Impossible character prompt

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   My genre is historical fiction, and my required character is a doula. The problem here is that doulas weren’t a profession until the 1960s. Am I to assume they mean midwife? There is no way to include a doula in historical fiction, unless you are specifically writing about 1960 and beyond. Not trying to be nit-picky but this has been awfully difficult and frustrating to research and try to include in my writing. Seems like an oversight. 

Edited by CGEE - 27 Jan 2026 at 7:16pm

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CGEE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Jan 2026 Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote CGEE Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Topic: Impossible character prompt Posted: 27 Jan 2026 at 6:47pm
	My genre is historical fiction, and my required character is a doula. The problem here is that doulas weren’t a profession until the 1960s. Am I to assume they mean midwife? There is no way to include a doula in historical fiction, unless you are specifically writing about 1960 and beyond. Not trying to be nit-picky but this has been awfully difficult and frustrating to research and try to include in my writing. Seems like an oversight. Edited by CGEE - 27 Jan 2026 at 7:16pm

NYC Midnight Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Location: Worldwide Status: Offline Points: 1978	Post Options Post Reply Quote NYC Midnight Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 27 Jan 2026 at 9:35pm
	Thanks for your question. We would recommend looking up the definition of 'doula' in a reputable dictionary, and then using a character that fits one or more of the definitions provided. You do not need to use the term 'doula' in your story, as long as it's clear that a relevant character in your story fits an acceptable definition. As an example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines a doula as "a person, usually a woman, who is not medically trained but who gives help and support to a woman during pregnancy and during and after the birth of her baby." So, if you were to set your story in the 1600's and a relevant character is offering help and support to a woman during pregnancy and during/after the birth of her baby, for example, it would be acceptable. There would be many other scenarios which would work, but hopefully this helps. Please let us know if you have any other questions or need anything else. Good luck!
	Next up is the Flash Fiction Challenge kicking off May 1st

NovaAdam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List NYC Midnight Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2026 Location: Vancouver, WA Status: Offline Points: 31	Post Options Post Reply Quote NovaAdam Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 11:11pm
	Crap, I didn't know that about the 1960 thing. I'd never heard of dula in the first place and only looked it up to get a definition. Well, we'll see how they view it in a Renaissance setting.