Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 Join us for FUN at Freddy's Donuts Check our website for details: freddydonuts.com Mandolin Restivo, Certified Doula, LCCE of Brainy Birth shares how to choose your doula. Q. Where do you work and what is your title? A. I own Brainy Birth — a local doula business and am also the Director of Support and Development for Postpartum Support Virginia, a non-profit providing train- ing for maternal and mental health providers on mater- nal mental health issues, and offering social support for families struggling with maternal mental health issues. Q. What advice do you have for expectant moms on how to choose a doula? A. One of the most important factors is that your doula aligns and supports your vision for your birth. If you are seeking an unmedi- cated birth at home, a doula who is familiar with home births, as well as home birth transfers if needed, will help you achieve your goal. If you know you will want to receive an epidural, or if you are open to considering one, a doula who has experience helping birthing people who have received an epidural will enhance your birth experience. Your doula should also be skilled at coaching partners through how to be an amazing birth partner. As a doula, I want to ensure that the birthing person remembers their part- ner being a very wonderful support person. My role is to make sure the partner is set up for success. The ability to connect with, and to feel comfortable around your doula is extremely impor- tant. Birth is a very personal experience and you and your partner should enjoy talking with and spending time with your doula. Q. Are families able to interview doulas prior to retaining one? What does the process look like for finding and retaining a doula? A. Yes, all doulas will provide a consultation/interview. This is a chance to ask ques- tions and see how you connect. After the interview, you can select your doula, and then work together to fill out any contracts. Typically doulas require a 50% deposit with the final balance being due by 36 weeks. Q. Are doula services usually covered by insurance? A. Unfortunately, not. Families that have a flexible spending account can use those funds to cover doula services. checks. "We visit the family mul- tiple times to ensure that things are going as smoothly as pos- sible. We can help with feeding issues, newborn care questions and maybe most importantly, we listen. It's so important for new parents to be able to talk about what they are going through. Doulas offer not only a wealth of information, but we also know how to just listen without judgement or criticism," says Woodhead. Mothers giving birth during COVID-19 can still receive support from a doula, but it may look different than a tradi- tional doula experience. Woodhead explains, "Currently all area hospitals are only allowing one support person in Labor & Delivery; which is most likely going to be fathers/partners. Therefore, we have had to make use of Virtual Support. We have found that we are able to offer our clients a high level of support utilizing both Zoom and in-person prenatal visits and we have had success in supporting them during labor using Zoom, text and phone sup- port. Although not ideal, virtual support has proven to be highly beneficial. We work with clients even more thoroughly during their prenatal & postpartum visits fostering an even higher level of self-determination. With the pandemic, so many families are feeling a bit over- whelmed and feel so much is out of control. Working with a doula, helps families take an active role and empow- ers them through their journey, focus- ing on what they CAN control." Mandolin Restivo

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