Penny Simkin, P.T., is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education and
labor support since 1968. She estimates she has prepared more than 11,000 women, couples and siblings for childbirth. The author of many books and articles on birth for parents and professionals, she also serves on the editorial board of the journal Birth, and the senior faculty at the Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University, which was named in her honor.