The Midwife's Christmas Wish by Leigh Bale

Author:Leigh Bale
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-09-14T18:37:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“Congratulations! I believe you’re about ten weeks along,” Lovina said.

She sat at a small table in Fannie Fisher’s bedroom. Picking up a pen, she jotted several notes on the chart she’d just created for the new mother-to-be. Late-morning sunlight gleamed through the window as Fannie sat at the foot of the bed. She waited as Alvin knelt in front of her and tied the laces to her practical black shoes. Finished with the chore, Alvin stood and stared at his wife with doe-eyed fondness. Lovina looked away.

“Everything is okay, then?” he asked quietly.

Lovina knew his question was for her, though his gaze remained fixed on Fannie. He’d been here while they’d listened to the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. It had been a happy experience, to say the least. The couple was practically glowing, filled with the warmth that only new parenthood could bring.

Lovina set her pen down and nodded. “Both mudder and boppli appear to be just fine.”

“You’re absolutely sure the boppli is allrecht?” Fannie asked, smoothing her hands over her long skirts as she stood.

“As far as I can tell, everything looks great. The boppli’s heartbeat is strong and appears normal,” Lovina said.

She quickly labeled and stowed the vials of blood and urine she’d taken from Fannie in her medical bag. They’d be sent to a lab to check for Rh factor, blood type, anemia, sugar, protein and any possible infections.

“And what about me? Am I okay?” Fannie asked.

Lovina glanced at the young woman, wondering what she meant. Then Lovina noticed a hint of fear in the young woman’s eyes.

“Ach, sure! Your blood pressure is right where it should be. Once I get the results back from your labs, I’ll know more. But I see nothing that alarms me. Nothing at all,” she said.

“But my mamm had an awful time birthing her six bopplin. And I’m built narrow, just like her.” Fannie’s voice trembled and she clutched Alvin’s hand until her knuckles whitened.

Feeling confused, Lovina glanced at the young woman and saw how her forehead creased with worry, her eyes wide and uncertain. She looked almost terrified. In all her years as a midwife, Lovina had never encountered so much anxiety in a new mother. Fannie seemed to need extra reassurance.

Stepping over to the girl, Lovina reached out and squeezed her arm. “Don’t fret, Fannie. From your exam, I don’t think you’ll have trouble giving birth. I believe you’ll do just fine. Try to enjoy this experience. Think about your boppli and have fun with this special time in your life!”

Fannie blinked at her for several moments, as if she didn’t understand. Then she nodded. “Allrecht, I’ll try.”

Inwardly, Lovina took a deep, relaxing breath. Motherhood could be a bit unsettling, especially with the first baby. As Fannie’s midwife, Lovina was in this for the long haul and determined to make it as joyful and easy as possible for the new mother.

Lovina met Fannie’s gaze without flinching. “Just remember to eat right, take a brisk walk every day and focus on your boppli.

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