Students in Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) nursing program are using advanced simulation technology to develop skills in maternal and infant care. The college has introduced a new childbirth simulation mannequin, known as Mama Ann, which provides students with realistic training experiences that include both normal deliveries and potential complications.
Dr. Susan Dougherty, RN, DNP, assistant professor of nursing at GGC, explained the benefits of this hands-on approach: “It’s important for our students to know what to look for in their pregnant patients and newborns. Lectures give students the background information and what to expect, but the childbirth simulation brings clarity to what they’ve learned.”
Mama Ann is operated by faculty from a separate room and can mimic a range of clinical scenarios. Thienthao Tran, simulations lab coordinator, described some of its features: “Mama Ann’s skin is realistic, and students can feel her pulse in several places on her body just like a human. Students can feel the contractions and listen to the fetal heart rate. Mama Ann’s eyes blink and can dilate. Students learn to watch for symptoms that could signal complications and react to them quickly.”
The mannequin is capable of simulating emergencies such as seizures, post-partum hemorrhage, eclampsia, abnormal fetal positions including breech presentation and shoulder dystocia, as well as umbilical cord problems.
A recent systematic review published in January 2026 in Cureus found that simulation-based nurse training leads to fewer adverse outcomes for mothers and infants.
Dougherty emphasized how this type of preparation equips future nurses: “By being able to recognize and react to any abnormalities the mother or infant experience before, during or after childbirth, our students will have the knowledge and hands-on skills to know what to do. It’s important because nurses see OB clients in all parts of a hospital. They may encounter pregnant patients in the ED (emergency department) who were brought in as a result of an accident or other event, so they need to know how to handle those complications for the safety and well-being of the mother and infant.”
Student Doan Mallory said her decision to become a nurse was influenced by family experiences: “My younger sister is really allergic to nuts and has had a few near-death experiences because of it,” she said. “I want to know what to do and be that go-to person if something happens.” She added about her training: “It’s one thing to look at pictures and read the words, but it’s a whole other thing when it’s happening in real time. I want to get as much practice as possible so I can build my proficiency and critical thinking skills. In this situation, you’re caring for two humans, so knowing and recognizing early warning signs is important.”
Nathan Samuel also shared his perspective on participating in the simulations: “It was nerve-racking at first,” he said. “This is a very vulnerable moment for the mother. You’re witnessing a miraculous process as part of the team taking care of two patients so there’s a lot you have to watch for. You have to have the heart and passion for nursing.”
Dougherty noted how impactful these simulations are on students’ learning experiences: “Every time, about half the students will end up crying after delivering the baby,” she said. “They’re excited, fully engaged and caught up in applying what they’ve learned. It never gets old.”
The importance of improved training comes amid concerning statistics reported by March of Dimes; Georgia received an F grade on preterm birth rates, infant mortality rates—key measures related directly or indirectly with maternal health outcomes.
