If you are a professional in the medical, educational or social service fields, call Birthways at (800) 882-3559
birthways@empathy belly.org
A unique resource that increases the teaching effectiveness and impact of:
Physicians"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 3rd 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 3rd trimester 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 |
Yes. Durable, Samsonite, hard sided, custom foam-fitted, Carry Case "On Wheels" |
No |
|
Price for 2010: |
Only $649.00 |
$649.00 |
|
|
