Penny Simkin, the “mother of the Doula movement”, dies at 85
Penny Simkin, a childbirth educator and author often described as the "mother of the doula movement," died April 11 at her home in Seattle. She was 85 years old.The cause was pancreatic cancer, said his daughter, Linny Simkin.Ms. Simkin, a physical therapist turned birth educator, has been a pioneer in helping women have a better experience during and after childbirth. Doula is the Greek word for “handmaid” and was adopted several decades ago by alternative birth professionals to refer to someone who supports mothers during labor. In books, seminars and training organizations, Ms. Simkin has helped popularize that role and has worked as a doula herself.Doulas are not medical professionals; their role is to provide comfort to women in the delivery room and postpartum care at home. Such...