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Penny Simkin, a pioneering birth doula, passed away at the age of 85. She played a significant role in popularizing doula services for women giving birth. Simkin recognized that doctors and nurses often didn't have the time or inclination to explain options and help mothers cope with pain, so she provided coaching and support during childbirth. She also wrote books, trained doulas, and founded Doulas of North America (now known as DONA International). Simkin believed in the importance of continuous emotional and physical support for women in labor and saw a connection between childbirth experiences and subsequent mental health. She faced criticism from some medical professionals but also found allies among doctors who supported her research. Simkin's career as a birth doula began in the 1960s when she responded to a help-wanted ad for childbirth educators. She developed various methods to help women endure pain and make informed decisions during labor. Simkin's work contributed to the rise of natural childbirth methods and the recognition of the doula profession. She passed away in April 2024 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]