The mother of modern childbirth education to be honored June 20

In her career, Penny Simkin has helped prepare many women, couples and siblings for childbirth. For this and her numerous other achievements, Simkin will receive an honorary Bastyr University degree June 20.

Simkin, the namesake for Bastyr University’s Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations, is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education and labor support since 1968. She will receive an honorary doctor of natural health arts and sciences degree at commencement to recognize her significant global contributions to childbirth education and humane care in childbirth.

“Penny Simkin’s name is synonymous with the effort to improve women’s experience of childbirth,” said Annie Kennedy, director of the Simkin Center. “For Penny to be a member of the Bastyr University family is a tremendous honor, and it is only fitting that we return that honor by recognizing her at this year’s graduation ceremony.”

In addition to a nearly 50-year childbirth-education and labor-support practice, Simkin has authored many books and articles, including the new edition of “Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide.” She also is co-founder of Doulas of North America International, a member of the editorial staff of the journal “Birth” and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University.