“Come here.” Francesca opens her arms and takes Bette into an awkward embrace as her pregnant belly pushes against Bette’s flat abdomen. They share a moment that just can’t be described in words. They break the physical contact but the emotional bond is sealed. They finish putting the groceries away and prepare dinner as they continue their conversation about the baby.

“Now that you know it’s a boy you can decide how you want to decorate the nursery.” Francesca offered.

“Yeah I already have some ideas. A friend of mine Leigh Ostin makes the most amazing hanging glass sculptures. I’m going to visit her studio tomorrow and pick one out for the baby’s room. Would you like to come with me? I think you will enjoy seeing her work. She’s very talented. Her exhibit opens at the CAC next week. I’ll take you to see it if you like.”

“I would love to go. Ahhh…”. Francesca suddenly holds her stomach.

“What’s the matter? Are you OK?” Bette is immediately attentive.

“Yes I’m fine. Come feel this. Your son wants some attention.” Francesca puts Bette’s hands on her stomach so she can feel the baby kicking. “My son…”

***

During the final trimester Bette pampered Francesca to make her as comfortable as possible. She arranged for massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials. They took morning and evening strolls when the weather permitted. Francesca loved that Bette was willing to run out in the middle of the night to buy her a slurpee or whatever else she wanted to satisfy a ridiculous craving.

It became a nightly routine for Francesca to recline on the couch with her feet in Bette’s lap. Bette would massage her feet as they watched a movie or talked. The thing that Francesca found to be most endearing was that Bette always talked to the baby. She told him that she loved him and couldn’t wait for him to be born. She told him about her plans for him and about all the people in his new family. Francesca was sure he would know his mother’s voice when he finally made his way into the world.

Bette and Francesca enrolled in childbirth classes in preparation for the labor and birth. It was a 4 week course offered at the hospital where Dr. Wilson was resident. The twice weekly sessions consisted of lectures, discussions, and exercises led by a trained childbirth instructor. The course covered relaxation techniques, recognizing the signs of labor, learning the normal progress of labor and birth, teaching techniques for coping with pain, finding out how the birth coach can help during labor, and knowing when to call the doctor or midwife. In addition they talked about some common childbirth complications and how they might be handled. They also showed videos on both vaginal birth and a C-section.