Growing up, I always thought the women who helped with birthing were called midwives. Then about a year ago I was contacted by a gal from my old high school who wanted to get back in touch. I thought it was odd, since we weren't really ever friends back then; but oh well, people change. Right? Then she started talking about her profession. She's a doula. She rambles on endlessly about how wonderful her job is because she gets to witness the "miracle if natural birth" over and over again and meet lots of new mothers. EEEW
Then I learned the word doula (more commonly spelled dulla but doula is acceptable) also refers to a disgusting, slimy inflatable sac located in the throat of male dromedary camels. When inflated, this sac protrudes from the camels mouth and flaps around splashing saliva everywhere and making a sound similar to a fart. This is supposed to attract a mate.
Yeah, that's what I think of when some woman tells me she's a doula...