Chapter 436
Their conversation was brief. Soon after, an attendant arrived with a tray of soup and pastries for Phoebe.
Phoebe grimaced as she sipped the soup, clearly struggling with its richness.
“This needs more seasoning. Next time, please add a bit more salt. It’s too bland for her taste,” Jacob suggested to the server.
However, the server hesitated before responding, “Mr. Meyer, we’re advised to keep salt to a minimum in postpartum diets. Too much could affect the baby.”
Phoebe had already finished her soup by the time they finished their brief exchange. “I’m used to it,” she remarked, setting down the bowl and beginning on the pastries.
Jacob watched her eat, his concern deepening. Once Phoebe settled down for her nap, he took his leave.
In the living room, Gwyneth looked up from her magazine. “Why are you home at this hour? Isn’t work keeping you busy?”
Jacob sat down next to her. “I came to see Phoebe. Mom, haven’t you noticed? Something seems off about her.”
Gwyneth set her magazine aside, her interest piqued. “What do you mean?”
“Do you think she could be experiencing postpartum depression?” Jacob asked, genuinely unsure. His knowledge was limited to what he’d read, not real-world experience.
Gwyneth’s expression turned serious. “If you suspect something like that, we should consult a professional. Don’t just speculate. Call a doctor immediately.”
Motivated by her urgency, Jacob rose to his feet. “I’ll get someone on it right away.”
By the time Phoebe awoke from her nap, a doctor, posing as a member of the center’s staff, was ready to meet with her. After a brief consultation, it became clear: Phoebe was suffering from moderate postpartum depression.
The doctor advised, “Given her condition, it’s best she stop breastfeeding for now. She’ll need medication and therapy to address her postpartum issues effectively and restore her self-esteem.”
At the postpartum center, Phoebe’s meals were carefully planned to help increase her breast milk production. These included nutritious soups and broths designed for new mothers. However, despite these efforts, Phoebe’s milk supply remained low.
When the doctor brought up her nutritional needs during the consultation, Gwyneth took immediate action. “Jacob, you need to pause your work for now. Stay here and support Phoebe alongside the doctor. I’ll speak with the staff here about adjusting their approach to focus more on her psychological recovery rather than just lactation.”
Jacob was initially overwhelmed by the responsibility, but found comfort in his mother’s proactive stance. “Understood, Mom. I’ll make sure to be there for her,” he affirmed, ready to prioritize Phoebe’s health over his work.