PART 6: The Night Nurse

Around midnight, my pain intensified enough that I began worrying about the incision.

I checked my temperature, looked for changes at the dressing, and called the postpartum number on my discharge sheet.

The nurse asked precise questions and advised me based on what I reported.

She reminded me about the prescribed medication schedule and which symptoms required urgent evaluation.

Dad sat at the table across from me as I made the call.

He didn’t speak for me or take the phone out of my hand.