Team Member Spotlight! Meet Heather Fiorillo
Heather Fiorillo is a birth and postpartum doula and newborn care specialist serving Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. She is a certified babywearing educator and has been with Doulas of Capitol Hill since 2016.
When did you find your Passion, or when did it find you? I found my passion throughout my pregnancy with both of my children. I knew nothing about pregnancy or babies when I was pregnant with my first. I’ve always been an avid reader and learner so I threw myself into learning everything I could to be as ready as much as possible. When I came home with my baby though, all the books in the world couldn’t have prepared me for parenthood. I was overwhelmed with breastfeeding and taking care of a tiny human who never wanted to be put down. My partner had to go back to work very quickly and I was pretty much on my own. I suffered from postpartum anxiety and depression that went unchecked for months. This really ignited a passion to be a person of support for new parents. The care that I give to my client can make all the differences and it is something that I cherish.
Walk me through the step-by-step process that you went through to get where you are today. I had done so much research on what you need to do to become a doula. When one popped up in the city that my mother lived in I decided to buy a plane ticket for me and my two kids and left. She got to hang with the grandkids while I went to training for the week. As soon as I was there I knew I found my calling and especially so when I took the postpartum training and infant care. One of the things I love about this career is the ability to build on my skills. I took the babywearing educator training a year ago, and plan to keep adding to my resume of skills to better serve my clients.
If a kid walked up to you asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give ‘em your best tip, what would it be? I’d tell them what I always tell my daughter, enjoy being a kid and don’t try and grow up too quickly, it’s nothing but bills and adulting.
What would make you proud of yourself? Going out of my comfort zone, whether that is public speaking, learning a new skill or doing something new and nothing being afraid of failing at it.
What do you love about your life? How lucky I am to have found a partner that is a great dad and how much fun we have raising two kids together. I try and soak in as many little kids hugs while I can and remind myself one day they’re not going to need their mom all the time.
Occupation you wanted to be when you were a kid? When I was a kid I wanted to be a primatologist, I loved primates as far back as I can remember. I think wanting to help and being a nurturer is what makes doula work a natural job for me. I’m hoping one day I still get to play with a monkey!
What are your top three values? Authenticity, Compassion and Mindfulness.
Tell me about your favorite book or movie. I find it very impossible to choose from just one book or movie. Probably the book that had the biggest impact on me as a kid was “A tree grows in Brooklyn”, I always felt such a connection to the main character. I love fantasy and just finished the Broken Earth series. My favorite movies are Born in Flames, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind and any Christmas movie no matter how awful.
How do you like to be told you’re doing a good job? Verbally and often. Gifts never hurt either!
Who is your role model and why? Jane Goodall has always been my idol, as a young girl it was powerful to see a women in science, leading research on primates. I even got to meet her and have her sign a book for me, after waiting all day extremely pregnant but it was worth it! Lately, my idol has been Lizzo, I love blasting “Like A Girl” with my daughter!
If you had any superpower, what would it be? To never get tired. As a working mom, it seems like the to do list is never close to being done and I’m too sleepy to tackle it.
What was the last seminar, class, lecture, or workshop you attended? I believe the last workshop I attended was the evidence based birth workshop where we learned about local hospital statistics and hospital policy to best serve our clients.
What DON’T you know about yourself? If I stuck to Doulingo I might actually learn a different language, will I ever find out? Probably not unless I get that never tired superpower.
How would you describe your (doula) style? Laid back, calm, and reaffirming. I like to think I’m good at attuning to people and knowing when to turn up the energy or when to simply sit back and hold space for someone in a laboring setting. When it comes to postpartum you’ll find me giving non judgmental support and evidence based information when you ask for it.
Describe yourself in 5 words. Great friend, Warm, friendly, caring, and a bit sarcastic. Basically your standard cancer.
What sage of wisdom would you impart on new parents? That babies cry. I remember the panic of feeling like I was doing something wrong, trying to soothe my baby. The truth is most babies cry, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the job is reassuring a new parent that it is okay and see if they need soothing techniques or simply a break. Never be afraid to ask for a much needed break!
