Despite its original ancient Greek definition of "a woman who serves," the word "doula" has come to mean "one who mothers the mother." In caring for mothers and their newborns, doulas advocate, listen, advise and comfort. They are professionally trained to provide emotional and informational support during pregnancy and labor as well as after birth, sometimes specializing in one of these periods. Doulas also manage anxiety, depression and fear.

In earlier generations in many parts of the world, women were not part of the workforce. When a new mother came home with her baby, or when she delivered the baby at home, she was typically cared for by her own mother, and perhaps her sister and a couple of aunties, who helped her manage the needs of an infant until she was able to get her bearings. But with women working, families spread out across the world and some people estranged from their families, doulas arguably fill an important need more than ever. They empower and champion ...