Change of Heart by Molly Jebber Page A

world.
    â€œGretchen, push on the count of three. One, two, three, push.”
    The patient screamed. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she pushed.
    â€œThe boppli is crowning. Push again for me.”
    The young mamm screamed and pushed again.
    Becca helped ease the boppli out the rest of the way. She placed the squalling boppli on Gretchen’s chest, cut the umbilical cord, and clamped it with a clothespin. “You have a son.” She lifted the infant from the mamm’s chest. “Your boppli needs a little attention. You relax and get ready to hold him in a few minutes.”
    She cleared his mouth and nostrils then checked him to make sure he was healthy and washed him. After swaddling him in a boppli blanket, she placed him on the mamm’s chest. “The blanket is a gift to you from Dr. Carrington. Your son’s a handsome little fellow.”
    Becca removed the afterbirth from Mrs. Piper and discarded the bloody mess in the trash bin. Relieved Gretchen didn’t require suturing, she dipped a rag in clean water and washed the woman’s sweaty, beaming face. She then slid a clean sheet under Gretchen. “Would you like a clean dress? We keep a few here for new mamms. They are plain, dark blue, and are not formfitting. It would be suitable for you to wear home. You may return it if you wish.”
    â€œYes. Thank you. You can throw my soiled dress away. We own a farm, and I ripped the hem of the dress yesterday helping my husband feed the animals.”
    Becca helped her change, while Gretchen balanced the newborn in her arms. She covered her with a thin blanket.
    Matt poked his head in. “Are you doing all right in here?”
    Becca waved him in. “Yes. We’re doing great. Would you ask Mr. Piper to come in?”
    Matt opened the door wide, and Mr. Piper walked in and smoothed his wife’s hair. “He is tiny.” He shook Matt’s hand. “Thank you both for your help.”
    Gretchen touched Becca’s arm. “You did a great job taking care of me and my baby. I am going to tell my friends about you.”
    â€œYou’re too kind. I’m glad you and your son are healthy. Enjoy him.”
    Becca and Matt left the couple alone for an hour to relax. Mr. Piper and Matt supported the new mamm and walked her to the buggy. Becca carried the boppli and followed them.
    She, Matt, and Dorothy waved good-bye.
    Dorothy chuckled. “The poor man did not have a chance to take his buggy to the livery. It is a good thing the baby did not take long coming into this world, or their horse would not be fit to take them home.” She linked her arm through Matt’s. “Becca did a great job. She helped bring the infant into this world with ease. She calmed Mr. Piper and comforted his wife, all at the same time.”
    â€œI keep feed in the shed outside. I fed and watered their horse earlier.” He rubbed Becca’s shoulder. “I am blessed to have her here.”
    Becca thought her heart would burst at hearing his words.
    â€œI will leave you two alone to catch your breath before another patient shows up. Besides, I have some work to do.” Dorothy squeezed Becca’s hand before returning to her desk.
    Becca and Matt headed for the exam room.
    Matt leaned back in a chair. “You did a great job with Mr. and Mrs. Piper. I should have been here to help you.”
    â€œI enjoyed birthing the couple’s boppli. It allowed me to practice being a midwife again.” She flattened her palms on her lap and leaned forward. “All right. Enough talk about Mr. and Mrs. Piper. The anticipation of what you think of my parents is keeping me on the edge of my seat. How did you like meeting them?”
    â€œIt stunned me they came to visit you and Ruth, because of their strong belief to shun her for leaving the Amish community. I enjoyed meeting them.”
    â€œThey surprised us. We are thrilled they’ve agreed to write and visit