“I, uh, I actually wanted your professional opinion on something, if you don’t mind?”
Was it wrong that she was so relieved to hear that?Professional she could do.It was her default.And the idea of easing the nerves radiating off the woman before her was something she definitely wanted to do.
“Of course.Shoot.”
“So.Um.Zach and I have been trying to, you know, start a family.”Bethany simply nodded, urging her to continue.“Well, we’ve been trying for a while now and it’s got to the point where I think it’s me.I think there’s something wrong with me.”Watery eyes flicked from her to the carpet.“Zach got tested and all is good there, so it must be me, right?”
Bethany scooched nearer, her hand going to Libby’s arm.“That’s not necessarily true and even if it turns out to be the case, there’s usually different options or things you can do to help you to conceive.Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?”
Libby gave her a gentle nod.
“Okay, do you mind me asking how long you’ve been trying and if you’re having regular menstrual cycles?”
“A year.And yes.I’ve always been regular.”She was back to chewing her lip.
“Any gynecological issues or previous pregnancies in the past?”Libby shook her head.“And any other health conditions or medication that you’re currently taking?”Another head shake.
Okay.This was good news.
“Have you been tracking your ovulation at all?”
“No, I mean, there’s not many days when we don’t, well, you know.”Bethany couldn’t help but let out a short laugh as she watched Libby turn an adorable shade of pink.
“Okay.”She cleared her throat, attempting to put on her best serious doctor face.“Well, I’m not super concerned.”
“You’re not?”There was that hope.
“No, Libby.Most people don’t realize that it can take couples up to two years to conceive naturally.So, before I recommend any sort of invasive fertility tests for you, I’d like you to try out a few things for me—how does that sound?”
“Like I love you and want to kiss you.”She excitedly bounced.Her contagious smile was enough to penetrate Bethany’s super serious doctor face.
“Well, hold on to that sentiment while I tell you to cut out the caffeine and alcohol for the next few months.”As expected, the woman’s face dropped.“You need to make sure you’re eating well and getting enough sleep.Stress levels also need to be managed accordingly, and you need to stay active—and yes, sex totally counts.”The smile returned at that.“And I want you to track your ovulation every month.Your fertile window starts around five days before you ovulate so around this window try to have sex as often as possible to increase your chances.If we don’t see any results, we can review again in three months.Any questions?”
Instead of questions, Libby launched herself at her.Her arms flung around Bethany in a heartfelt hug.One she returned without thinking twice.
“Thank you,” she whispered into the crook of Bethany’s neck.“Thank you so much.”
This was why she loved her job.She wanted to help people.It made her so fucking happy.The woman in her arms a reminder of what exactly she came here to achieve and why.Woodvalley needed a doctor and goddamnit, she was going to give them one.
