Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1544692
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 www.FredericksburgParent.NET 3 This shared purpose shows up clearly in how the women's healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center approaches pa ents. "I love building rela onships with pa ents and being a part of their story," Barger said. Mateen added that one of her favorite parts of her work is being someone pa ents can trust with their vulnerabili es, fears, and concerns. That trust is built through a pa ent-centered approach that priori z- es compassion and pa ent advocacy. "I truly take me to listen and understand what ma ers most to pa ents," Mateen said. "I don't want my pa ents to feel rushed. I want them to feel heard and respected, and to have the confidence to make decisions about their health." Of course, behind every suppor ve birth experience is a larger team working in sync, and Mateen and Barger work in collabora on with Dr. Sco Walker and two women's health nurse prac oners, Farnaz Carter and Karen Owens. From front desk staff to nurses to doctors, collabora on is essen al. "It's really a team effort, and every role is important," Mateen said. Beyond pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Mateen and Barger dis- cussed that some of the most common concerns they hear from pa- ents involve hormones and mental health. "More and more women are seeking answers about their hormones," Mateen noted, along with a growing openness around mental health and overall well-being. But with that increased interest comes the need for clarity and educa- on. "Not everyone needs hormone tes ng," Mateen explained, em- phasizing the importance of thorough assessment. Barger cau oned, "A lot of hormone therapy is not regulated and can be very unsafe and do more damage than good." She went on to note that, with every- thing, educa on is essen al before making healthcare decisions. "One of the biggest gaps is simple lack of informa on," Mateen said. She explained that, too o en, women are told that symptoms like painful periods, heavy bleeding, or stress incon nence are just part of life. "Just because it's common doesn't make it normal," she emphasized. Both Mateen and Barger are commi ed to shi ing that narra ve by empowering women to take an ac ve role in their care. "Women have choices in their care. We try to be very patient-centered and bring the patient into their care, not just tell them what to do." – Mary Barger, cer fied nurse midwife Ask the Expert That philosophy also extends to labor and delivery. While midwifery is o en associated with low-interven on births, both Barger and Mateen emphasized that it's really about individualized care and informed decision-making. "I'm a lot more hands-on with the pa ent while they're laboring, trying to help them get through their labor in the way that they would like to. I'm here as much or as li le as you want me to be," Barger explained. Mateen advised, "Make that birthing room yours. It is your experience. If you like, bring your blanket or any pictures that make you feel happy, or dim the lights. Midwifery, of course, is not just labor and birth – it means suppor ng the woman's whole body's natural processes throughout." For women naviga ng healthcare decisions or preparing for birth, early and ongoing educa on makes a world of difference. "I always tell pa ents, the more educa on you have, the more power you have in your birth," Barger said. Ul mately, the healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center wants women to understand that their voices ma er. "Listen to your body, don't ignore changes, and speak up," Mateen said. Barger added, "Know that you have choices and that there are provid- ers who want to listen and help you." Evidencebasedbirth.com features information from The World Health Organization and is a trusted resource. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center offers: hcavirginia.com/loca ons/spotsylvania-regional-medical-center Weekly postpartum meetups for moms and babies to connect with other moms going through similar experiences Childbirth and breastfeeding classes Sponsored Material Ask the Expert a sk t h e e x p e rt www.FredericksburgParent.NET 3 This shared purpose shows up clearly in how the women's healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center approaches pa ents. "I love building rela onships with pa ents and being a part of their story," Barger said. Mateen added that one of her favorite parts of her work is being someone pa ents can trust with their vulnerabili es, fears, and concerns. That trust is built through a pa ent-centered approach that priori z- es compassion and pa ent advocacy. "I truly take me to listen and understand what ma ers most to pa ents," Mateen said. "I don't want my pa ents to feel rushed. I want them to feel heard and respected, and to have the confidence to make decisions about their health." Of course, behind every suppor ve birth experience is a larger team working in sync, and Mateen and Barger work in collabora on with Dr. Sco Walker and two women's health nurse prac oners, Farnaz Carter and Karen Owens. From front desk staff to nurses to doctors, collabora on is essen al. "It's really a team effort, and every role is important," Mateen said. Beyond pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Mateen and Barger dis- cussed that some of the most common concerns they hear from pa- ents involve hormones and mental health. "More and more women are seeking answers about their hormones," Mateen noted, along with a growing openness around mental health and overall well-being. But with that increased interest comes the need for clarity and educa- on. "Not everyone needs hormone tes ng," Mateen explained, em- phasizing the importance of thorough assessment. Barger cau oned, "A lot of hormone therapy is not regulated and can be very unsafe and do more damage than good." She went on to note that, with every- thing, educa on is essen al before making healthcare decisions. "One of the biggest gaps is simple lack of informa on," Mateen said. She explained that, too o en, women are told that symptoms like painful periods, heavy bleeding, or stress incon nence are just part of life. "Just because it's common doesn't make it normal," she emphasized. Both Mateen and Barger are commi ed to shi ing that narra ve by empowering women to take an ac ve role in their care. "Women have choices in their care. We try to be very patient-centered and bring the patient into their care, not just tell them what to do." – Mary Barger, cer fied nurse midwife Ask the Expert That philosophy also extends to labor and delivery. While midwifery is o en associated with low-interven on births, both Barger and Mateen emphasized that it's really about individualized care and informed decision-making. "I'm a lot more hands-on with the pa ent while they're laboring, trying to help them get through their labor in the way that they would like to. I'm here as much or as li le as you want me to be," Barger explained. Mateen advised, "Make that birthing room yours. It is your experience. If you like, bring your blanket or any pictures that make you feel happy, or dim the lights. Midwifery, of course, is not just labor and birth – it means suppor ng the woman's whole body's natural processes throughout." For women naviga ng healthcare decisions or preparing for birth, early and ongoing educa on makes a world of difference. "I always tell pa ents, the more educa on you have, the more power you have in your birth," Barger said. Ul mately, the healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center wants women to understand that their voices ma er. "Listen to your body, don't ignore changes, and speak up," Mateen said. Barger added, "Know that you have choices and that there are provid- ers who want to listen and help you." Evidencebasedbirth.com features information from The World Health Organization and is a trusted resource. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center offers: hcavirginia.com/loca ons/spotsylvania-regional-medical-center Weekly postpartum meetups for moms and babies to connect with other moms going through similar experiences Childbirth and breastfeeding classes