Simulationist's Guide to Picking Your Birthing Simulator

In this episode of Simulation Nation, Amy and Megan take a deep dive into the world’s top birthing simulators—from high-tech mannequins to global health solutions built for low-resource settings. They break down what makes each option stand out (or fall flat), looking at realism, cost, and how well each one actually prepares healthcare professionals for the real thing. You’ll hear their honest take on which simulators truly put the patient first, why standardized patients matter more than ever, and how simulation can close critical gaps in maternal care—especially for women of color. Whether you're building a sim center or updating your OB training, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and choose smarter. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Birthing Simulation 2:55 Challenges in Birthing Simulation 5:53 Exploring Birthing Simulator Options 9:07 Comparative Analysis of Mannequin Brands 12:00 Understanding Costs and Features 15:06 Real-World Applications and Limitations 17:56 The Role of Standardized Patients in Simulation 21:21 Innovative Birthing Simulators for Global Health 28:51 Understanding the Limitations and Benefits of Simulators 31:48 Advancements in Birthing Simulation Technology 35:10 Addressing Disparities in Maternal Health 43:40 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care in Simulations Simulators Discussed: Victoria @GaumardScientific, Lucina @elevate-healthcare, MamaAnne, MamaBirthie @LaerdalMedical, Avbirth @AvkinInc _____________________________________________________________________ Learn More -- www.Avkin.com Get a Quote -- https://avkin.com/book-meeting/ Subscribe! -- @AvkinInc Check out all of our wearable simulators and packages! #Avbirth -- https://avkin.com/avbirth-simulator/ #Avtrach -- https://avkin.com/avtrach-tracheotomy-simulator #Avstick -- https://avkin.com/avstick-iv-simulator/ #Avline -- https://avkin.com/avline-infusion-simulator/ #Avtone -- https://avkin.com/avtone-heart-lung-simulator/ #Avcath -- https://avkin.com/avcath-catheterization-simulator/ #Avthor -- https://avkin.com/avthor-chest-tube-simulator/ #Avwound -- https://avkin.com/avwound-wound-simulator/ #Avband -- https://avkin.com/avband/ #EliteSimulationPackage – https://avkin.com/elite-simulation-package/ #ManikinReplacementPackage – https://avkin.com/manikin-replacement-package/ #VitalSingsPackage – https://avkin.com/vital-signs-package/ _____________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to Simulation Nation Podcast: YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX-Gk1Ze6MJFalxsyfTq3tbmTOhcTufLY&si=Ydcy_O6x87PUPY8e Podcast Subscription: https://simulationnation.buzzsprout.com ______________________________________________________________________ Need help starting a Standardized Patient Program? Check out AvMentor! #Avmentor -- https://avkin.com/avmentor/ About Avkin Avkin was started by a nurse simulationist at the University of Delaware who saw the need for a better way to educate her students. She went to the engineering department with an idea to develop a wearable tracheostomy prototype. After other companies would not license the technology, we submitted a poster at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH). We won first prize for innovation and technology at the conference and decided we would start our own company. Avkin has grown exponentially over the years, expanding product lines beyond wearable simulators and into standardized patient methodology and consulting.