Office Romance Uses Prosthetic Vagina for Childbirth Scene

Actress Betty Gilpin simulated a desk-side birth in the Netflix film Office Romance using specialized prosthetic effects. To capture the crowning moment of her character, Sydney Bloom, Gilpin utilized prosthetic legs and an animatronic baby managed by a puppeteer, according to a Variety interview published June 6.

How was the birth scene in Office Romance simulated?

To achieve the visual of a baby crowning on a desk, Betty Gilpin did not use her own body. Instead, the production utilized prosthetic legs and a prosthetic vagina to create the illusion of childbirth.

Gilpin explained that her real legs remained hidden beneath a table. A puppeteer stood at her actual legs, pushing an animatronic baby through the prosthetic device, which Gilpin noted made a “popping” sound during the process.

The technical reset for the scene was particularly intensive. Puppeteers had to reach through the prosthetic vagina to pull back the umbilical cord and a fake placenta to prepare for subsequent takes.

Did You Know? To reset the birth scene, puppeteers had to manually pull the animatronic baby, the umbilical cord, and a fake placenta back through the prosthetic vagina while Gilpin remained zipped into the equipment.

Why does this depiction of childbirth matter?

The scene serves as a narrative peak for the character Sydney Bloom, a pregnant executive at Cruz Air. The birth occurs during a confrontation with in-house lawyer Daniel Blanchflower regarding his secret romance with CEO Jackie Cruz.

Betty Gilpin on ‘Office Romance,’ ‘Oh, Mary!,’ Jennifer Lopez, More

This depiction ties into the film’s broader theme. Cowriter Brett Goldstein described the project as a “love letter to workaholics,” focusing on a “grown-up” romantic comedy centered on high-achieving professionals.

Gilpin’s reaction to the prosthetics—which she described as causing a “nervous breakdown” initially—highlights the visceral nature of simulating medical events on screen. She eventually found comfort in the presence of Jennifer Lopez, whom she called the “ultimate working mom.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the use of high-fidelity animatronics to simulate childbirth reflects a shift toward visceral realism in cinema. By focusing on the physical mechanics of crowning and the presence of the placenta, the production emphasizes the sudden, uncontrollable nature of medical emergencies within a rigid corporate environment.

What may happen next for the production’s impact?

The detailed behind-the-scenes look at the birth simulation could lead to increased viewer interest in the technical aspects of the film’s production. This may result in further discussions regarding how “grown-up” rom-coms handle physical health crises.

Given the specific “workaholic” theme, analysts may expect the film to spark conversations about the intersection of high-level executive roles and pregnancy. The scenario of giving birth in a professional office setting could serve as a catalyst for these discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who played the role of the pregnant executive in Office Romance?
Betty Gilpin, 39, portrays the character Sydney Bloom.

What technical tools were used to film the birth scene?
The production used prosthetic legs, a prosthetic vagina, and an animatronic baby operated by a puppeteer.

Who wrote the film and what was the inspiration?
Brett Goldstein cowrote the film with Joe Kelly. They wanted to create an old-school, grown-up rom-com that served as a love letter to workaholics.

How do you feel about the use of hyper-realistic prosthetics to depict medical events in movies?