Randy Dotinga
Science

Mommy the Automaton: New Interactive Simulators Teach Labor and Birth

A new generation of complex, electronic birth simulators allow medical students to practice labor and birth -- especially when there are complications. Meet the mannequins.
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Staff members "deliver" a baby from the medical-simulation device named "Noelle" at the Harvard University's Center for Medical Simulation. The Noelle mannequin, which costs up to $35,000, does just about everything except tell the partner with videocamera to scram. The cervix dilates and the mannequin's pulse rises as a compressor pushes out a bouncing baby mannequin. Noelle is a veteran of countless abnormal deliveries with babies in the wrong position.Photo: Courtesy of Center for Medical Simulation
NOW PUSH
Photo: Courtesy of Gaumard Scientific
ALL OVER BUT THE SLAPPING
Photo: Courtesy of Center for Medical Simulation
MEET THE MANNEQUIN MOM
Photo: Courtesy of Brigham and Women's Hospital
TORSO NOT REQUIRED
Photo: Courtesy of Limbs & Things
HEADS UP
Photo: Courtesy of Limbs & Things
SHE'S A DOLL

Photo: Courtesy of

Musées en Haute-Normandie
18THCENTURY FETAL MONITOR

Photo: Courtesy of

Musées en Haute-Normandie