DOULA 

noun  dou·la  \ˈdü-lə\

A Doula is a non-medical labor assistant who provides any needed emotional and physical support measures to assist a birther through the birthing process and to help the partner participate in birth at his/her comfort level.  The Doula is trained in methods of pain management and birth procedures to assist the parents in their comfort during, and understanding of, the birth process.

Merriam Webster defines doula (dou-la) as a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth

DONA International says: The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother/ birthing person before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when Doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier, and they chestfeed more easily.