Touching “Early connections” through the simulated delivery room

Following the academic sessions held in the morning, the afternoon of June 20 saw the International Conference “Early Connections – Approaches to Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology” take delegates into the hands-on practice environment at the simulation hospital of Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU).
 

Here, simulated childbirth scenarios were vividly recreated, allowing participants not only to observe professional clinical procedures but also to directly experience the core humanistic values of prenatal and perinatal psychology.

The highlight of the practical session was the family-centered care model. In the simulated delivery room, mothers were not left alone to go through labor surrounded only by medical equipment and clinical procedures; instead, they were continuously accompanied by their partners.

When the baby’s first cry was heard, fathers were guided to cut the umbilical cord themselves. This moment not only marked the arrival of a new life but also signaled the beginning of fatherhood, with its responsibilities, love, and lifelong bond formed from the very first moments.

Immediately after birth, the newborn was placed on the mother’s chest for skin-to-skin contact. Direct exposure to the mother’s warmth and the familiar heartbeat that accompanied the baby throughout pregnancy helps newborns quickly adapt to the outside environment while supporting stable body temperature, breathing, and emotional regulation.

Beyond the birth process itself, the practical session also extended into the postpartum period. Experts guided participants on how to care for and interact with newborns through eye contact, voice, touch, and early emotional responses. These seemingly simple connections play a crucial role in developing a child’s sense of security, attachment, and healthy emotional growth from the very beginning of life.

In Vietnam, skin-to-skin contact was incorporated into the Ministry of Health’s Essential Care Guidelines for Mothers and Newborns in 2014 and is now widely implemented at healthcare facilities across the country.

Along with advances in modern medicine, the role of fathers in the childbirth journey has become increasingly important. Fathers, not just mothers, are now encouraged to actively participate in newborn care immediately after birth, from holding the baby and practicing skin-to-skin contact to supporting breastfeeding. This model is currently being effectively implemented at many healthcare facilities nationwide.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Vo Van Chinh, CEO of Tam Tri Quang Nam General Hospital, shared that for an obstetrician, the greatest joy is witnessing the birth of a healthy baby. According to him, enabling skin-to-skin contact between mother and child during the first hour after birth helps newborns adapt more quickly to the outside world while laying the foundation for emotional bonding between mother and child.

Unlike conventional theories, psychology applied in obstetrics and perinatal care requires professionals to deeply understand the emotional changes experienced by mothers and their families. It involves the ability to identify psychological distress, provide timely counseling, and offer appropriate emotional support during some of life’s most sensitive stages.

PCTU’s investment in a modern simulation hospital system therefore serves not only as a training facility for professional skills but also as an environment where Psychology students can develop their abilities to observe, assess, and manage real-world clinical situations. This provides an important foundation for educating future psychologists who are both professionally competent and deeply empathetic.

As the practical session concluded, participants gained a clearer understanding of the role of psychological factors in childbirth and newborn care—where every touch, every word, and every presence can leave a lasting impact on a person’s development.

Photos from the practical session: