comadrona
/komaˈdɾona/
The Spanish word for midwife is comadrona.
comadrona refers to a person who assists women during childbirth. In some Spanish-speaking communities, the term doula is sometimes used interchangeably with comadrona, though a doula refers to a birth support specialist who is not necessarily a trained midwife.
Meaning: person who assists women in childbirth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word comadrona is etymologically related to comadre, which refers to a godmother or a close female companion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of comadrona is comadronas.
How do you pronounce it?
/komaˈdɾona/
Did you know?
- In some regions, if you call someone a comadrona in a joking way, you might be implying they are a gossipy or meddlesome woman.
- The traditional role of the comadrona often includes the practice of sobada, a specific type of massage used to reposition the baby before birth.
- Spanish has a distinct concept called compadrazgo, a system of ritual kinship that expands the family tree through the relationships created by comadronas and godparents.
Examples in context
- Respondieron las comadronas al faraón: "Es que las mujeres hebreas no son como las egipcias, son más robustas, y antes que llegue la comadrona, ya han dado a luz."They answered: The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women: for they themselves are skilful in the office of a midwife, and they are delivered before we come to them.This sentence shows the use of the plural form comadronas.Tatoeba #7962245 by carlosalberto, translation #7962242 by carlosalberto
- La partera brinda cuidados excelentes durante el proceso de parto.The midwife provides excellent care during the delivery process.
- La comadrona tiene una gran experiencia en partos naturales.The midwife has extensive experience in natural births.
- Mi hermana quiere ser matrona y ayudar a las mujeres durante el parto.My sister wants to become a midwife and help women during childbirth.
- La comadrona preparó todo para el parto.The midwife prepared everything for the birth.
- Necesitamos hablar con la comadrona ahora.We need to speak with the midwife now.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing their birth plan.
- ElenaQuiero que nos acompañe una comadrona.I want a midwife to accompany us.
- Alejandro¿Conoces a alguna comadrona buena?Do you know any good midwife?
- ElenaSí, mi hermana recomienda a una.Yes, my sister recommends one.
- AlejandroPerfecto, busquemos su contacto.Perfect, let's look for her contact information.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comadrona, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
