Page 79 of Missing Marcus

“Do you know how to warm a bottle?” Victoria asked as Catherine entered the kitchen.

“I’ll hold Grace. Teach him how to prepare it and then we’ll instruct him on bottles and such.” Catherine took her child from the formidable redhead.

“Never microwave breast milk. You can use a bottle warmer or hot water. Always test it on your wrist to ensure it doesn’t scald,” Victoria showed him how to prepare the bottle. Then she handed him an empty one.

“How do I know how much milk to add to the bottle?” he asked nervously.

Victoria patiently smiled. “Their hunger levels increases it or if the pediatrician says they need more calories. At first you’ll start by adding what the pediatrician suggests and make adjustments as they grow. Excellent question, Knight.”

Kassie entered the kitchen and opened the fridge, picking out a plate of fruit and cheese big enough to feed a small army. “Do you have a pediatrician picked out yet? Lizzy’s husband, Michael, acts as our pediatrician here in Serenity. We highly recommend him. He allows us to call upon him whenever necessary since he’s part of the team. He keeps an office in town for the residents and has privileges at our hospital. We’re making a small women’s wing and Dr. Beecham will be our attending OBGYN. She and Michael plan to coordinate, providing us with a small neonatal unit to cover typical deliveries and emergencies. We have the option to fly them to Seattle Health if they need more care.”

He glanced down at the floor, embarrassed he didn’t know if Gabby chose a physician. “We didn’t get around to talking about it. I’ll ask for her thoughts on the subject.”

“Michael can provide you with names in Seattle if you decide to stay there. Be sure to book a first month’s appointment soon. Check with the pediatrician if they want to meet with you beforehand,” Lizzy advised.

“Thanks. I’ll get right on it.” Knight turned to Victoria as she showed him how to check the milk temperature. She placed it on her wrist and then on his. “It’s a sensitive part of your skin. It’ll let you know how hot it’ll feel to baby.”

He nodded and followed her into the living room. Handing a bottle to Catherine, Victoria pointed to a chair. “Sit.”

Taking his assigned spot, he held out his arms for Tori. He smiled as she excitedly waved her arms in the air as if she knew what came next.

Catherine pulled a half-circled donut from the edge of the couch and placed it around her waist. Settling her child, she wrapped a cover over herself and proceeded to breastfeed her daughter. Knight appeared confused.

Kassie chuckled at his baffled expression. “We want you to have the practice. Tori’s adopted and I don’t have breastmilk. Catherine opted to breastfeed. Since you’ve seen it done, you’ll fix a bottle for Tori. Do you know if Gabby plans to breastfeed or bottle feed?”

He swiped at his jaw. “She mentioned she wants to breastfeed.”

“When you two devise a plan, you can support her in different ways. You can offer to change the baby while she’s preparing to feed. Or once her supply comes in, she can freeze it and you can warm the bottle and help with feeding. We’re still figuring out a schedule for us. I’m afraid morning sickness has thrown us off.”

“Sometimes, mothers decide on breastfeeding and it doesn’t work out. It can be overwhelming, or the baby may have issues latching on. Have a backup plan in place,” Catherine advised.

Victoria pinned him with a stare. “Whatever she chooses, you support her. Too many women get guilted into believing breast is best. It does have its purpose. But what’s best for mom and baby comes first. Fed is best”

He nodded, adding the information to his overwhelming list. “Does Doc help you?” he asked as he watched Tori grip the bottle he held.

“Yes, we take turns feeding, and he watches the kids while I nap,” Kassie informed him as she glanced at Catherine.

Her friend smiled at him. “It’s important to offer support. Sometimes, it’s in the form of making a meal, holding the baby while she eats hot food, or ensuring she gets enough rest.”

Lizzy sat on the couch. “While she’s handling the baby, throw a load of laundry in or ask if she needs anything. It’s essential for moms who choose to breastfeed to keep hydrated. A nice water bottle comes in handy.”

“What about this stuff? I read online and they mentioned different brands of bottles, and diapers. Where do I find bottle warmers?” He suddenly felt overwhelmed by all the decisions.

“We’re throwing a shower for Gabby. We purchased bottles, diapers, and the basics. We found her a lovely bassinet with animal sheets.” Kassie winked at him.

Knight scanned the women. “Thank you. As you know, Gabby and I need to work on some issues. I appreciate your help.”

“When she finishes two ounces, take the bottle away and burp her,” Victoria commanded.

Checking the amount marked on the side, he pulled it out of Tori’s mouth and her tiny lip quivered, making him panic.

“Hold her over your shoulder and pat her back,” Claire encouraged. A few minutes later, Catherine pulled Grace out of the covering. She bounced her on her knee.

“Each baby reacts differently. You’ll find what way works best,” Catherine assured him as he watched her confident movements while he moved Tori like a delicate piece of China.

When they were alone, Claire gave him his instructions. “Tomorrow, we work on bath time. We’ll meet daily at different times until you leave for California. This will take four hours and then we’ll meet for an hour,” Claire instructed as she sat beside him. “You’ll attend PT, in the mornings. I won’t meet you here. The women can handle this part. You’ll come to see me at the hospital. Patch will take you to your first meeting this afternoon once we finish. I suggest you start three days a week.”

Knight nodded. The women continued to give him pointers and suggestions while he fed the little girl. Cataloging everything the women suggested in his head, he wondered if he and Gabby were prepared enough for this child. She didn’t have a ton of items at the apartment and from the appearance of Bryanna’s nursery and now Kassie’s, he felt they sorely lacked things.

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