Chapter 13 - The doctor’s written instructions
Alessandra’s obstetrician was Dr. Rachel Morgan.
She had given discharge instructions.
Written.
Not vague.
Because of the hemorrhage and cesarean:
No lifting heavier than the baby unless medically cleared.
Prioritize rest.
Continue iron.
Regular hydration and protein-rich meals.
Call for heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, worsening pain, severe headache, visual changes, fainting, or persistent dizziness.
At the two-week telehealth check, Alessandra admitted fatigue.
How much?
She minimized.
“Newborn tired.”
Dr. Morgan asked if she had help.
Alessandra said:
“My mother-in-law is here.”
Technically true.
Dr. Morgan asked:
“Are you able to rest during the day?”
Alessandra said:
“Sometimes.”
Not a lie exactly.
Not enough truth.
Why?
Marcia was standing in the kitchen.
Not directly supervising.
Still present.
Alessandra did not want another argument.
Dr. Morgan told her:
“If the dizziness persists, I want labs.”
Alessandra scheduled them.
Then canceled because Colin had a meeting and Marcia said:
“You just had blood tests in the hospital.”
That cancellation appeared in the patient portal.
Alessandra clicked it herself.
No one hacked anything.
Pressure does not always require taking away a person’s ability to choose.
Sometimes it makes the healthier choice feel socially expensive.
That is harder to prove.
May you like
Still real.
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