Trust is built through a patient-centered approach that prioritizes compassion and patient advocacy. “I truly take time to listen and understand what matters most to patients. I don’t want my patients to feel rushed. I want them to feel heard and respected, and to have the confidence to make decisions about their health.”

– Farwa Mateen, certified nurse midwife

At a time when women’s healthcare can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, the experience of being truly seen and supported matters more than ever, and that’s exactly what the team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, part of HCA Virginia, is striving to give women in the Fredericksburg area.

For Mary Barger and Farwa Mateen, certified nurse midwives with Pratt Medical Group and affiliated with Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, women’s healthcare is about more than clinical care. As they support growing families and accompany patients through childbirth at Spotsylvania Medical Center, they focus on building trust and empowering women with the information they need to make confident decisions about their health.

“I had somebody help me when I first became a mom, and it changed my whole life. At a moment when I was in the trenches of early motherhood, I had a midwife who helped deliver my twins, and she was amazing. I had a really good experience, and that led me on this path.”

– Mary Barger, certified nurse midwife

“I have been drawn to women’s health because
of my own experiences, too. I have had great, not-so-great, and absolutely horrible experiences, and when women are at their most vulnerable time in their lives, I want to remove those bad experiences. That’s my main goal, and women’s health allows me to walk alongside patients during the most important moments in their lives.”

– Farwa Mateen, certified nurse midwife

This shared purpose shows up clearly in how the women’s healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center approaches patients. 

“I love building relationships with patients and being a part of their story,” Barger said. Mateen added that one of her favorite parts of her work is being someone patients can trust with their vulnerabilities, fears, and concerns.

That trust is built through a patient-centered approach that prioritizes compassion and patient advocacy. “I truly take time to listen and understand what matters most to patients,” Mateen said. “I don’t want my patients 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 supportive birth experience is a larger team working in sync, and Mateen and Barger work in collaboration with Dr. Scott Walker and two women’s health nurse practitioners, Farnaz Carter and Karen Owens. From front desk staff to nurses to doctors, collaboration is essential. “It’s really a team effort, and every role is important,” Mateen said.

Beyond pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Mateen and Barger discussed that some of the most common concerns they hear from patients 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 education. “Not everyone needs hormone testing,” Mateen explained, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment. Barger cautioned, “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 everything, education is essential before making healthcare decisions.

“One of the biggest gaps is simple lack of information,” Mateen said. She explained that, too often, women are told that symptoms like painful periods, heavy bleeding, or stress incontinence are just part of life. “Just because it’s common doesn’t make it normal,” she emphasized. 

Both Mateen and Barger are committed to shifting that narrative by empowering women to take an active 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, certified nurse midwife

That philosophy also extends to labor and delivery. While midwifery is often associated with low-intervention 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 patient 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 little 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 supporting the woman’s whole body’s natural processes throughout.” 

For women navigating healthcare decisions or preparing for birth, early and ongoing education makes a world of difference.

For women navigating healthcare decisions or preparing for birth, early and ongoing education makes a world of difference. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center offers childbirth and breastfeeding classes, as well as weekly postpartum meetups for moms and babies to connect with other moms going through similar experiences. Barger also recommends using https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ , a website featuring information from The World Health Organization, as a trusted resource.

“I always tell patients, the more education you have, the more power you have in your birth,” Barger said.

Ultimately, the healthcare team at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center wants women to understand that their voices matter.

“Listen to your body, don’t ignore changes, and speak up,” Mateen said. Barger added, “Know that you have choices and that there are providers who want to listen and help you.”

 FredParent is your go-to resource for raising a family in the ’Burg. Whether you’re planning a memorable celebration without overspending, exploring local history through VA250, discovering a standout high school senior or just planting a kid-friendly herb garden, we've got you covered. 

Plus, find fresh takes on date spots, the BEST ice cream shops around town, spring festivals worth a stop. From simple afternoons to can’t-miss events, it’s all here.