Mannequin used for midwife training at university

A mannequin that simulates childbirth will be used by university students training to become midwives.

York St John University said it had become the first higher education site in the UK to use the lifelike mannequin, which can blink, breathe, communicate and mirror real-life clinical situations, including birthing emergencies, as a teaching tool.

The device will allow students to "be autonomous and get a more realistic experience" in a safe environment before clinical placements, according to Rebecca Beggan, midwifery programme lead.

"We know simulation learning helps to build confidence, but also competence - it really helps students immerse themselves and develop their skills," she said.

The technology enables the mannequin to simulate giving birth to a model of a baby "with very little intervention from myself as a facilitator, which is great for us in a teaching environment," Beggan said.

"We can focus more on supporting the students and helping them with the practical skills, without being directly involved in the scenario."

The mannequin, named Mama Anne, simulates a number of features including the display of a fetal heart rate and having a cuttable umbilical cord.

The birth simulator can also "talk" through recorded responses or in real time via hidden speakers, for role play scenarios.

Run by a digital programme, it can also give birth in a range of positions and can cry out if touched when consent has not been given.

"Clearly in today's training, that is vitally important - we instil gaining consent in our students," Beggan said.

She added that by using a simulation with lifelike reactions and bodily functions, it could prevent students from being shocked in their first clinical situations.

"It gives them some of that preparation which not only helps their confidence, but also their mental health as well, so they're prepared before they go into practice."

Rebecca Hudson-Tandy, lecturer in midwifery said the new technology reflected advancements in midwifery as a whole.

"Students can experience scenarios from start to finish, they can give full labour care, antenatal and postnatal care," she said.

"Midwifery is advancing so quickly and we're in this digital age now - the technology's there, let's use it."

The two new Mama Anne simulators at York St John have already been incorporated into training programmes for paramedics.

The university will launch its new midwifery degree programme in September 2026.

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