Doula: What is it?

Filed under: Delivery

Coming from the Greek meaning, "a woman who serves," a doula refers to someone who assists a woman before, during and after pregnancy. Doulas are different from midwives in that they do not provide any sort of medical care to the mommy-to-be, but instead focus on physical, emotional and information-related needs.

Two types include birth doulas and postpartum doulas, with each focusing on the needs of mothers at that particular pregnancy stage.

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's first grandchild Mackynzie Renée was welcomed to the world with the help of a doula. Proud parents, Josh and Anna Duggar, enlisted the help of both a midwife and doula in the birth of their daughter.

Find out more about pregnancy here.

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