The word doula comes from the ancient Greek words
doule (servant woman) and
doulos (slave, servant). Before this, the origins are unknown; however, there is archeological evidence from prehistoric times (e.g., stone carvings, statues) of a companion providing support to a birthing mother.
The modern Greek word
doule is the source of the English word doula, which by 1972, meant a woman trained to assist another woman during childbirth and to provide support to the family after the baby is born. A doula is not the same as a midwife and cannot provide medicinal or midwifery support to the mother.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary,
https://www.etymonline.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula
Published on August 12, 2020 13:20