Morning in the Marital Suite
Since Maria's maternity clothes hid her enlarging baby sac, no one except Maria and Georg knew how large it had become. Georg made a comment to Maria the next morning.
"I think it's time for you to get acquainted with a midwife."
"Maybe Maryann knows of one. We're meeting today to begin planning the end of the year party for Marta and Gretl's classes. I'll ask her."
"Great idea, I'm sure she can help you."
The couple had finished dressing and ate breakfast with the usual chatter from the children. Soon they were ready to leave and so was Georg.
Maria attended to a few chores before leaving to meet with Maryann. After their meeting the two ladies walked home together.
"Maria, this baby you're carrying is really getting big."
"Yes, I know. Georg noticed too and suggested I get to know a midwife. Do you know one?"
"Maria, here in America most women have their babies in a hospital so they can receive medicine to relieve their pain. But recently there has been a revival of having babies like their mothers did. But instead of having the birth at home there are now places called Birthing Centers.
"At these centers your husband can be at your side just as if you were at home. It's also nice because these centers have people who clean up afterwards; there quite a bit of fluid in your baby sac. You stay there for an hour after the baby is born; then you can go home.
"The center here in Ball is in a house near the library. You need to register with them so they have an idea of when you might have this baby."
"Thank you so much for telling me all this, I do want Georg by my side just like he was for all but one of his children."
The two ladies walked together until Maryann turned down a street towards her home and Maria continued on to hers. Now she was anxious for Georg to come home. She was waiting outside when he arrived.
He noticed her fuller smile before he embraced her. "Do you have something to tell me?"
"I do. Many women are having their babies in a hospital so they can be given medicine for the discomfort of childbirth. Luckily there's a place here in Ball where you can still be with me; they're called Birthing Centers."
"Do you know where it's located?"
"In a house near the library; Maryann suggested we go register soon."
"Yes we should."
Saturday was two days away. When Maria announced where they were going to visit this place called a Birthing Center, Gretl asked for everyone.
"Can we come too?"
"You can, but everyone will need to walk there. I'm driving us there. It's in a house near the library."
"Georg, I know where it is. I noticed it on one of my walks."
"That's good, Franz. After you leave, Maria and I will follow in the car."
Maria had to use the bathroom before they could leave. They arrived as the others were on the street with the library and the Birthing Center. Franz helped Maria from the car.
The couple went towards the home's door; Georg pushed on the doorbell. Within a few seconds an older woman opened it.
"May I help you?" She asked.
"Yes, my wife is pregnant. A friend told us about your Birthing Center; we came to register."
The lady smiled. "Maryann Adams stopped by and told us about you. You madam are Maria and you sir are Georg von Trapp who's working for our government. We have no one in labor so your children and friends can all come inside. And my name is Clara."
Georg didn't need to remind everyone to be quiet; they already were. Clara told them about the house.
"This was once a boarding house or some might call it a small hotel; that's why it has so many small rooms. This first room was the registration area. Now it's the waiting room for visitors.
"Everyone, children too, are allowed to visit you, Maria; but when the birth appears imminent only Georg can be with you."
"Clara, this is the right place for me to have this baby; Georg can be with me and none of our lady friends will need to cleanup afterwards. It's perfect."
"Do you have an idea when you might have your baby?"
"Georg and I think it will be in early June."
"Then you should definitely register. You can take the papers home to complete but do bring them back soon."
"I will. Our oldest daughter could return them on her way home from school."
"Just tell her to ring the bell. Someone will hear it and come to the door."
"I will. Thanks again for the visit."
"You're most welcomed. Goodbye."
The walkers started back to the house and as Georg drove away he heard. "I do hope I go into labor when you're home."
"If I'm not, just be sure and call me the moment you feel anything happening. Consult with Isabel if you're not sure."
"I will."
They arrived home and after Maria made a quick trip to the bathroom, she and Georg sat together and completed the paperwork.