West Orange, NJ, February 3, 2025 –RWJBarnabas Health is leading the charge in advancing maternal care through simulation-based training programs. With a focus on enhancing outcomes for mothers and infants, these innovative exercises prepare healthcare providers to act swiftly and effectively in critical situations.
A Commitment to Excellence in Maternal Health
As New Jersey’s largest healthcare system, RWJBarnabas Health delivers the most babies in the state. With this responsibility comes the need for constant innovation and education to ensure the best possible care. The health system recently hosted its inaugural obstetrics simulation-based learning (SBL) challenge, designed to enhance teamwork and improve responses to obstetric emergencies such as severe hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and sepsis.
“The ability to swiftly identify and manage these complications can mean the difference between life and death,” said Suzanne Spernal, Senior Vice President of Women’s Health. “Simulation exercises encourage collaboration and improve the dynamics of team interactions, which are critical during real emergencies. By practicing as a cohesive unit, our teams continue to enhance their ability to function effectively under pressure, ultimately leading to better maternal and neonatal outcomes.”
How Simulation Training Works
Simulation training provides a safe and controlled environment for healthcare teams to practice handling high-stakes scenarios. Using cutting-edge technology, these exercises mimic real-life obstetric emergencies, allowing participants to hone their skills and improve communication. From managing severe hemorrhages to addressing complications like sepsis, the training ensures that every team member is prepared to respond with precision and confidence.
“In a field where timely intervention is paramount, these strategies can significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of obstetric care,” Spernal added.
Recently, The Institute for Nursing Excellence, a leader in advancing nursing education and clinical practice, held a hands-on education event for nurses using one of the newest and latest cutting-edge simulation training tools, MamaAnne™, a full birthing simulation manikin with the latest, most-advanced, real-life capabilities. Learn more here.
Complementary Initiatives in Maternal Care
The simulation training is part of a broader commitment by RWJBarnabas Health to improve maternal health outcomes. Other initiatives include:
- Centering Pregnancy: Clinically led group prenatal care that brings together moms with similar due dates to support healthy pregnancies and babies.
- TeamBirth NJ: A national program to enhance communication between providers and patients, improving the birthing experience and outcomes.
- Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: The first of its kind in New Jersey, providing care for mothers affected by the most common complication of childbirth. Located at the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center in Eatontown and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, these centers offer comprehensive support for mental health.
RWJBarnabas Health continues to receive national accolades for its maternal health services and outcomes, including U.S. News & World Report recognition among the 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care including and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), New Brunswick; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset; Monmouth Medical Center and Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
Learn more about comprehensive maternity care at RWJBarnabas Health. If you or someone you know is pregnant or postpartum with substance use disorder and in need of support services, please contact our maternal health team at 848-303-0008. To reach the Center for Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Eatontown, call 862.781.3755 and in Livingston, call 973.322.9501.
Contact: Elizabeth Brennan
Elizabeth.Brennan@rwjbh.org