About the Simkin Center
The Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University trains social, practical and clinical care providers for pregnant and new families, including:
- Birth doulas
- Postpartum doulas
See a video documentary about birth and postpartum doulas - Lactation consultants and educators
- Childbirth educators
A department of Bastyr's School of Natural Health Arts & Sciences, the Simkin Center also sponsors workshops that focus on essential maternity care issues, as well as pregnancy and infant massage educator certification courses. Check our course calendar or get updates in our email newsletter.
Extraordinary Training
If you dream of serving women and families, Simkin Center delivers knowledge, tools and skills you can immediately use in your community. Simkin Center has educated, prepared and inspired more than 5,700 birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators and lactation educators since its inception. It can be argued that no other organization has educated more doulas, or advanced the concept and the doula profession more successfully, than the Simkin Center.
A Legacy of Childbirth Support
Simkin Center was founded in 1988 as a program of the Seattle Midwifery School. Early graduates of the Birth Doula Workshop founded PALS Doulas, a professional organization providing peer support, continuing education, doula certification and referrals.
Using PALS Doulas' organizational model, doulas around the country joined together to found DONA International. Simkin Center was the first organization to be granted DONA approval for curriculum and faculty.
Location
Simkin Center courses take place at the Bastyr University campus in Kenmore, Washington, and Bastyr University California in San Diego, California, unless otherwise noted. Student can stay on campus in Kenmore for a reasonable price.
Lodging
- There is a basic dorm room available on campus, steps away from your classroom. More info (pdf).
- There are many lodging options nearby the Kenmore Campus. More info (pdf)
Amenities
Our on-campus dining commons serves up delicious meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Contact Us
Email: simkincenter[at]bastyr[dot]edu
Phone: (425) 602-3378