Penny Simkin and Annie Kennedy, the group chose the word “doula” to describe a person who serves families in labor.