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The hospital smelled almost the same as always. Unfortunately, Bobby and Athena have already gotten used to it. For 7 years of living together, for almost 6 years of marriage, they could have put on a blindfold and walked through the corridors of the clinic as if through a maze. And you can easily recognize any turn, remember where the treatment room or toilet is located, find the exit to the stairs or the fire exit.
In all those cases when they had to go to the hospital in an emergency after all those injuries (physical and emotional), the smell was intense and suffocating.
The unbearable wait. It's disturbing. Restless. It's been too long. It smelled of the rubber of the nurses' uniform slippers, starched dressing gowns, some kind of medicines and food brought on trolleys from the cafeteria.
But now?
It was completely different now. The tension was in stark contrast to the anticipation. It was a solemn expectation with a hint of hope, reverent joy, and awe...
A spacious, bright room designed to be a hospital ward, but with all the decorations and attributes it looked like an ordinary home bedroom. Except that the fancy bed with built-in lifts and a dozen buttons stood out a lot.
Soft evening light filtered through the covered beige fabric blinds. A crimson-pink sunset with shades of bright orange and muted yellow. It crept through the cracks between the stripes and cast perfectly even rays on the gray linoleum.
The whole room was illuminated. Ceiling lights placed almost every foot (for the best lighting and so that there is not a single dark corner). Wall lamps - above the bed, above the bedside table for the patient, above the sink (for doctors), located directly in the ward.
The floor lamp was located by a comfortable leather armchair, covered with a disposable blue translucent diaper made of non-woven fabric. Another lamp, a mobile, sterile metal lamp on three legs, stood on the doctor's right side.
A smiling, friendly woman was at the foot of the steep bed and, with all possible attention and care, performed her medical manipulations between the patient's legs.
- Okay, Athena, - Dr. Olivia Hapstall raised her head, looking directly at Athena and at Bobby, who was shaking for some reason. - This time it's not Braxton-Hicks contractions. I can congratulate you, you have gone into labor.
Athena threw her head back on the pillow with a bang. A long, drawn-out moan escaped from her lungs, and it's not clear what she felt more at that moment - the joy that this state would finally end and they would see their baby... Or the fear and horror of having to go through this difficult and exhausting path again.
- Of course, it's just fine, - she panted. However, just like the last three months, when the weight of the child pressed down on her lower back, internal organs, and swollen, leaden legs. - I've always dreamed of this...
Athena smiled slightly and turned her head slightly, hoping to find her husband's supportive gaze. Bobby was chained to her. He clung to her hand, feeling a nervous tremor, no less than she did. However, Bobby smiled and confirmed to her with his soft and confident look that everything would be fine.
- The opening of the cervix is only one finger long, so happy hour is still a long time away, - Olivia explained politely. The doctor pushed away from the bed on a chair on wheels, at the same time removing gloves from her hands. - But I'm glad you came so quickly.
- I was a little worried... It seemed to me that my stomach was turning to stone more than usual. And it definitely hurt more than before. There was almost no pain during the training sessions.
- Don't worry. You're in good hands, - the doctor walked around the side of the bed, rolling a portable ultrasound machine towards her. - I would like to say that this time everything will be faster and easier, but, unfortunately, this is not the case.
A cool gel poured onto a large, proudly protruding belly with a protruding navel, and then a gray plastic sensor descended, slowly sliding over the skin.
- Firstly, the last birth was many years ago...
- 19 years ago, - Athena stared intently at the screen, unmistakably recognizing the outlines of not only the child himself, but also the smallest details.
The profile of a baby's face with a straight nose like Bobby's and full lips like hers. She could count every tiny finger on her arms and legs. And she could even see his internal organs and the way his heart was beating.
- Bobby, that was 19 years ago... Did we make a mistake that we decided to give birth now? - Athena asked in an alarmed voice, shifting her gaze from the monitor to her husband.
- It's too late to think about it, my dear, - Olivia said with a soft laugh. - Your baby is almost in your arms. Secondly, considering your age, it is good that you are here. Thirdly, the size of your baby...
Athena rolled her eyes, preparing to hear the disappointing numbers. It's not that she wasn't happy that she was growing an absolutely healthy and strong life. But the fact that this life has literally grown to the size of a watermelon... Well... It scared her a little.
At the last appointment three weeks ago, their little plum weighed 8.38 pounds, and his height was 20.08 inches, which was already slightly more than in previous times.
- So, your baby has grown up a little more, - the doctor took the sensor down a little, making measurements. - His approximate height is 21.26 inches and his weight is about 8.6-8.7 pounds... - Olivia sounded a little puzzled, but then she quickly got her bearings and smiled.
- WHAT? - Athena gasped loudly and did not notice how she held her breath, looking confusedly at the monitor, then at Bobby. - This... This... Bobby! Oh, my God...
- Thena... It's not my fault, it just happened that way, - he raised his hands up in a defensive gesture, but immediately returned to his former position, bending down and covering her forehead and round cheeks with kisses.
- Well, that's to be expected, considering the difference in your sizes, - the doctor said with some pleasure and instruction, examining the man. Tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, sturdy. - Your baby will look like his dad. Although it will cause you some trouble at birth.
- May was born at only 5.51 pounds, and Harry was born at 6.17 pounds, - tears of hopelessness and hopelessness accumulated in the corners of her eyes and threatened to roll at any second. Athena raised her hands, quickly waving her palms over her face and trying to calm down. - Bobby-y-y! - she drawled, with a pitiful sob.
Bobby stifled a chuckle. He gritted his teeth, gently stroking her head and small curls. During pregnancy, all her hormones started to take over, and after so many years of straightening her hair at the barbershop, her natural curls began to show.
- Thena, baby... - Bobby held her hand tightly. - What can we do?.. That's nature.
- You will have many hours of labor ahead of you. All of this, - Olivia waved her hand around the room, pointing to a fitball, lower back massagers, and even an inflatable frame pool installed in the corner of the ward. - All this is at your disposal. The midwife will come in and check on you every hour or if you press the call a doctor button. If you want to use the pool, call a nurse, she will help you organize everything.
Bobby nodded in satisfaction. He listened intently, barely restraining the urge to take a notebook and write everything down on paper. And although he had many years of experience as a firefighter, including even several calls where he delivered babies himself, as well as three months of courses for expectant parents, which he did not miss a single lesson (and even listened to lectures at home), at this crucial moment he felt like he was on the most important exam. All the knowledge suddenly flew out of his head, leaving behind a ringing void, and there was a stupid misunderstanding in his eyes.
- You refused doula earlier, - Olivia put the sensor back into the groove, and gently wiped her stomach with several protruding stretch marks (pale, almost invisible from previous pregnancies, and bright and painful during this pregnancy). - Would you like to call her now? It will help to create a favorable and calm atmosphere, will help to survive strong contractions...
- Oh, God, no. No way, - Athena lowered the fabric of her hospital gown below her stomach, covering her nakedness, and reached for a thin blanket. Bobby quickly wrapped her legs around her, allowing her to feel a certain security. - I want to limit the number of people looking between my legs. Doctors, yes, but no one else.
- Okay, - the doctor grinned and nodded, carefully stroking her on the back of her hand. - If possible, it will be done by me and the midwife.
- Bobby will help me. And with the atmosphere and with the contractions ... - Athena sat up, taking a sitting position. - He's a firefighter, he went to the courses with me... He's a father, he knows what pregnancy and childbirth are, - she pursed her lips and looked at Bobby, knowing that he was listening to all her words, especially the last ones.
- Then I can leave you to your man and let you at least experience the most magical moment together, - Olivia pushed the ultrasound machine back into place. - We will only focus on positive emotions, right? - Athena tried to nod confidently, gently stroking her stomach, which was shackled by another contraction.
- Everything will be fine, you will give birth to your baby strong and healthy. Muscles have the ability to stretch and pelvic bones to spread, so you shouldn't be intimidated by its size. As soon as you pick him up, he will still seem the smallest and most defenseless to you...
Athena sobbed again, this time, imagining this picture that was waiting for her in the very near future. She was just as scared the first time her precious daughter was born. And she remembered how she had completely forgotten about everything when this tiny squeaking lump was placed on her chest.
Bobby pulled her by the shoulder to him, lightly kissing her temple. His heavy palm landed on his big belly, stroking it with all the reliability of a father.
- And if you used the oil that I recommended to you, then everything should be even better.
Athena and Bobby exchanged awkward glances. The man's face, which had been pale from exertion, was covered with red, embarrassed spots, and he looked away to the window. He still remembered how his wife had asked him...
***
At the end of the second trimester, after another visit to the doctor, which was the first and only time without Bobby's presence, Athena returned home with a bottle of fragrant massage oil without allergens in the composition, as well as instructions to do perineal massage with detailed instructions and accompanying pictures on its implementation.
For the prevention of injury to the soft tissues of the intimate area during childbirth.
Well, at least that's how Olivia explained it.
20 years ago and more, it was still not so popular. In addition, her older children were much smaller at birth, which ensured a very gentle and comfortable birth, and the rapid growth of her unborn baby gave some prospects. Thus, Athena was warned about possible and, most likely, probable ruptures and received recommendations about massage.
She waited until evening.
Slipping out of the shower, wrapped in a fluffy lavender towel, from under which bulged a self-confident and declaring tummy to the whole world, Athena gently smiled at her reflection in the mirror and took a bottle of oil from the shelf.
She bit her lip, considering her next move. In general, acting according to the instructions, she could have done it on her own. But what's the point if the massage needs to be performed right up to the birth, and then her stomach will grow even bigger and she will no longer be able to reach.
Besides, it was another moment where her man could take care of her. Athena grinned, and mischievous twinkles danced in her eyes as she imagined her husband's confused look.
She came out of the bathroom when Bobby was already lying on the bed with a book in his hands and glasses pulled down from the bridge of his nose. Instead of his favorite detective stories, novels, or even fire safety rules, he kept the second volume of «Fathers and Children. The path of becoming a decent parent".
Bobby lifted his head and gave her a soft look when Athena opened the bathroom door and literally floated into the bedroom, swaying her hips and sparkling drops of water on her luxurious cleavage.
He has already pulled back the covers on her side, placed a maternity pillow in the middle of the bed and another small foot pad in case she feels unbearable pressure in them again.
- Baby... Her voice sounded sickly sweet... Unctuous, flirtatious. And there was an anticipatory smile on his lips. The corners of her lips twitched and threatened to spread even wider. - Bobby, I need your help.
The man immediately put the book on the bedside table, putting a bookmark between the pages, and knelt on the bed. He held out his hand to help her get into bed, intending to put her in the right relief position.
- No, no, wait, - Athena stopped him with a wave of her hand. - Due to the fact that someone missed today's reception, some information was not received.
- I'm listening, Thena... Something happened?
- Because our baby is quite big, - she pointedly ran her hand over her round stomach. - During childbirth, there may be some complications in the form of soft tissue rupture... To avoid this, it is necessary to start doing a massage with oil.
Athena took his hand and placed the bottle in his palm, smiling smugly. Bobby smiled back at her and let out a sigh of relief. Until something switched in his head... He analyzed some facts - the small size of the bottle and the fact that the massage he had already performed would not help her avoid ruptures.
- Wait, baby... - Bobby frowned, performing a simple thought process... - It is necessary to massage... There? - he pointed down, raising an eyebrow questioningly. Athena nodded quickly, and then handed him a paper booklet with accompanying images.
- Of course, I can do it myself, but in a month, when our baby is still growing up, you will still have to do it.
- Oh... Wow, - Bobby unfolded the instructions, staring at the text with wide eyes. - U-uh... Okay, I can try... It doesn't look difficult... Okay, I'll learn fast. Then... U-uh... Lie down on the edge of the bed, I'll sit on the floor, - Bobby jumped out of bed, standing at the foot of the bed. He knelt down in front of her. - And spread your legs.
- Mhm, - Athena laughed, holding her shaking tummy and taking the right position. -That sounds so familiar, Bobby.
- Yeah, sort of, - he grinned, swallowing hard as he found himself between his wife's legs. Bobby sighed, slightly disappointed, because today he had a completely different mission.
He cleared his throat softly, placing the unfolded booklet next to her on the bed. Opening the cap of the bottle, a pleasant peach scent wafted through the bedroom. Using a pipette, Bobby applied a few drops to the labia majora and perineum, periodically glancing at the instructions.
- Bobby... - Athena propped herself up on her elbows, enjoying his concentrated look. - Baby, remember that this is a doctor's appointment, not a prelude to sex.
- Hmm? - he raised his head, meeting her gaze, and raised his eyebrows in pity. His expression became even more unhappy. He was eternally grateful to his wife for raising their child together, but the mere sight of her naked with her skin glowing from oil aroused all the male needs in him. Bobby groaned softly and nodded. - Yes, I understand.
- Ha, - Athena smiled broadly and reached out, stroking his hair (while she still could). - But in principle... One doesn't get in the way of the other, does it, baby? So... Do your best there.
Fueled by the not-so-subtle hint and anticipation of possible subsequent intimacy, Bobby completely beamed and lowered his head again, intending to start the massage as soon as possible. And then for dessert.
With careful movements, he rubbed the oil into his skin, warming it with his fingers.
- Apply the oil to the skin of the intimate area... Okay, it's there, - Bobby whispered softly to himself as he recited the instructions. - Okay... Now... Put your fingers into the vagina and press on the muscles of the pelvic floor so that you feel the tension of the muscles...
Bobby took another step and looked up, watching Athena's reaction. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back on the pillow and smiling slightly. Not noticing any negative reaction, he moved on to the next point, muttering the words softly again.
- Then relax the muscles and gently massage the skin, moving to the perineum down to the anus... - Bobby took his mind off the text and the picture and tried to reproduce the actions exactly. - After that, massage the skin with your thumb and index finger. The thumb is inside and the index finger is outside... Baby, are you okay?
- Well, what can I say, - Athena stroked her stomach. - I can feel your actions... It's not painful or unpleasant, it's just that they are there. With your fingers inside, it's even a little nice.
- Well... Now you need to gently stretch this skin, pressing down and to the sides until you feel a slight burning sensation, a stretching sensation... Massage for about three minutes. Thena, tell me if it's too unpleasant, I'll be more careful.
- Bobby, I have to push your child into this world. So I'm going to get through some unpleasant feelings now. Do everything right.
- Okay.
For the next few minutes, Bobby repeated his actions, feeling more confident with each movement. He felt the muscles flex and stretch under his fingertips, but it wasn't the same as if he was just sliding inside her.
But still, her toes curled up, and after three minutes, Athena pushed her hips towards him. Bobby smiled broadly, leaving a wet kiss on his pubic area.
That evening, and often all the following times, when he got a massage, it usually ended with good and rather passionate sex. Of course, if Athena was in the mood...
***
Olivia smiled gently and, after making sure that the couple followed the instructions exactly and strictly followed the doctor's instructions, left the room, turning off one of the ceiling lights and dimming the lights in the room.
They both exhaled almost inaudibly, preparing for one of their most difficult journeys at the moment.
The next hours passed in a blur.
Bobby acted with the skill of a professional, and several times, until the contractions became even more painful, Athena even made fun of him. Something like the fact that he can become a good Doula himself. In her opinion, many women would want to squeeze his strong, strong hand and feel a pleasant massage of the lower back, which made life a little easier.
Despite the fact that this was the third birth in a row, they were clearly not going to go faster than the others. The body, apparently shocked that there was a child inside it at all, completely blocked any physical reminders. Therefore, both of them had to follow only the instincts of a parent and the instincts of a rescuer.
Almost 4 hours later, the midwife confirmed a new stage of dilation - about 1.6 inches, and Athena moaned in resignation, dropping her head against the headrest. Even though it hurt, she was glad that her body was slowly but surely getting ready.
After the inspection, she lowered her shirt again, trying to look a little more secure in it, although she knew that she was holding on to her word of honor and 4 ties. Athena moved to the fitness ball, which was covered with a disposable absorbent diaper. The water was just starting to drain, and she really didn't want to pour and drip everything around.
Perhaps in any other situation, for example, when Maddie herself spoke in colors about Jee-Yun's birth, Athena nodded in agreement and said to all her lamentations and sighs that "this is a normal, natural process". She knew and confirmed to Maddie that childbirth could be scary, painful, and panic-stricken.
There may be bleeding, there may be tears, and eventually, you can shit yourself. But it's easy to be an expert in conversation, and it's quite another thing to experience it for yourself. At such a moment, Athena wanted as much privacy as possible and did not want to embarrass anyone, including herself.
Of course, already being a mother twice, Athena knew that childbirth is an unpredictable process, and at any moment it can go down a path that a woman does not plan at all.
When May was born, everything was like a textbook. Her water broke at home, Michael took her to the hospital, and there she immediately began to have increasing contractions. Her baby girl was born in 16 leisurely hours. Zero breaks and a million positive emotions.
Things were a little different with Harry already. It was already a long-awaited pregnancy and a little forced. She and Michael both needed minor hormonal treatment to conceive their second child, and the birth certainly didn't go according to plan. The contractions started in the car when they were returning from Michael's parents' house. The water wouldn't drain, and the bubble had to be pierced. 13 hours of labor and still zero breakups and a million positive emotions.
Almost 20 years later, Athena was already extremely cautious and prudent. The maternity hospital bag was ready in the middle of the term. The route to the hospital has been worked out dozens of times, taking into account different circumstances on the roads. And Bobby was on speed dial.
- Thena? - Bobby leaned into her ear, calling her softly, noticing that she had been silent for several minutes. Athena gently rocked her hips on the ball in a circular motion while her husband stood behind her and slid along her lower back with firm, confident movements. - Baby, is there anything else you need? Do you want some water?
- Bobby... - Athena held her breath, and then slowly exhaled through pursed lips, living through another contraction. - Your son wants to drill a well in me, and you're asking if I need anything?
- U-uh... Yeah, sort of, - Bobby tried to answer evasively, knowing that Athena could be angry and even aggressive in a moment of tension.
But usually, it was related to work moments where her husband had absolutely nothing to do with it. But now... Now she was pushing the child out of herself, to whom he was directly related.
So, yes, Bobby was careful.
- Yes, water would be nice, - Athena grinned, suppressing the urge to strangle her husband and his magnificent cock. Bobby immediately brought a glass of ice water with a plastic tube in it to her lips. - Mhm, thanks, baby...
- I should be thanking you... I can't imagine what I should give you for living now... You bring our child to us through pain and suffering... You're giving us a whole new world...
- You're already doing everything and more for us, Bobby, - Athena lifted her head and turned around. She grimaced before continuing and slowly lifted herself off the ball. - Wait, let's change positions a bit...
Bobby nodded and walked briskly around the room, following her instructions. He got up from his knees and sat on a small stool, and Athena returned to the fitball, but this time she leaned back against his wide, warm chest.
His hands slid under the fabric-covered stomach and began to slowly massage the tense area. Athena placed her palms on top of his, meditatively tracing circles on his white, barely tanned skin with her thumb. She rested her head on his shoulder and exhaled a little-the new position was relieving.
- Like I said, Bobby... You do a lot for us. You take care of me in a way I've never seen in a movie or read in a book. And it's always been that way. Both before and during pregnancy. And it takes my breath away when you look at me like that... - Athena squeezed his hands lightly.
- It's like I'm the only one in the universe for you... Baby, you're already giving me everything I could ever dream of before... Love, happiness, warmth... Joy, comfort, unity... Mutual understanding, harmony, and support... Trust, protection, strength... For me, for the children to whom you have become a father no less than Michael... For our son... I don't need to give anything... Bobby, I love you, and the greatest gift for me is you.
Bobby held his breath, immersed in her frank speech. Her words chilled him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes, making him tremble and cry silently with an infinitely grateful and wide smile on his face.
He couldn't say anything in response. It was beyond his power to formulate something so beautiful right now, and therefore he only pressed her so fragile and strong at the same time to himself and kissed her temple wet with sweat.
- However, - she suddenly continued with a laugh in her voice. - I wouldn't mind something as big and as radiant, - Athena raised her hand, pointing at her ring. - Maybe earrings or a necklace... But keep in mind that each subsequent diamond must be no smaller than the previous one.
Athena playfully slapped his thigh with her palm, and they laughed together. The tense, extremely romantic atmosphere subsided a little, giving way to some fun. But Bobby was already ready for that. A set of earrings, a bracelet and another ring with large deep blue sapphires was already waiting beautifully packaged in its hour. And he would never admit how much money he spent on it.
The next few hours passed in even more agonizing anticipation. When the opening of the cervix reached 3.15 inches, Athena moved to the bed. Her hand tightly gripped the plastic handrail so tightly that sometimes there was a slight creak and crack of the hull.
Bobby stopped smiling. All his instincts were focused on helping his wife as much as possible and alleviating her condition in all possible ways. He was still standing behind her, stretching his lower back, and gently stroking the side of her stomach, trying not to touch the straps and wires of the equipment.
Athena was lying on her side with her eyes closed and a blanket slightly pulled over her legs. Her entire lower body was bare from the chest down, and she was still determined to keep some pride until it was time to put her feet in the stirrups and push.
By this point, she was surrounded by a little more medical equipment. A pressure measuring device was attached to his arm, and ECG sensors were on his chest, showing a chart jump on the screen every time he had another fight. The interval between contractions that cramped the whole body was reduced to two minutes, and the duration was already about 75 seconds.
They were on the right track. A path that already has an end in sight and a great reward for a worthy passage.
Her stomach was surrounded by straps, under which two sensors were conveniently located - one recorded fetal movements, the second was attached to the projection of the uterine fundus and took into account her contractile activity during the study. In her free hand was a remote control, which she practically did not press anymore.
The baby's movements had already stopped, and if Athena had panicked earlier, if she hadn't felt his tremors for more than an hour, now she knew there was nothing to worry about.
Dr. Hapstall reminded her that when the active phase of labor begins, the baby is most often at rest. The first contractions of the uterus cause severe pressure on his body, which limits the ability to make active movements. This is normal and should not cause concern to the expectant mother.
Besides, the kid himself made some changes. While active movements are minimal, he changed his position inside the uterus, including changing the position of his head. The small head turns so that it can more easily pass through the narrow pelvis of the mother. The head tilts forward so that the chin is closer to the chest, and then turns towards the exit from the pelvis.
Athena let go of the bed rail and held out her hand, silently asking her husband to come closer to her.
- Baby, - Bobby was right in front of her, sitting on a low chair on wheels.
He took a small towel from a bowl of cool water, wrung out the excess water and leaned it against her heated skin. Athena smiled gratefully, offering her face and neck, while Bobby gently wiped her, removing excess sweat and bringing at least a little relief.
When he reached for the bowl again, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it in her palm. Athena clenched her teeth, trying not to scream, but only to exhale properly. She buried her face in the pillow while her hand gripped Bobby's fingers tightly, squeezing all his veins and arteries.
Bobby gasped softly and shook his bluish hand as the fight receded, and Athena loosened her grip and exhaled softly.
- Thena, baby, is there anything else I can do for you? - despite the fact that Bobby was literally there every second, without leaving, it seems, even to go to the toilet, it still seemed to him that he was not doing enough.
However, it probably seems that way to many men who are present at such a moment. A loving man always wants to take away at least some of the pain for himself, and around him there are regrets and talk of injustice that all the hard part goes exclusively to women.
- Not being born with the figure of a Scandinavian God, Bobby, mhm... - Athena moaned softly. - Your son is making his way to the exit with the determination of a Thor... And I wouldn't be surprised if he has a little hammer hidden in his fist, which he uses to smash everything around him...
Bobby laughed, but there wasn't an ounce of relief in it. He knew that his wife was in pain that he couldn't even imagine. It hurt when the roof of the Control Center collapsed on him, it hurt when he was shot, it hurt when he was lying on the ground under the overpass, crushed by asphalt and containers. But all this seemed to him a trifle compared to the birth of a new life.
- So when he kicked sweetly and neatly, it was "our child", and when he gets out of you, it's "my child"? - Bobby brushed the damp strands of curls away from her face. And Athena... Athena gave him a look that made him want to shut up immediately and sink into the ground right there. - Okay, baby, I get it... And so it is...
And then came that very moment.
Athena screamed, but not in the same way as before. Rather, it was something unexpected. The realization and feeling that suddenly surged through her and made it clear that she had crossed another milestone and was moving on to the next stage of labor.
- Bobby... - she looked up at him anxiously and nodded slightly. The pressure on the pelvic floor reached its peak, and the urge to empty the intestines became almost unbearable, which meant only one thing. - Baby, get the doctor...
Bobby nodded back, acting with the precision and attentiveness of a lifeguard. He pressed the call button and helped her roll over onto her back. Carefully folding the blanket and putting it on the armchair, Bobby, controlling the remote control from the mechanical bed, lifted the upper part so that Athena could take a reclining position.
She moved closer to the edge of the bed, clutching the edges of her shirt in her fists. His breathing became even more rapid and ragged. Bobby was at the head of the bed so as not to interfere with the doctor's manipulations and held her by the forearm. Not much, but it was noticeable, which gave Athena the opportunity to feel his presence and breathe with him in the same rhythm.
Olivia entered the room with the midwife and the nurse, already wearing a disposable robe over her uniform. Her wide smile was almost blinding and gave some kind of endless hope that everything would certainly be fine.
- Athena, how are you feeling? - Olivia washed her hands thoroughly, and then, with the help of a nurse, put on gloves and went to the bed.
- As if a man is going to get out of me now... - under the close supervision of the doctor, Athena spread her legs as wide as possible, allowing him to examine her. - Damn it...
- As it usually happens, - a quiet chuckle was heard. - 8 inches in, 20 inches out... Men would never do that, would they?
Athena laughed softly, satisfied with the doctor's remark. She turned her head to the side and slapped Bobby's stomach, while he stood frozen like a statue, and only mechanically continued to stroke her head.
- Humanity would have died out before our era if men had to give birth, - Athena replied.
- It's true... Well, you have full disclosure, we need to push, Athena.
Olivia lifted the stirrups hidden on the sides of the bed and helped her into position. Athena felt her hips move even lower under the influence of the doctor's skillful movements, giving her full and uncompromising access to her naked body.
- Athena, you're going to push when I tell you to, okay? This can be a traumatic period, and it's important to take your time and act carefully, even if it feels like you want to do everything faster, you know?
- Yes, of course, - she nodded in agreement.
Athena swallowed convulsively, and then the gesture that always helped her to ground herself and feel solid ground under her feet brought her back to reality. Bobby reached out, squeezing her shoulder in a supportive gesture, and his free palm lightly stroked the back of her hand.
- Okay, let's start now, - looking at the monitor and counting down the seconds until the approaching fight, Olivia carefully placed her right hand on the stone stomach, helping to feel the direction of movement. - Athena, take a deep breath, hold your breath, and...
Athena gripped the handrail of the bed tightly, digging her nails into her husband's arm with her other hand. She directed all the pressure downwards, effortlessly lifting her upper torso off the bed. After 15 seconds, Olivia told her to stop, take a few deep breaths, and repeat the action.
- Okay, you're doing great, - Athena noisily leaned back against the pillow, trying to breathe quickly and deeply so as not to lose her breath. - We rest until the next fight, and then we repeat everything again... It's a simple process, isn't it?
- Of course... - Athena shot a tired but completely unfriendly glance at Bobby. - If someone else wasn't the size of a Viking, I'd feel better.
- I'm sorry, baby, - Bobby smiled at her with an apologetic look, even though he knew he hadn't chosen his height himself. - Well, you knew who you married...
- Yes, Bobby... A few years ago, I was drooling over your physique, and my eggs were skillfully hiding from you for 6 years... Who knew that your nimble sperm cells would find them at 50?
Carefree, playful laughter rang through the room until Olivia asked her to focus on the upcoming moment. In the next fight, she managed to transfer 3 attempts again, which brought them all closer to this inevitable end.
In the midst of this state, Athena detached herself from everything else and focused only on her feelings and the doctor's instructions. And at that moment, she no longer cared what she looked like or how she behaved. She did not expend her strength on external extraneous stimuli, but used them for their intended purpose - for attempts.
- Okay, that's it, we're not pushing, we're resting... The next attempt needs to be breathed, let's not rush, the baby's head is already in the birth canal.
Athena nodded in agreement, changing her breathing rate to shallow and fast, so as not to succumb to the body's desire to push itself without the doctor's support. It took about 10 more minutes before Olivia cautiously but persistently asked her to stop the pressure and continue breathing.
- I can see the baby's head, now we need to stop a little, - Olivia moved both hands to the crotch, preparing to hold and guide the baby's head. - Now it is important that the baby passes through the pelvic floor muscles as smoothly as possible.
When Bobby heard the words that their child was about to be born, he moved a little forward, driven by the instinct to see it with his own eyes, but Athena grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back to his place.
- Bobby... Don't even think...
- I'm interested, - he said calmly, craning his neck and trying to see the whole process hidden behind his protruding belly.
- Now you're interested... And then you won't want sex because "you won't be able to see this picture".
- That's not going to happen, Thena. I love you completely without embellishment. I've already seen the birth.
- As you wish...
- Okay, we'll continue, Athena, - Olivia caught her attention by gently patting her thigh. - The baby's head will be born on the next attempt. We're not in a hurry, we're gathering all our strength and pushing down, but carefully, you know?
- Yes... Yes...
Athena squeezed Bobby's hand tightly, literally feeling the baby's head pass through her body. At some point, it became unbearably painful, and Athena screamed. And then a small head with dark curly hair stuck to her skin was already outside her body, and Athena quickly released her pent-up sigh, breathing quickly and heavily.
- Good, you're a good girl, Athena. You did a great job, - Olivia carefully turned the baby's head to the pubic bone so that the hangers could come out without problems the next time they tried.
The Doctor exhaled almost noiselessly, and in that sound Athena detected a clear dissatisfaction with the situation.
- Is everything okay? - she quickly raised her head, trying, like Bobby, to see what was happening and at least control the situation with her eyes.
- The baby's head was born, but the neck remains tightly encircled by the muscles of the vagina. Let's try to push.
Bobby's brows furrowed, and he and Athena exchanged a quick glance, overcome by the panic rising from the depths. Bobby bent over her, trying to support her with his whole body during the new attempt. He held her tightly, pressing his lips to her temple, and without question or objection allowed her to squeeze his hand as hard as she wanted.
- Stop, we're going to breathe the next attempt, - Olivia clenched her teeth tightly. - Athena? We have some complications...
- What?.. What's happening?..
- The child has shoulder dystocia. You have a large fetus, a little disproportionately large for your physique. The transverse size of the baby's shoulders is wider than its head and wider than the muscles of the vagina can open for birth.
- Okay... Is it bad?.. Is it dangerous for him?
- It is necessary to give birth to the hangers as soon as possible, while the baby's neck is encircled by muscles. Don't worry, - Olivia tried to smile encouragingly. She exhaled deeply, picking up a syringe with local anesthesia from a table with surgical instruments. - This is a fairly common complication, and usually, when performing an episiotomy, everything can be resolved fairly quickly.
- An episiotomy? - Bobby felt a nervous tremor go through his hands. - What is it?
- This is an unpleasant but necessary procedure for this complication. This will increase the recovery time after childbirth, but it needs to be done. Athena, do you understand?
- Yes, - she nodded, pursing her lips. Here is the third option for the development of her childbirth. - Do whatever you need to do.
- So, Robert, an episiotomy is a surgical dissection of the perineum and the posterior wall of the vagina in order to prevent potentially dangerous ruptures. After that, the vaginal opening widens and it is easier for the child to pass through the birth canal.
After giving a few short injections, Olivia put down the syringe and picked up the scissors.
- I've anesthetized the area, and now I'm going to make an incision. After that, we will continue our labor and you will receive your baby in your arms, - Athena squeezed her eyes shut a little, still feeling the incision in the lateral direction. After performing a small operation, the doctor turned her head towards the nurse. - Please invite a neonatologist.
- Is this a doctor for the baby?..
- That's right. Again, don't worry. A neonatologist joins us at every birth. He examines the child for the presence or absence of birth injuries.
- Okay... - Athena was breathing heavily, not having time to think after the quick actions of the doctor. - Do you still want to watch, Bobby?
- I want you to feel as little pain as possible, Thena... - he brought her hand to his lips, covering her palm with kisses.
- We'll change our position a little, Athena, - Olivia got up from her chair. - Bend both hips, bringing your knees as close to your chest as possible.
Athena quickly hugged her knees to her chest, as the doctor said, and wrapped her arms around them. The stirrups returned to their places, and Olivia's hands went under the baby's head, inserting her fingers into the vagina.
- At the next fight, you start pushing again.
Along with her husband's endless support. Together with the competent and calm instructions of the doctor, Athena gathered her strength for the last time, directing all the pressure downwards. She felt the doctor's hands gently but persistently pull on the child's head, bringing the front shoulder.
The next moment, all the pain worsened, and then receded at once when the baby left her body, accompanying his appearance with a loud displeased and angry cry.
Athena exhaled loudly, releasing all the air from her lungs, and saw the baby connected to her by the umbilical cord raised high into the air.
- Oh, someone is very unhappy with what they put him through, - Olivia lifted Athena's shirt even higher and laid the baby on her stomach, covering it with a clean cloth. - Congratulations, Mom and Dad, you have a boy.
Bobby took a step back, covering his face with his hands. Tears rolled down his cheeks in a rapid waterfall as he looked at this screaming, indignant lump clenching his fists at his mother's chest.
- Thena... Baby... You're so good... My love, you've done well... - Bobby laughed as the tension finally began to ease. He bent down to them, lifting the diaper lying on the baby, and gently stroked his head with just one finger. - Hey, son...
- Bobby... - Athena looked up at her husband, who was awkwardly wiping away tears with his sleeve, and the next moment she felt all the kisses of the world covering her face. She held her baby tightly, putting her hands on his back and completely oblivious to the fact that labor was still going on. - He's here... Our son is here... Can you imagine that?
- Athena, I am... God, baby, I can't say anything... I don't have the words, dear... He's very handsome... Even covered in generic grease, half red and wrinkled, he's still the most beautiful...
- Well, he looks like you, Bobby, - Athena chuckled, responding to this description of their son. - But you're right, he's the most beautiful... Oh, I love you so much already, honey...
After a few minutes of admiring and admiring, Olivia suggested that Bobby cut the umbilical cord, which he did well with half-trembling hands. The baby was picked up by a pediatric nurse and a neonatologist, who laid him on a small table in the same room.
The nurse carefully wiped him while the doctor checked the indicators and norms. Bobby was torn between going to his baby and monitoring all the activities that were being carried out with him, and between supporting his wife while she delivered the placenta and waited for the doctor to sew up small tears and a surgical incision.
In the end, when all the manipulations were completed, Athena was transferred to the postpartum ward on a gurney, and the baby in a transparent cuvette covered with a blue blanket. And less than an hour later, Athena felt all the "delights" of the operation. The local anesthesia passed quickly, allowing her to feel the effects of childbirth with complications in all colors.
- Because of these interruptions, I'm going to have to stay here for three days, Bobby. They will monitor the stitches and the overall recovery.
- I've been reading something, - Bobby adjusted her pillow, and then bent over to the small crib, carefully picking up the baby in his arms. He smiled when the child, comfortably nestled in his palms, leaned his face against his chest, as if absorbing his father's scent. - You will not be allowed to lift anything heavier than the weight of a child for another month, or maybe more.
- Mhm, so I'm going to have bed rest? - Athena grinned as Bobby handed her the baby, leaning it against her already bare chest.
- And total control. I'll be at home all the time, Thena. And I won't let you get stressed out.
- Well, maybe I'll get used to it, and you'll have to do everything for me, even when I recover and he grows up, - a tired but happy smile froze on her face. She lightly stroked his head with her palm, twirling her rather long curls around her index finger.
- You know I'd never mind that, - Bobby gently touched the delicate, light brown skin.
Athena warned him that it might turn an even darker shade over time, but Bobby would be only too happy about that. He dreamed every minute of his wife's pregnancy that their future baby would look like her. She's a beauty.
Athena tilted her head, leaning it against his strong chest. Bobby's arm was wrapped around her and gently stroking her shoulder. The baby, fluttering his eyelashes, smacked his lips against her breast, trying to catch the nipple and adapt to the absorption of his mother's milk.
Time practically froze, and the universe stopped, focusing all its attention on a small ward and three of the happiest people.
- Welcome to this world, Wade Noth Nash.