Our History

PALS Doulas (originally Pacific Association for Labor Support - PALS, for short) was formed in 1988 in response to the growing need for labor support in the Pacific Northwest. We are incorporated and registered as a non-profit organization in the state of Washington. PALS has members from Bellingham to Olympia, and we invite you to become a member of our growing organization of doulas. PALS members are a diverse group of supporters and doulas, most of whom have completed the training sponsored by the Seattle Midwifery School, which is offered several times each year.

Historical Timeline

Early 1989:

PALS founded by Penny Simkin after the first Seattle Midwifery School sponsored Labor Support Course. PALS began providing referrals for doulas within the first year.

1991:

PALS files for incorporation and develops bylaws, scope of practice, code of ethics and goals.

1992:

PALS becomes an official not-for-profit corporation in the State of Washington.

PALS doulas recognized as community health workers by Public Health - Seattle King County, Island County and the statewide Maternity Support Services (MSS). Contracts with other MSS providers follow.

1995:

PALS begins a major restructuring process after being rejected by the federal government as a 501c3 not for profit organization.

1998:

PALS restructuring completed. PALS has a new mission statement and is now a trade organization supporting doulas.

PALS sister organization, Pacific Foundation for Childbirth Support (PFCS), is formed and receives its 501c3 status. The mission of PFCS is to serve birthing women through doula support.

PALS develops its website.

1999:

PALS celebrates ten years with a Birthday Brunch.

Penny Simkin Scholarship Program is created to honor Penny’s work with PALS.

2000:

PALS moves into its first office at El Centro de la Raza. Phone number, address, and referrals remain out of Penny Simkin’s offices.

Penny Simkin Scholarship Program is transferred to PFCS to administer.

2004:

PFCS becomes Open Arms Perinatal Services and begins co-administering the Mentored Pathway Apprenticeship with PALS.

2007:

PALS changes its name to PALS Doulas and officially changes their logo.

2008:

PALS Doulas creates an online referral system to go along with the phone referral line.

PALS Doulas begins to recertify their doulas.