Features of 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.

A unique resource that increases the teaching effectiveness and impact of:

Physicians

Midwives and Nurses

Family Planning Instructors

Counselors and School Teachers

Childbirth Educators

Medical Instructors

"An obstetrician and father of two children, I have personally had the benefit and experience of wearing The Empathy Belly. I found the symptoms created to be quite significantly similar to the discomforts experienced by patients in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy…it is my professional opinion that The Empathy Belly would be an extremely beneficial educational tool for expectant fathers, adolescents in sex education programs, medical and nursing students and the medical practices of obstetricians and family practitioners."

Robert Thompson, M.D. Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Clinical Instructor, University of Washington
Director, Anchorage Obstetrics and Gynecology

Comparison of "The Empathy Belly"^® Pregnancy Simulator
and the competitor's product:

FEATURES

THE EMPATHY BELLY

COMPETITOR'S PRODUCT

Wearable, vest-like Torso Garment:

70% polyester, 30% cotton

65% Polyester, 35% cotton

Attachment method of main garment:

3 extra wide Velcro straps across wearer's back ensure snug, secure attachment to body

Buckles and narrow bands make it difficult to snugly attach on wearer

Simulates 3^rd trimester weight gain:

31 - 33 lbs. (14.06 – 14.97 kg.)

19 - 25 lbs. (8.6 - 11.34 kg.)

Size(s) available:

Two sizes to accurately fit either adolescent build or adult build, depending upon usage

One size only

Water-filled vinyl bladder to simulate pregnant abdomen:

Soft, pliable, vinyl bladder creates the most accurate, soft and realistic pregnant abdomen

Overly rigid vinyl bladder causes stiff, angular, unrealistic pregnant abdomen

Simulates shortness of breath:

Rib belt with widely adjustable Velcro closure

Rib Belt with Velcro closure

Simulates fetal limb pressure:

Two, 7-lb. (3.2kg.), 3" wide weights (balls) that can be flexibly positioned to fit the correct location on the abdomen of various body builds of wearers

Two, 3.8 oz. (.10 kg.) golf ball sized balls sewn into rib belt (causing inaccurate positioning and discomfort on wearer's ribs)

Simulates mild fetal kicking:

Actively "kicking" weight is securely held at correct height and positioning in bladder

Ball in vinyl bladder is not held at proper height and positioning for realism

Simulates bladder pressure of fetal head:

Adjustable positioning of 6 lb. (2.7kg.) weighted bladder pouch for realistic, direct impact on wearer's own bladder

Stationary, non-adjustable weight

Cover-up garment:

True maternity smock in navy blue denim; comes in two sizes for versatility

Navy blue t-shirt; one size only

Science-based curriculum-manual

Yes. Includes extensive usage instructions to ensure maximum teaching efficacy. Also available in Japanese language

Yes, but minimal instructions on how to assemble and put device on correctly.

Instructor- training DVD included

Yes -- shows professional class presentation portraying dynamic dialogue and role-playing

No

Informed Consent Forms included

Yes

No

One poster size, color, laminated chart of the anatomical changes of the 3rdtrimester of pregnancy

Yes

No

Water Conditioner and Vinyl Bladder Repair Kit included

Yes

No

Embroidered, Nylon Tote Bag

Yes (Included in price)

Yes (Included in price)

Hard-sided Carry Case available
(sold separately)

Yes. Durable, Samsonite, hard sided, custom foam-fitted, Carry Case "On Wheels"

No

Price for 2008:

Only $499.00

$599.00

PLEASE NOTE: "The Empathy Belly"™ cannot be loaned out, rented, or sold to the general public. It is sold as part of a comprehensive teaching module, and therefore sold only to professionals in the medical, educational, and social fields.