Word of the day: doula
Today, I came across a word I’ve never heard before – doula. Apparently, a doula is:
a woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth.
According to Wikipedia, the word doula originally came from Greek, and refers to a woman who personally serves as slave to another man or woman. In recent times, the meaning has obviously changed considerably.
You learn something new every day (or I do, at least)!
Date: 15 October 2007
Author: Russ Weakley
Category: General, News
Tags:
I heard about doulas only recently too. I guess they’re more necessary now that women aren’t always surrounded by lots of other women experienced in these matters. A woman in my mother’s group went to classes with one and thought it was worthwhile. But nothing I could have learnt before, I’m sure, would have prepared me for the experience.
And where did you come across this word? Lucky you learning something new every day! For my money you can’t go past kibitzer for a useful new word to add to your vocabulary.
Hmmm whatever happened to good ole midwife? Hmmmm yes something new everyday. I have my Daisytracker for my daily dose… but they don’t come up with new and/or difficult words. Still love the good ole Reader’s Digest Word Power.
On “Something new every day” – note how it was before – an infant learns something new every minute.
@Helen: How can I top kibitzer
@Amit: I think midwives are slightly different in their roles and responsibilities
@Peter: True, but much easier when you are starting with a clean slate.
My wife used a doula for our now two year old sons birth.
It was a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) so the extra help was great. She really calmed the room when the nurses were being negative about her chances.