Doula is a Greek word whose definition has come to mean a woman who helps other women. The word has further evolved to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.

(From "The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, 3rd Edition, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus)

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