She screened me for postpartum mood concerns, asked about support, and made sure I knew how to reach the clinic if symptoms changed.

I was grateful she treated physical pain and emotional distress as real, rather than competing explanations.

Lucas had asked to attend the visit.

I agreed because I wanted him to hear instructions directly from someone he could not dismiss as my father.

He sat beside the examination room door, twisting his wedding ring.

When the clinician discussed recovery, he asked how soon I could do ordinary tasks again.

“There’s no single date for everyone,” she explained.