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“Before you go, the parents were asking to speak with you.” Alice smiled. “You had fallen asleep so they didn’t want to wake you, but asked if you could speak with them.”
“I’ll go speak with them,” I answered, looking over the triplets’ vitals. “Number two is doing much better. That’s some good news I can share with them.”
I checked on each of the three babies, then made my way to the mother’s room. There wasn’t a lot I could give them at this point, but that they were all holding steady.
“Mrs. Collins, I’m Dr. Hawthorne,” I introduced myself. “I wanted to stop in to answer any questions.”
“The biggest question I have is how are they doing? I know they were very early.” Mrs. Collins sat up in bed to speak.
“Baby 2 is doing really well. We only have the usual premie issues. Baby 1 is a fighter and her vitals are getting better by the minute, and then Baby 3 is the smallest. He will need more time to get stronger. The first twenty-four hours are very important, so I’ll be here with them all night.”
“Dr. Hawthorne, haven’t you been here all day?” Mrs. Collins wiped at tears running down her face.
“I have, and I have also rested, but I want you to get some rest knowing I’m here.” I smiled my best smile. “They’re going to need you in there tomorrow, so you rest now.”
I left Mrs. Collins and found the room Alice had told me was empty. My eyes closed the minute my head hit the pillow but sleep wouldn’t come, or so I thought, until my cell phone rang next to my face.
“Dr. Hawthorne.” I sat up, looking around.
“Trey, I’m sorry, did I wake you?” Murphy cried into the phone. “Go back to sleep, I can talk to you tomorrow.”
“Murphy, what’s going on?” I stood and stretched. “I was asleep, but I needed to get up anyways.”
“Can I come over? I need to talk.” Murphy sobbed harder. “I can’t be alone right now.”
“Brat, I’m at the hospital watching over premature triplets.” I checked my watch. “You can go to my place if you need to get out.”
“No, I just needed to see you, but what you’re doing is way more important than just another one of my breakups.”
“Why don’t you come to the hospital. I’m planning on being here all night, so I’ll have time to talk in between.” I exited the room and headed back to the nursery. “Bring me some good coffee while you’re at it.”
“Thanks, Three. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes,” Murphy said. “How will I get in past security?”
“Show your ID, Brat. We own the hospital,” I laughed. “If that doesn’t do it then have them call me.”
“We own the hospital? Since when?” Murphy went on. “Never mind, tell me about it later. See you soon.”
I checked in on the triplets. Baby 3 was starting to breathe easier. I made some adjustments to medications and breathing treatments and moved on to Baby 2.
“Alice, bring me a new gown and mask, please,” I asked, holding the tiny baby’s hand.
“Here you go.” Alice helped tie the sterile gown. “Do you want the baby held now?”
“I’m going to hold her for a little while, then you can take over.” I lifted the tiny baby. “Please make sure 1 and 3 are getting constant physical attention.”
I sat in the rocking chair with Baby 2 looking up at me. She was breathing on her own and her vitals were pretty good.
“Alice, why don’t you go see if Mrs. Collins is awake. I think this little one needs mommy time.” I rubbed her little feet for reaction. “Aren’t you a sweet little girl.”
“Dr. Hawthorne,” Mrs. Collins stood at the door, “is something wrong with the babies?”
“Please come on in and get in sterile gear. This little girl could use some mommy.” I lifted the baby so she could see her face.
“Really? I can hold her now?” Mrs. Collins cried, already getting a gown on. “Thank you so much.”
I handed her the baby, then helped her into the rocking chair.
“Make sure you give her stimulation. Rub her feet once in a while. Hold her hand.” I showed her how to rub the feet. “I’ve found these premature babies respond greatly to physical touch.”
