Pacific Association of Labor Support | Supporting the Professional Doula since 1989

The Research on Doulas

The jury has been back on the positive impact of doulas on birth satisfaction and improved outcomes for 30+ years. From research articles, scholarly reviews, recommendations from ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) as well current pregnancy and parent magazines, doulas are here to stay. Check out what they have to say. 

 

The PALS Difference

PALS is the original doula organization dedicated to the development of the professional doula. Our goal is to doula you on your professional path and connect you with a rich and diverse community for ongoing support and skill development.

For other birth professionals, being a PALS Doula means community, development, and accountability to our organizational guidelines.

Looking for a doula? Find a doula!

PALS Doulas (formerly the Pacific Association of Labor Support) have been supporting birthing families in the community since 1989. We continue that tradition by connecting you with our many available certified and certifying doulas.

All doulas listed on this website are members in good standing with current, active certification or pursing certification with PALS Doulas. 

“While the doula probably knows more than the partner about birth, hospitals and maternity care, the partner knows more about the birthing person’s personality, likes, dislikes and needs. Moreover, the partner loves the birthing person more than anyone else there. The combination of partner and doula, along with a caring staff gives the birthing person the best chance of an optimal outcome.” 

-Penny Simkin, author of The Birth Partner

We’ve been connecting and supporting doulas for 30 years. We are here to answer your questions. help you find the right training for you, and assist you in certifying. 
We are committed to increasing accessibility to membership and certification to PALS Doulas in our community and offer a variety of full and partial scholarships. Click here to apply.

Scholarship Application

Years Strong!

“Only with trust, faith, and support can the birthing person allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower them. Thier strongest feelings [in terms of their birthings], positive and negative, focus on the way they were treated by their caregivers.”

-Penny Simkin and Annie Kennedy, PALS Founders

Supporting Members

We’re committed to providing a safe place for everyone to grow, birth, and find their best health. By caring for you and your family we strive to help prepare you for the transition to parenthood and the new addition to your family.

All people and families are welcome. We’d be honored to be a part of your journey.

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If you dream of serving birthing persons and families, the Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University delivers knowledge, tools, and skills you can immediately use in your community. Since 1988, the Simkin Center has helped more than 8500 students meet their educational goals and go on to become leaders in their professions.

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Nurturing Care for the Fourth Trimester. Providing

American Heart Association certified CPR instruction, H.U.G. Your Baby , a Becoming Us - Family facilitator, a certified maternal and infant sleep consultant, and CAPPA postpartum doula.

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The Mission of Big Belly Services is to create a more peaceful world by promoting healthy births, honoring this sacred earth that we all inhabit, illuminating the intersections of health with racial and social justice, and modeling sustainable food production.

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We believe in birth, and we believe in you. Caring midwifery support for in-home births.

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Sound Healing Accupuncture

Specializing in prenatal accupuncture to help prepare the birthing person's body for an optimal labor and delivery. Appointments available in my Ballard studio.

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