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Guam - The University of Guam's nursing program is getting more hands on experience with the addition of another simulation mannequin. Learning for UOG students just got a little more hands on as the program has added another member to their Simulation Room called "Sim-Mom".


Sim-Mom does it all from contractions experienced during labor, the dilation and effacement of the cervix to the moans and groans cause by pain and the actual delivery of a baby. Student Mary Grace Aguilar told KUAM News, "If you see the actual birthing process its different from just reading off a book it's like when you apply the skills that you need to handle when you help the mom and the child then it would be easier if we have something to work on rather than just going to the hospital and not having that experience."


When a woman is giving birth tensions are naturally high as anything can happen during the process of labor Aguilar says working with Sim-Mom will help prepare students like her so they know what to expect when they set foot in the delivery room. "When we do the simulation at the lab you would observe the mannequin and it would breathe for you and then you would be able to palpate the pulse count the respiration and listen to the lungs and the heart sounds," she said.


Instructor and resource coordinator Veronica Alavae says with the specialized technology many different scenarios can be played out. She says that Sim-Mom can simulate a natural birth with no complications to a breeched birth and even simulate the cord being wrapped around the baby's neck. Students are able to see and hear the fetal heart beat, time the contractions, and see the strength of each contraction allowing them to gauge how both Sim-Mom and baby are doing.