About The Empathy Belly

If you are a professional in the medical, educational or social service fields, call Birthways at (800) 882-3559
birthways@empathy belly.org

Birthways Childbirth Resouce Center, Inc.

Components of the Empathy Belly Main Torso Garment

			Weight Breakdown
			Small				Large
	Component	Quantity	Weight in lb (kg)		Combined Weight in lb (kg)		Weight in lb (kg)		Combined Weight in lb (kg)
A.	Pregnant Breasts	2	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)
B.	Suspended Weight	1	2	(0.9)	2	(0.9)	2	(0.9)	2	(0.9)
C.	Pregnant Belly (water)	1	8	(3.6)	8	(3.6)	11	(5.0)	11	(5.0)
D.	Rib Belt	1	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)
E.	Two Lead Balls	2	7	(3.2)	14	(6.4)	7	(3.2)	14	(6.4)
F.	Bladder Pouch	1	6	(2.7)	6	(2.7)	6	(2.7)	6	(2.7)
G.	Maternity Smock	1	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)	0	(0.0)
	Total Empathy Belly Weight		30 lb (13.6 kg)				33 lb (15 kg)

"The Empathy Belly" Pregnancy Simulator (U.S. Patent 4,531,919) is a multi-component, weighted "garment" that will, through accurate simulation, enable female and male wearers to temporarily "experience" more than 20 of the typical symptoms and effects of pregnancy. Through this hands-on. Experiential type of learning, wearers find out what it feels like to be pregnant and gain a realistic understanding of the changes and demands imposed by the pregnant condition

Following are some of the symptoms and effects that can be felt by wearing The Empathy Belly for 10 minutes or longer:

Body weight gain of 30 or 33 pounds (2 sizes)

Pregnant profile of enlarged breasts and protruding abdominal belly

Change in physical and personal self-image continuous pressure on the abdomen and internal organs

Postural changes of the back with an increase in lordosis or "pelvic tilt"

Shift in one's center of gravity; low backache

Mild "fetal" kicking and stroking movements

Shallow breathing capacity and shortness of breath increase in body temperature, pulse and blood pressure

A flushing sensation and increased perspiration

Awkwardness in all body movements

Pressure on the bladder, with increased sense of urgency and frequency of urination

Increased fatigue, slowed pace and restricted activity

Changes in sexual self-image and abilities

The Empathy Belly simulates these effects through the use of a rib belt and strategic positioning of various weighted components. It is a strictly external garment, and does not have any mechanical, electrical or electronic components.

The Empathy Belly comes in two sizes. Be sure to choose the appropriate size Empathy Belly for the volunteer(s) you will have. The small size fits most women, men of small stature, and most teenage girls and boys, ages 12 to 18. The large size is designed for men of average or above-average size, or above-average size, or older teenage boys who have the build of an adult male. The Empathy Belly should not be used on anyone weighing less than 100 lbs (45 kg) or more than 300 lbs (136 kg).

See more about the Features of the Empathy Belly