Doula

<B>1.</B> A non-medical assistant in childbirth.

A doula is not the father but is usually a woman who is experienced in childbirth.

The role of the doula is to provide the mother with physical and emotional assistance before, during, or after childbirth.

Also known as a birth assistant, birth companion, childbirth assistant, or labor support professional.

<BR><B>2.</B> A non-professional assistant in dying, someone who is not a doctor, nurse, social worker or minister or a person like that, but is a volunteer.

A doula has been somewhat enlightened in the particulars of death and nutures someone through their final days.

The term doula was first used in this context by Phyllis Farley, a proponent of natural childbirth in New York, about 2000. From the Greek doule referring to a woman who was a slave or servant.